Silicone Sealant

About Silicone Sealant

Silicone sealant is an essential sealing and bonding product for professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts alike, providing flexible, waterproof barriers across countless applications. From sealing bathroom suites and kitchen worktops to weatherproofing windows and glazing installations, quality silicone sealant delivers long-lasting protection against water ingress, air leakage, and environmental damage. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range from trusted manufacturers including Everbuild, Dowsil, EvoStik, and UniBond, ensuring you have access to specialist formulations for every sealing challenge.

Our silicone sealant range includes both acetoxy cure (general purpose) and neutral cure options, each designed for specific substrates and conditions. Choose from bathroom and sanitary sealants with anti-fungal properties, food-grade formulations for commercial kitchens, weatherproof outdoor variants, and advanced hybrid sealant adhesives. Most products come in standard 310ml cartridges compatible with skeleton guns and mastic applicators for straightforward application on site or at home.

Applications

Silicone sealant is indispensable across numerous trades and applications:

• Plumbers: Sealing baths, showers, sinks, and sanitary ware with water-resistant, anti-fungal formulations
• Bathroom Fitters: Installing wet rooms, shower enclosures, and sanitary fixtures requiring bacteria-resistant sealing
• Window Fitters and Glaziers: Weather-sealing window frames, double glazing units, and curtain walling systems
• General Builders: Sealing expansion joints, weatherproofing external applications, and construction sealing work
• Kitchen Fitters: Sealing worktop joins, splashbacks, and appliances with food-safe or waterproof sealants
• Shopfitters: Installing mirrors, glass panels, and sealing retail fixtures
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects including bathroom refurbishment and window maintenance

Choosing The Right Silicone Sealant

Application Environment: Bathroom and kitchen areas require anti-fungal, bacteria-resistant formulations to prevent mould growth. External applications need weatherproof sealants with excellent UV resistance, whilst food preparation areas demand food-grade, NSF-certified products.

Substrate Compatibility: Acetoxy cure sealants work brilliantly on glass, ceramics, and most plastics but corrode metals and stain natural stone. For mirrors, metals, marble, or granite, always specify neutral cure silicone to avoid damage and discolouration.

Colour Matching: Most ranges at MyToolShed.co.uk offer white, clear, brown, black, and various standard colours for professional finishes that match tiles, sanitary ware, or surrounding materials.

Movement and Flexibility: Joints subject to thermal expansion or structural movement require high-modulus silicones with excellent movement accommodation factors, typically 25-50% for quality formulations.

Safety Information

Always work in well-ventilated areas, particularly when using acetoxy cure sealants which release acetic acid vapours during curing. Wear appropriate gloves when handling uncured sealant and safety glasses when working overhead. Store cartridges in cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight and check expiry dates before use. Never dispose of uncured sealant down drains and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between acetoxy and neutral cure silicone?
Acetoxy cure silicone releases acetic acid (vinegar smell) as it cures and is economical for general-purpose applications on glass, ceramics, and plastics. Neutral cure silicone is low-odour, doesn't release corrosive substances, and is safe for mirrors, metals, marble, and sensitive materials, though typically costs more.

How long does silicone sealant take to cure?
Most silicone sealants form a surface skin within 10-30 minutes, depending on temperature and humidity. However, full cure typically takes 24-48 hours. Avoid disturbing or exposing to water until fully cured for best results.

Can I apply new silicone over old sealant?
No, new silicone rarely adheres well to old silicone, leading to premature failure. Always remove old sealant completely using a sealant remover tool, clean the joint thoroughly, and ensure surfaces are completely dry before applying fresh sealant.