Introduction of Silicone Sealant Silicone sealants are used in a wide range of applications due to their flexible and durable design. That said, it is an essential thing to understand how long a particular type of cast must dry before being submerged in water. For most silicone sealants, they usually take about 24 hours to cure completely and be safely used in wet areas.
What Influences Curing Time
Category of Silicone: The formulation and curing time can change the cure time from acetoxy to neutral cure silicones. Most acetoxy cure silicone cures fairly quickly, sometimes within 24-hours, while most neutral cure types can take up to 72 hours to fully cure12
Applied Thickness: Another important variable for curing time is the thickness of a layer you spread on with silicone. Thicker coatings take longer to cure as they retard moisture penetration24.
The very important influence of the environmental temperature and humidity on the curing process:
Warm Weather: Most properties cure more quickly with warmer temperatures.
High humidity can accelerate, or speed up curing while very low humidity could prolong it13.
Airflow: Keep moisture in the air to a minimum so the curing process can be effective. Extended drying times and uneven curing due to poor ventilation 25.
Curing Tips To Make The Most of What You’ve Got
Be sure, however, to refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for drying and curing.
To make it stick better, make sure that the surface is clean and dry after cleaning.
Think about washing in thinner layers so that the garments dry faster.
Cure at moderate temperatures and humidity levels34.
In short, silicon sealants will take around 24 hours to dry completely (cure) where it can be in touch with water, although this time can be influenced by several factors. Knowledge of these factors will help you in the successful application and longevity of your sealant.
