Purchasing sealants in bulk has many perks for contractors. Not only is it cheaper, but it also eliminates the need for frequent trips to suppliers to stock up on products. Always having plenty of material on hand ensures a constant workflow, so you never have to worry about running out during a critical project.

However, there are some downsides to buying in bulk. It takes more time to work through large amounts of products, and they may spoil before you even get the chance to use all the materials you paid for. So much for that bulk discount. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to prevent your sealant supply from spoiling.

In this blog post, we'll break down the factors that affect the longevity of sealants and how to keep them in top condition until your next project. Proper storage will help you save money on future purchases in the long run. By making what you already have last longer, you'll cut costs on replacing ruined products.

Why Proper Storage Matters

To avoid letting perfectly good sealant go bad, it’s important to know what factors impact it. When ordering silicone sealant in bulk, it’s especially important to know the proper way of storing caulk. Keeping it all in the wrong environment could cost you valuable materials. Here are the factors to consider when storing silicone sealant:

• Temperature: Silicone sealant is great for high-temperature application, but not so much for storage. Both extreme heat and cold can ruin the sealant’s consistency. To keep them in the best condition, they should be stored at room temperature, or between 40 ℉ and 80 ℉.

• Air exposure: Air exposure is especially dangerous to products bought in bulk, which are more likely to dry out over time. Once silicone sealant is exposed to air, the curing process begins. When air leaks into a tube of sealant, it’ll start to cure, harden, and crack, rendering the product useless. To combat the issue, it’s important to store sealant tightly and block out air.

• Moisture: Silicone sealants’ moisture resistance is one of its best physical properties, but that doesn't make them immune to moisture. Exposure to excessive humidity, water, or moisture can cause them to cure prematurely.

• Sun exposure: Some silicone sealants are formulated to resist UV radiation. However, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can still impact their performance. Storing UV-resistant sealants away from sunlight helps preserve their effectiveness.

• Expiration date: The shelf life of silicone sealants is about one year.

The easiest way to tell if silicone sealant has spoiled is if the caulk tube has totally hardened. In other cases, your workers may not notice until they apply the sealant and it fails to cure.

How to Store Silicone Sealant

There are a couple of general tips to keep in mind when storing silicone sealant in bulk. First, make sure the materials are kept away from areas prone to temperature fluctuations, such as attics or basements. Pick a well-ventilated area away from the sun in a cool, dry area. A dedicated storage area such as a shelf, cabinet, or closet is an ideal spot.

If you own silicone sealant in bulk amounts, organizing your supply will make your life a lot easier. Divide sealant containers by amount, type, and shelf life. Keeping track of which products are older and which are newer will also help you make sure you use up all materials before that one-year shelf life. Put older products at the front of storage. That way, it’ll get used up before it expires.

Routine inspection of your sealant supply is also important. Regularly check for hardened sealant and expired products and replenish as needed. Try to make a habit of doing this every month to keep your supply organized and ready for use on the next project.

Storing Used Silicone Sealant

Storing new, unopened sealant is fairly straightforward, but what about tubes of sealant that haven’t been emptied yet? There will be times when contracting teams might have leftover sealant in cartridges or tubes. Instead of wasting the unused sealant in the opened cartridge, seal and store them away for future use. Here are some easy ways to seal and preserve used cartridges or tubes of silicone sealant.

1. Cut and Tape Nozzle: Plastic wrap or aluminum foil is a cheap and easy way to seal used products. Make sure to wrap up the sealant nozzle in several layers for extra protection. Before applying the wrap or foil, release a bit of caulk to stick out the nozzle. This should keep air from entering the cartridge and spoiling the sealant.

1. Nail Method: A screw/nail and some tape are all you need to seal off a caulk cartridge nozzle for later use. First, choose a nail that's a little bigger than the hole. Push the nail in the nozzle, then wrap it with masking or electrical tape. Wrapping the nozzle will prevent moisture or air from entering the tube.

1. Tape Method: First, cut a piece of electrician's tape. Squeeze out excess air from the tube, ensuring the sealant is near the nozzle. Secure the tape tight around the nozzle and tube opening. You'll want to smooth and press the tape tight to the nozzle to get the best possible seal. While this method is efficient, it's also time-consuming and unnecessary if you don't plan on using the sealant in the next few days.

Get High-Quality Silicone Sealant from Silicone Depot!

When it comes to storing sealants in bulk, it's important to make sure you do it the right way. Being aware of factors like temperature, air exposure, and moisture is crucial for protecting your supply. Staying on top of proper storage methods will help you maximize your supply's shelf life.

Of course, it’s not enough for products just to last a long time. Quality, durability, and price are equally important. At Silicone Depot, we offer impressive bulk discounts on silicone sealant, so you can save time and money on your next big project. See for yourself on our online store — shop bulk discounts on silicone sealant, caulking guns, spray foam, and more. Shop Silicone Depot now!