Silicone is a word that shows up everywhere. In hardware stores, on billboards, in pharmacies, in textbooks, silicone is prominently featured in nearly every aspect of daily life. Although we may see it on our spatulas or wear it on our fingers, there are many misconceptions about this miracle substance which limit our perspective to all the amazing ways it can help us.

Here are top 10 misconceptions about silicone, what it is, how it works, and some key properties that make it a one stop shop for so many of life's challenges.

Myth #1: Silicone is its own element

Despite its appearance in chemistry classes across the nation, silicone is not a singular element (that would be silicon). Silicone is a chemical compound made up of silicon, oxygen, and a host of other plastics and elements which allow the silicone that we know and love to be so versatile. The composition of silicones depend on their intended use, and the freedom to play within the structure of silicone allows for that versatility.

Myth #2: Silicone is unnatural

While silicone is not found naturally, it is made up of naturally occurring elements. Silicone can be made from naturally occurring plastics, oxygen, even sand! Because of its natural properties and durability, silicone is often slated as the preferred eco-friendly option to many plastics.

Myth #3: All silicone is the same

Not true! Because Silicone is made up of such strong, abundant building blocks, there is no limit how silicone may behave in different mediums. Certain silicones are used in face washes, others are used to seal roofs and decks, and still others are used to scramble eggs. Whatever the hurdle, there is a silicone formula ready to help you jump it.

Myth #4: Silicone is soft

For those who only imagine silicone in the context of a soft tipped spatula, think again. Silicone can be brittle, sticky, smooth, and everything in between. Since silicone behaves so similarly to many plastics, it’s versatility, malleability, heat resistance, and water resistance make it something of a jack of all trades when it comes to assuming shapes and textures.

Myth #5: Silicone is ugly

While there are many who have their fair share of home-improvement horror stories involving botched silicone or ugly orange wires, remember that not all silicone is created equal. The quality of silicone you’re working with as well as the type of silicone you use for a project (joint expanding, glazing, high temperature, etc.) will have a huge impact on the final result.

And, if that gummy white doesn’t work with your kitchen aesthetic, not to worry! Many silicone sealants are available in a variety of shades to make sure your home is secure, and stylin’.

Myth #6: Silicone is waterproof

This is, without a doubt, the most commonly misunderstood fact about silicone. While silicone sealant is a water resistant material, it isn’t waterproof, and nor would you want it to be! Water resistant means that air and, yes water, can still pass through in trace amounts (water tends to infiltrate silicone seals when submerged for 48 hours or more). This means that buildings sealed with silicone can promote healthy air circulation, and prevent mold.

Myth #7: It has to be hot outside to use silicone

Unlike many caulks and sealants, silicone is designed to be temperature resistant, which means you can apply it to buildings, windows, and projects no matter the weather. Hold or cold, rain or shine, silicone will adhere fast and strong to whatever you need protected.

Myth #8: Silicone is toxic to humans

While it’s not recommended that you drink a bottle of silicone sealant, the idea that silicone topically applied to skin is false. In fact, silicone’s properties make it an ideal ingredient in many oil-free face washes, shampoos, and moisturizers.

But silicone isn’t just used topically, its heat-resistant, stain-resistant, bacteria-resistant, and non corrosive makeup means that it’s the perfect kitchen companion for stirring, flipping, and baking. Unlike many similar rubber utensils, silicon doesn’t become brittle and flake off into food as you cook, and recommended by the FDA as safe for food preparation.

Silicone is a tool capable of helping protect your home, your car and, most importantly, yourself. At silicone depot, we’re here to help you find the right tool for the right job. With dozens of sealants, protective coatings, and a team of specialists ready to help, we’ve got everything you need to make your next project sturdy, secure, and quality.

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