Why I HATE Silcone Sealant

Sounds like Andy Rooney from 60 Minutes!

Oh Yes, I have nagged on about the use of silicones in newbuilds and in repairs for too long. Nice to see someone else gettin the drift;

Silicone has no place aboard a boat

... except maybe to use a drop to secure your favorite nick-nacks.

And, to think there are actually products on chandlery shelves that claim to be "Marine Silicone".....

Silicones & Boats

Gentlemen:

Although, in general, I do agree with what has been posted (Acetoxy based silicones—the type that is evidenced by the vinegar like odor during the cure) , you are leaving out what I call, a hybrid form of silicones that do have some wonderful properties and will out perform any of the polyurethanes in some very select applications.

These silicone adhesives or caulking compounds (Alkoxy or Oxime based silicones), are 100 % non-corrosive and use moisture as a cure mechanism (similar to many polyurethanes and polysulphides), but have not made its way into the general use marine market for various reasons. I consider them an undiscovered but vital tool for our work that can be used in many applications such as bonding stainless steel to FRP substrates without fasteners, bonding glass and acrylic windows to a FRP substrate without fasteners, sealing aluminum and SS fabrications when you need a superior bond but want a much softer durometer sealant ( movement between two pieces is inevitable and but a seal must be maintained), and certain other application where heat may be a factor ( polyurethanes soften quickly above 140F). Like the common silicone, paint does not adhere well, BUT they many clean up very nicely with common mineral spirits when uncured. Many can also be used (and are preferred) in electrical potting & sealing applications application when epoxies are not applicable.

Another important point that needs to understood when using any of the common polyurethanes ( 3M 5200, Silkaflex , etc) is that although they are quite strong for “gluing” things together (FRP and wood for example) , in many cases, relying on the “glue joint” for many applications, is only skin deep.. What I am referring to is whether the bond breaks "cohesively" or "adhesively"—big difference and can be very important--- a typical example would be 3M 5200 squirted onto a piece of smooth or polished stainless steel. Left to cure, it will then peel off like a band-aid.. Its adhesive properties are minimum compared to its cohesiveness on many substrates.. On the other hand, a product like GE 4000 Ultra glaze will not de-bond, but only let go cohesively-- the bond is stronger than the product itself. Kinda like a good wood glue—The wood breaks before the bond fails.

Some common applications where you might consider the use of a silicone product will be the bonding of acrylics & glass, SS, and aluminum where mechanical fasteners cannot be used. We also use Ultra-glaze 4000 exclusively as a sealing agent ( like a pipe dope) for the assembly of larger brass piping used in salt or fresh water applications -- in our work we cannot afford even the slightest weep,seep or "sweat" from a typical fitting or hose connection.

Again, I am not here to disagree with “Silicone has no place aboard a boat”, only to expand the knowledge on what the right type of silicone can offer.


Just a “Marine Nut Lookin’ In”

Tony

Limitations
UltraGlaze SSG4000 structural glazing adhesive should not be
used, applied or is not recommended:
• In structural glazing applications

• For structural adhesion on bare metals or surfaces subject to
corrosion (i.e., mill aluminum, bare steel, etc.)
• In designs where the silicone is encapsulated and without
access to atmospheric moisture (this material requires
atmospheric moisture to cure from paste to rubber).
• In exceedingly large structural cavities (see Sealant Application
section for additional information).
• Under exceedingly hot or cold conditions (see Sealant
Application section for additional information).
• Underwater or in applications where the product will be in
continuous contact with water.
• For contact with strong acids or bases.

Too bad? Not really. He seemed to think he had the right to promote his company because he made a few posts. I explained our rules, which he insisted didn't apply to him because he was such a valuable asset to a boating forum. He then told me that YF would be a great loss without him. I decided to find out.

Hi,

I would say you know the answer by now then.