Silicone adhesives are a popular choice for many DIY projects, but like any other adhesive, they can be tricky to use if you don't know what you're doing. Whether you're using them to mount something or repair something, it's important to understand the proper techniques in order to get the perfect result.

To help you out, here we will discuss some of the dos and don'ts of using silicone adhesives. We'll look at everything from preparation tips to curing processes and more, so that your next project will turn out just as planned.

Dos Of Using Silicone Adhesives

Do Follow The Instructions

All silicone adhesives come with a specific set of instructions to follow when applying them. Even if you’ve used silicone sealant or silicone adhesives before, it is important to read the instructions on the back of your silicone adhesive to ensure that you are following the best practices. Even different products from the same manufacturer might have varying instructions, so pay careful attention to them! If the instructions say to use a silicone applicator and a sharp knife to apply the substance, for example, you should use one.

Do Apply The Right Amount Of Adhesive

Once you’re applying the adhesive, do so in an even layer, using just enough to cover the surface area you're working with. Too much adhesive can cause problems with bonding, while too little won't provide a strong enough hold. Knowing how much adhesive to apply is another good reason to read the instructions that come with your product;

Do Work In A Ventilated Area

When working with silicone adhesives and sealants, it’s important to work in an open, ventilated area. If you’re not working in an area that is well ventilated, working with silicone sealants could pose a risk to your health, and might not bond to other surfaces as they should due to the humidity and temperatures.

Do Wait For The Sealant To Dry

It’s important to wait for your silicone sealant to dry before you move on or paint over it. Waiting for the sealant to dry can be frustrating, but the adhesive needs time to try to make contact with the space around it and make a proper seal. Follow the directions to ensure it has adequate time to dry.

Dont’s Of Using Silicone Adhesives

Don’t Forget To Clean The Surface

There are a few steps you’ll need to take in order to prepare and clean your surfaces before using silicone adhesives; cleaning the surface is one of the most important things to do before applying silicone sealant, but many people forget it, resulting in weak bonds.

First, be sure to clean the surfaces you're bonding together with a solvent such as isopropyl alcohol. This will remove any oils or other contaminants that could prevent the adhesive from properly curing. Next, roughen up the surfaces with sandpaper or another abrasive material to create a more textured surface for the adhesive to grip onto.

Don’t Choose The Wrong Adhesive

Choosing the right adhesive is the first step to properly applying silicone adhesive, and it is also one of the most important parts of the process. If you come home with the wrong type of adhesive, not only will the product likely not work for what you’re using it for, but you’ll have to clean up the mess you’ve made using the wrong product!

Don’t Use Expired Silicone Adhesive

It’s a good idea to make checking the expiration date of your silicone adhesive a habit, since using expired silicone adhesive can result in problems for your projects. Expired silicone adhesives and sealants likely won’t bond properly, and, if they do, they won’t last as long as non-expired products. Some silicone adhesives have a short shelf life while others are somewhat longer, so just look at the expiration date if you’re worried that yours might be past its prime.

Using expired silicone sealant is one of the most common mistakes people make when applying silicone adhesive. To prevent silicone adhesives from going bad before their dues, don’t open tubes until you are ready to use them. Forming a solid and good bond is important, and expired or dry silicone won’t do the job.

Get Your Silicone Adhesive From Silicone Depot

When purchasing silicone adhesives for your projects, you need to make sure that you purchase the right types of sealants and that the sealants you purchase are strong adhesives that will form a lasting bond. At Silicone Depot, we have everything you’ll need to complete DIY projects using silicone sealant at home!

Check out our catalog of silicone sealants and application products today at Silicone Depot.