Post by DIYDafty on Feb 27, 2019 22:45:50 GMT
Right in an effort to give something back to the forum and hopefully not bore everyone to death or tell my grandmother how to suck eggs (!) I've spent some time researching silicone types. I thought this was a good link that explains the different types and gets behind the brand names.
www.univarsc.com/blogs/news/how-to-choose-the-right-silicone-sealant
Seems to me there's only three or four basic types of silicone and some extra additives that give different uses.
The main thing as far as I can see is whether or not the silicone is acetoxy based or not and whether it is mould resistant or not.
I noticed that Dow 785 comes in 785+ and 785N. I think the "N" stands for neutral which means it is not acetoxy based. The acetoxy ones smell a bit vinegary. The 785+ is acetoxy based.
I bought 785+ by mistake on the grounds that my local screwfix stocks about ten times more of it than 785N. I now think the 785+ is more popular because the acetoxy sets very quickly which I guess if you're a tradesman is pretty useful. Its also a pound more costly for the Neutral version. But I reckon the Neutral should be better since it sticks to e.g. aluminium (like my shower door) a lot better and I don't mind waiting a day for it to dry. In fact I'd rather it not go off in 5 minutes - gives me more time to tool it right. Not sure its worth another 45 minute round trip to screwfix though !
www.univarsc.com/blogs/news/how-to-choose-the-right-silicone-sealant
Seems to me there's only three or four basic types of silicone and some extra additives that give different uses.
The main thing as far as I can see is whether or not the silicone is acetoxy based or not and whether it is mould resistant or not.
I noticed that Dow 785 comes in 785+ and 785N. I think the "N" stands for neutral which means it is not acetoxy based. The acetoxy ones smell a bit vinegary. The 785+ is acetoxy based.
I bought 785+ by mistake on the grounds that my local screwfix stocks about ten times more of it than 785N. I now think the 785+ is more popular because the acetoxy sets very quickly which I guess if you're a tradesman is pretty useful. Its also a pound more costly for the Neutral version. But I reckon the Neutral should be better since it sticks to e.g. aluminium (like my shower door) a lot better and I don't mind waiting a day for it to dry. In fact I'd rather it not go off in 5 minutes - gives me more time to tool it right. Not sure its worth another 45 minute round trip to screwfix though !