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4 minutes
Silicone is a material that cannot be missing in your home. Find out what types there are and what their most common uses are.
Perhaps you have heard wonders about this material, thanks to the large number of uses it has and the wide variety found on the market. There are many types of silicone that you can use, depending on what tasks you have to do.
This time we will be reviewing what classes there are and what their most common applications are. No need to be expertssince it is very easy to use and once you include it in your toolbox, you cannot miss it in your home repair kit.
Types of silicone and their applications
In general, silicone is used to seal joints of different elements and materials with the aim that said union last for a long time. And do it under different environmental conditions.
Most silicones are made from a fusion of oxygen and silicon that turns out to be very resistant, flexible and durable. It also serves to seal, insulate and waterproof.
These that we will present here are the most frequent types of silicone. Therefore, they are those that you may need in your home. It should be clarified that, if you have doubts, the ideal is to consult with professionals for advice.
1. Acetic silicone (acid)
This type of silicone is used to seal and It is characterized by not having much elasticity. It is important to keep in mind that it is not possible to paint over it, so once applied you will not be able to change its color.
It is ideal for outdoor surfaces, as it resists the impact of ultraviolet (UV) rays very well. In addition, one of its great advantages is that it is anti-mold and anti-bacterial. It works great on surfaces that are wet or prone to getting wet.
2. Acrylic silicone
Made from polymers extracted from acrylic acid, it is used to seal window and pipe joints. Like acetic acid, can be used outdoors because it offers great resistance. Its main benefit is that you can paint it once it has dried, so it will offer you a perfect finish.
3. Neutral silicone
The neutral silicone contains no solvents and is extremely flexible and elastic. This property makes it ideal for sites where structural movements are common.
4. Polymer
Finally, the polymer appears to be one of the most versatile types of silicones. It is suitable for working on wet surfacesit can be painted and is ideal for exteriors.
Uses of silicone
We have already reviewed which are the most common silicones, so in this section we will detail what we can use each of them for. It is not the same to work on wood than on tiles, for example.
bathrooms and kitchen
We know that these two spaces in the house have humidity and traces of grease, so a silicone that fits these conditions is necessary. The one used for bathrooms and kitchens is resistant to mold, repels grease and does not discolor. Although it can not be painted, It is perfect for sealing bathroom fixtures, screens, sinks, etc.
Wood
Silicone for wood is flexible and does not alter the structure of the surface on which it is applied. In general, it is for interior use, it can be painted and varnished. If you have wooden floors, furniture and other accessories, you cannot miss this type of silicone.
Multipurpose
Its only disadvantage is that you can’t paint it, but it can be applied to any surface. It offers elasticity and resistance.
Building
The construction is a silicone to seal and fill joints, in addition to waterproofing surfaces. It is used for doors and windows and for materials such as stone, brick, cement and steel. The silicone and construction They complement each other perfectly.
The different types of silicone cannot be missing in your home
As we have reviewed, silicone is an element that can get us out of any trouble and that allows us to perform different tasks at home. Whether to fix, seal or waterproof, it will help solve problems of all kinds.
On the other hand, some commercial brands have developed colored silicone, such as gray, in addition to the classic white. We hope that you can take advantage of all the advantages offered by this material.
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