Wondering what type of clear silicone is best for your next project? Start off on the right foot and read on to find out how to use clear silicone caulk!
Silicone sealants and adhesives are extremely versatile. They bond to almost anything and retain flexibility over a long period of time.
Clear sealants fall into two main categories: silicone, and acrylic.
Silicone sealant is very flexible, thus allowing for thermal expansion, and it forms a strong bond between non-porous materials such as glass and metal. However, it can be a challenge to paint over some clear silicone sealants.
Clear acrylic caulk is a water-based product, so it can be cleaned easily using ordinary tap water. It’s also virtually odorless and can be painted over.
Clear latex caulk is often referred to in DIY articles as a paintable alternative to clear silicone, but it is basically another name for acrylic. This water-based form of acrylic does not contain latex (rubber) compounds.
For best results, follow our steps below. Before starting any job, you want to prep the workspace.
Roughen the surfaces. It is always best to work the contact surfaces with fine grit sandpaper first to provide more adhesion and remove any grease or dirt.
Apply the silicone to one surface. Apply evenly or in dabs. If you are using clear silicone in place of nails or screws, you don’t need a full line of adhesive.
Apply pressure. As you bring the surfaces together, you may need to use a clamp or add some weight on top.
Remove excess adhesive. Use a cloth or paper towel and leave to set.
As you would with adhesive, to provide a seal, the clear caulk bead needs to be continuous.
When sealing a joint. The width and depth of the joint determine the type of sealant you can use. Packing can be used behind a deep joint if necessary. Always check the instructions.
Paper towels are best as they can be disposed of afterwards.
Remove all sealant from visible surfaces. Do this before it starts to set (usually within 30 minutes).
Remove residual sealant. Once cured it can be a challenge to get silicone off, so a special removal tool may be necessary for large areas. Isopropyl alcohol is also useful.
Anything from sealing around doors and windows to fixing a small aquarium can be done using a clear silicone sealant and adhesive. Here is the best option you should consider for your next project.
LePage 2 in 1 Seal & Bond Kitchen and Bath has the strength of an adhesive plus the premium flexibility of a sealant, making it one of the most versatile products around. This low-odor sealant is resistant to mold and mildew as well as water resistant and can be painted in 40 minutes.
