Choosing the correct silicone sealant
Selecting the right type of silicone sealant can be difficult, as there are so many different makes available. You can pay between £1 and £10 for a tube of silicone sealant, so obviously there is more to silicone sealant than just the brand. Cheaper brands of silicone do not have special anti-mould or anti-germ chemicals added which can really make a difference if the silicone is to be used in wet areas.
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When choosing silicone sealant remember that if you want it to last and look like new, then you are much better off using a quality brand such as Dow corning or unibond etc. Look for brands with added anti- mould or anti-fungal chemicals added as these will stop the silicone from going discoloured or mouldy. The "No Name" cheap brands are OK for some uses, but if you want silicone that will look like new a few months down the line then you have to pay a little more for it. |
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Do not confuse silicone with other sealants as they are often sold in the same cartridge type tubes, but the contents are quite different.
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Sanitary silicone is specifically designed for use in wet areas, such as bathrooms. Good quality sanitary silicone will include an anti-bacterial agent such as micro ban.
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Decorators caulk should not be confused with silicone sealant. Decorators caulk should only be used to fill small gaps before painting and is not suitable for sealing.
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If you intend to stick a mirror to the wall using silicone then ensure that you buy a special silicone designed for this purpose such as mirror mate.
