Why You Need White Sealant On Hand
Sep 3rd 2024
If you work in an industry that assembles things – from kitchen cabinets to jet engines to commercial HVAC systems – make sure you keep a good supply of white RTV silicone sealant in your toolbox.
Silicone sealant isn't suited to every sealing job, but it's a fantastic choice for many of them! Let's talk about the physical properties of white sealant, and why it's best to keep some around.
About White Silicone Sealant
RTV sealants come in a wide array of colors so that you can mix and match colors as you wish.
Some colors are used for specific types of silicone sealant. For example, red or blue RTV often indicates high heat tolerance.
White is a standard color and most formulations of RTV sealant offer a white option. The other standard colors of silicone sealant are clear, black, and aluminum.
That said, white silicone sealant is associated with waterproofing and mold resistance.
Whatever specific sealant you choose, you can expect some properties common to all of them.
RTV silicone sealant's most desirable qualities include:
- Waterproof sealing that makes silicone the go-to choice for sealing cracks and seams on most materials.
- UV resistance means that outdoor projects, windows and doors, and any clear substrates that are exposed to sunlight can be sealed with confidence.
- Rugged durability that stands up to tough conditions both indoors and outside.
- Excellent adhesion that creates long-lasting seals and bonds surfaces.
- Great tolerance for extremely low and high temperatures.
- Dries as a stretchy, flexible rubber that easily accommodates expansion, contraction, and movement without breaking or detaching.
- Silky smooth texture that ensures easy and precise application.
Of course, there are a few limitations to using silicone sealants that you'll want to bear in mind.
First, paint will not stick to silicone sealants unless you specifically buy a paintable silicone sealant. If you need to paint over your silicone sealant, you could clear-coat your silicone seals and then paint over them.
Some formulations also are not compatible with certain materials. Some silicones work well on hard or nonporous surfaces like wood, glass, metal, tile, and rubber, while others are compatible with concrete, brick, or vinyl. Be careful to choose the correct RTV sealant for your project so it will cure and seal properly.
Common Places to Use White Sealant
Because white sealant can be mold- and mildew-resistant, frequently wet areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are excellent locations for white silicone seals.
Lots of people choose white-colored RTV silicone for aesthetic reasons, too. Use white where you (or your client) want it to look really nice… because it absolutely will! Sealing baseboards and trim, around countertops and backsplashes, around the edges of tubs, showers, sinks, toilets, and tiles all look wonderful with clean, white seals. This is important because it creates a clean, soothing, orderly environment for the people using these spaces.
Boats are a great place to use white sealant, too, because they're constantly exposed to water and sunlight, and are in constant motion. The waterproofing, mold resistance, and stretchy quality of RTV silicone are priceless in marine applications.
Common Reasons to Use White Sealant
There are also very practical reasons to use white RTV silicone, beyond how it makes a space look and feel, white sealant is easy to see. If you're working in areas with low light or difficult-to-reach seams, white sealant can make it easier to lay a smooth, even bead right where it needs to be, the first time!
Using white sealant to fill cracks and gaps and join together different types of surfaces is a fantastic hack for finishing a room, too! It's truly remarkable how small mistakes or irregularities vanish under a smooth and even bead of white sealant. You can simply erase minor imperfections that would snag attention or appear ugly or dirty if sealed with clear silicone instead.
Get Premium-Quality White Silicone from Silicone Depot
If you're ready to stock up on white silicone, we offer the best-quality RTV 100% silicone sealants online. Because most varieties come with a white option, you can prepare for any sealing job you take on.
If you're not sure what type of silicone you need, call us at 812-824-8000. We'd be happy to help you choose the best white silicone sealant for you to keep on hand!