The question of which sealant to choose: acrylic or silicone begins to worry us as soon as the time comes for the final repair and finishing work. This is not surprising, because each of these types of sealing materials has a large number of properties, but also a specific area of ​​application. Before purchasing one or another composition, you should learn about the pros and cons of each of them.

Silicone and acrylic sealants: general properties

Despite the fact that silicone and acrylic sealant are constantly opposed to each other, they have a number of general characteristics, such as:

• High degree of elasticity;
• Structural strength;
• Operational durability;
• Good adhesion to most building materials;
• Moisture resistance;
• Resistant to temperature changes. Some will disagree with this, because only silicone compounds are known for their resistance to temperature changes. But the fact remains: since 2013, acrylic sealants (the “Accent” line), produced according to a new frost-resistant recipe, have appeared on the building materials market. So now frost resistance is a common property for both types of sealants.

Differences between acrylic sealant and silicone

Naturally, there are also differences between acrylic and silicone. So what are the main ones?

1. Limited scope of application of silicone sealing composition. Let us immediately make a reservation that we are talking about cheaper acidic silicone sealants, which can react with metals, cement-containing surfaces and natural stones(marble, granite). That is why experienced builders advise using them only for sealing plastic, ceramics or wood. At the same time, acrylic sealants for concrete and sealants for wood can be safely called universal: they will not harm any materials.
2. Aesthetic aspect. In terms of aesthetics, acrylic compositions are undoubtedly the leaders. Firstly, they can be coated with any paint, and it will adhere flawlessly to the material. Secondly, when using transparent silicone, you should be prepared for the fact that over time it will turn yellow and become cloudy.
3. Can be used in rooms with high humidity. Often we have to solve the problem ourselves, which sealant to choose for the bathroom. Many are convinced that the best option for rooms with high humidity air are silicone-based compounds, which are famous for their absolute moisture resistance. For some reason, no one takes into account the fact that under the influence of moisture, silicone, including sanitary silicone, after a certain period of time can change color, become cloudy and even become moldy. The components contained in acrylic sealants do not allow the development of fungus, which is their undoubted advantage for use in bathrooms.

There is a fairly common belief that acrylic sealants cannot be used in expansion joints because they do not have the elasticity of silicone. This is fundamentally wrong, since modern acrylic compounds (so-called acrylate siliconized materials) are no less elastic and tensile strength than their silicone counterparts.

So, what can be concluded from all of the above? Both acrylic and silicone sealants have many advantages and some disadvantages, and which material to choose is, of course, up to you. When choosing a sealing composition, be sure to consider such nuances as:

• Scope of application of the material;
• The authority of the sealant manufacturer ( good result only possible when using quality materials, no matter acrylic or silicone, from trusted manufacturers).

Sealants are a group of thick substances based on polymer materials, applied to various connections for their waterproofing and sealing. They differ in the characteristics of hardening, resistance to aggressive environmental factors and, of course, composition. Let's look at how silicone sealant differs from acrylic, because... These two types are the most popular.

Similarities

These materials have several common features:

• elasticity;
• durability;
• strength;
• high degree of adhesion (adhesion) with many building materials.

Both types are also available in transparent or colored. If the sealant is also an adhesive, firmly holding the elements together, then it is better to choose a transparent option; if the parts are already tightly connected, then it is permissible to use less durable compounds with pigment fillers of different colors.

Acrylic sealant and silicone, what is the difference?

Naturally, these two sealants differ in composition. Silicone contains rubber, acrylic is made on the basis of acrylic acid.

Silicone, especially simpler and inexpensive acid compositions based on it, is recommended to be used only with parts made of plastic, ceramics or wood. It can react with metals and mixtures containing cement. Acrylic compounds in this regard they are universal.

Acrylic sealants can be sanded to obtain a smooth and even surface, and subsequently painted. However, this type is characterized by greater shrinkage during the hardening process, and after curing it becomes less elastic. Such compositions are recommended for use only indoors, because They may not be able to withstand significant temperature changes outside.

Although adhesion and elasticity are quite good for both types of sealing materials, silicone adheres better to smooth and even surfaces and is more flexible to deformation loads, compression and bending.

Sealants also differ in price; acrylic is cheaper.

Summing up

It cannot be said that one of these types of sealant is better than another; the differences only determine slightly different areas of application. In rooms with high humidity (bathtubs, kitchens, etc.), silicone compounds are more often used; acrylic compounds are used for repairing wood products, insulating seams and joints of floor coverings, sealing cracks in putty, between brick and concrete structures etc.

The bathroom can be described as a room with a high level of humidity. Dampness always has a negative impact on finishing, as well as other important elements, increasing the possibility of their early failure. This is due to the fact that moisture creates a favorable atmosphere for the appearance and proliferation of fungus or mold. Its spores can bring significant harm Not only finishing material, but also to human health.

It is virtually impossible to combat humidity in the bathroom, since water procedures pass right here. However, it is possible to neutralize negative impact moisture, so it is necessary to isolate important areas from water penetration. This is usually a floor covering or wall surface. Besides, Special attention should be given to butt joints, since accumulated moisture penetrates deeper through the material over time, destroying it, creating a breeding ground for microorganisms.

Thus, it is the joints that need reliable protection, i.e. they must be scrupulously sealed. If previously special cement grouts were used for this, now bathroom sealant is used for these purposes. It is characterized by a high degree of protection against mold, long service life and other advantages. One question remains: which one is better to choose from the many options presented?

Today, bathroom sealant is rightfully considered the most suitable means for eliminating gaps, seams or joints. It can be used outside the building or directly indoors. This material can withstand temperature changes and has a high level of moisture resistance. It is reliable and durable, so it is often used to reinforce the fastening of plumbing fixtures to the surface of a wall or floor.

Bath sealants are special substances made from polymer raw materials using a variety of modified additives.

They are a fairly large group chemical compositions, similar or different from each other. Depending on the composition of the base, they can be classified into thiokol, acrylic, rubber, silicone, polyurethane, aquarium, bitumen, silicate and others.

Their main purpose is to protect materials from external negative factors eg humidity, mold, dirt, dust, ultraviolet rays etc . All of them have an isolating effect aimed at performing their direct functions. Various modifying additives, as well as impurities in bathroom sealants, act as additional protection against external threats, which significantly increases their performance properties. And which one is better, you will find out below.

Silicone

The most common and popular solution for protecting the shower room from moisture is considered to be silicone. Its base, as the name suggests, is silicone. Material with good water-repellent characteristics. It has a very long service life, and, in addition, this substance provides reliable adhesion of liquid and solid bodies of dissimilar composition at the molecular level, or simply adhesion.

The silicone mixture resists mold well and easily tolerates extreme temperature changes from 50°C below zero to 200°C above zero. At the same time, its performance qualities do not decrease at all, which is very important when constantly exposed to negative factors. Silicone sealant is commercially available in two versions:

1. Acid or vinegar composition. The main advantage of the product is its affordable price. The main disadvantage is that during vulcanization it favors the creation of oxidative processes among metals. This is why it is recommended to use the substance only when working with stainless steel or other non-oxidizing materials.
2. Neutral composition, i.e. without the presence of acid in it. This mixture is characterized by a higher price than its counterpart. However, unlike him, he has no weaknesses. The use of the substance is carried out without any restrictions, as it interacts well with any type of surface from acrylic to metal.

Acrylic

Unlike silicone acrylic sealant, it performs somewhat worse in the bathroom, however, it has a more affordable price. It is cheap and convenient to use, but its surface cannot boast of high elasticity. Therefore, it is recommended to use the mixture only in an area that is not subject to deformation during use.

Acrylic sealant can be described as a practical product characterized by adhesion to most types of materials, even those with a porous structure. Its composition has a certain advantage - the absence of organic substances. This allows you to work with the mixture without using special means personal protection, so the unpleasant and pungent odor is completely absent.

Note! Today, stores offer several types of acrylic sealant for the bathroom. The former are considered moisture resistant, but the latter are not, which precludes their use in wet areas. Therefore, you need to carefully read the information when choosing a composition. You also need to take into account that the moisture-resistant mixture will finally harden only after a day.

Silicone-acrylic

This mixture contains best qualities silicone and acrylic material. In addition, both of these substances are part of the sealant, which is where the name itself comes from. This combination results in a minimum of disadvantages and a maximum of advantages. Eliminates the weaknesses of silicone and acrylic, while maintaining their advantages.

The resulting coatings are characterized by elasticity, strength, reliability, and durability. This type of sealant copes well with the assigned tasks. In addition, it can be used in practice as an adhesive, connecting two different surfaces while reliably sealing them.

Polyurethane

The basis of this composition is polyurethane. His method of action is reliable, simple, and effective. Due to the moisture contained, the mixture, upon contact with air, begins to activate the polymerization process. When exposed to moisture, the polyurethane layer only becomes stronger. In addition, this material can easily withstand mechanical loads, creating a durable and elastic coating.

A distinctive feature of this sealant is its rapid adhesion to the surface, hardening, and good adhesion.

Its advantages include cost-effectiveness, ease of operation, ease of restoration of the damaged layer, as well as compatibility with various materials. What is important when working on grouting joints and gaps against the appearance of mold. In addition, using polyurethane you can glue even small pieces of decor.

After drying, the material itself is available for painting or varnishing. It is better to use the opened package immediately, as the mixture begins to polymerize inside. Separately, it is worth noting the need to observe protective measures to prevent the substance from getting on the skin of the hands or mucous membranes. Therefore, you need to stock up on special gloves in advance.

Video instruction

In construction and repair, a material such as sealant is regularly used, presented, in particular, in such a variety as “silicone”. What are the specifics of such materials? What is the difference between sealant and “silicone”, if we talk about sealant as a group of products?

Under sealant It is generally accepted to understand a viscous polymer substance used in construction and repair in order to ensure, respectively, the tightness of any section of the room or structural element of the building. For example, it could be a bathtub or shower stall: in this case, the sealant is applied in the gap between the plumbing fixture and the bathroom wall.

Sealant can also be used to reduce the likelihood of leaks in your plumbing or drainage system. In this case, it is applied to bolted connections and joints.

The principle of operation of the sealant is quite simple. Initially, it is placed in a factory container - usually a plastic tube. Ready-to-use sealant is a polymer-based binder that is mixed with a solvent. After application to any structure, the solvent evaporates, and the binder, filling the adjacent spaces, ensures the tightness of the structure.

Sealants are available in large quantities modifications. Among these is silicone sealant, or “silicone”. What are its features?

What is "silicone"?

« Silicone"- a type of sealant characterized primarily by high level moisture resistance. It can retain its properties and functionality when high temperatures and at the same time does not lose elasticity. It is considered one of the most optimal materials for waterproofing various compounds.

"Silicone" is also classified into several varieties. So, there is a particularly heat-resistant silicate material of the appropriate type: it is able to maintain functionality at temperatures within 1200 degrees. There is silicone for auto repair, and there is sanitary silicone.

Other advantages of sealants in this variety include environmental friendliness. They are generally harmless to the human body and environment.

If we talk about the disadvantages of “silicone”, it can be noted that it is undesirable to apply it to stone, concrete and metal surfaces. The fact is that acids are used as a solvent in sealants of the corresponding type. They are capable of dissolving these types of materials.

Silicone is noticeably more expensive than many other sealants. In particular, acrylic ones, which can compete with it in popularity. In some cases, it is not at all necessary to overpay for silicone. If, for example, the material is used in an environment with relatively low temperatures, then the same acrylic sealant in its basic consumer properties will not be inferior to silicone, noticeably outperforming it in price.

Comparison

The main difference between sealant and “silicone” is that the first term refers to a group of materials, and the second corresponds to one of the varieties of products included in this group. There are a lot of sealants. There are, in addition to silicone, acrylic, polyurethane, and bitumen products of the corresponding type. They can vary significantly in properties and purpose.

Having determined what the difference is between sealant and “silicone”, we will reflect the conclusions in the table.

Table

When it comes to the details of the upcoming repair, many begin to worry about the question: which sealant is better? There are many different products on the market, and choosing can be difficult. Acrylic and silicone sealants stand out from the crowd. They are similar in characteristics and scope of application, but there are differences that are useful to know before purchasing any seam sealing product.

Acrylic sealant can be used to fill joints between window frames

Properties of acrylic and silicone sealant

Acrylic and silicone sealants are constantly competing with each other. They have a number of similar properties, as they are made from polymers using modern technologies:

• elasticity;
• high structural strength;
• excellent adhesion to materials of different origins;
• moisture resistance;
• ability to withstand sudden temperature changes;
• frost resistance;
• health safety.

In addition to the general properties, there are some differences that play a role when choosing a product. Silicone sealants have a limited area of ​​use. They are not advisable to use with all materials. The acrylic version is universal and quickly adheres to any surface without entering into a chemical reaction with it.

Seams sealed with acrylic sealant look more aesthetically pleasing. They can be covered with any paint without worrying that over time it will peel off and ruin appearance. It is not advisable to paint the silicone composition. The transparent sealant gradually acquires an unpleasant yellowish tint and becomes cloudy.

Acrylic sealant is ideal for use in the bathroom.

What is the difference between silicone and silicone sealant (in tubes for a construction gun)

It is completely waterproof, just like silicone. The main difference is that the acrylic composition does not allow fungus to multiply. Under constant exposure to water and heat, mold appears on silicone seams.

It is a mistake to believe that acrylic sealants are not suitable for sealing expansion joints. Modern acrylic compounds are as elastic as silicone ones.

Differences in the areas of application of silicone and acrylic sealant

Acrylic sealants are ideal for filling cracks, crevices between stone, concrete surfaces. Good adhesion is observed with brick, wood, and plaster. This sealant is used to fill voids around pipes, in doorways, for sealing joints in the bathroom, kitchen, cracks in boards.

The silicone version is useful for working with glass, ceramics, enamel, and oxidized metals. It is indispensable as an insulator for doorways, window frames, and metal structures.

Acrylic sealant can withstand prolonged exposure to strong vibration. Silicone material creates protection against the penetration of odors, noise, and moisture.

Using acrylic composition to seal a bathroom

Features of applying sealed compounds

The principle of working with acrylic and silicone sealant is the same. In each case it is necessary to prepare work surface, having cleared it of dust, dirt, crumbling particles, and degreased it. The composition is drawn into a special syringe or pistol. The seam or crack is filled along the entire length and width with a neat strip of the required width. The seam is then smoothed and leveled by hand or using tools. Drying time is approximately the same.

It is worth considering that transparent silicone sealant initially has a whitish color. It becomes transparent after drying completely. The acrylic composition is easily painted in any color. The silicone version is initially selected in the desired shade.

Both types are harmless to health and can be applied without the use of protective equipment.

Sealants are a group of thick substances based on polymeric materials, applied to various joints for their waterproofing and sealing. They differ in the characteristics of hardening, resistance to aggressive environmental factors and, of course, composition. Let's look at how silicone sealant differs from acrylic, because... These two types are the most popular.

Similarities

These materials have several common features:

• elasticity;
• durability;
• strength;
• high degree of adhesion (adhesion) with many building materials.

Both types are also available in transparent or colored. If the sealant is also an adhesive, firmly holding the elements together, then it is better to choose a transparent option; if the parts are already tightly connected, then it is permissible to use less durable compounds with pigment fillers of different colors.

Acrylic sealant and silicone, what is the difference?

Naturally, these two sealants differ in composition. Silicone contains rubber, acrylic is made on the basis of acrylic acid.

Silicone, especially simpler and inexpensive acid compositions based on it, is recommended to be used only with parts made of plastic, ceramics or wood. It can react with metals and mixtures containing cement. Acrylic compositions are universal in this regard.

Acrylic sealants can be sanded to obtain a smooth and even surface, and subsequently painted.

How to choose acrylic sealant

However, this type is characterized by greater shrinkage during the hardening process, and after curing it becomes less elastic. Such compositions are recommended for use only indoors, because They may not be able to withstand significant temperature changes outside.

Although adhesion and elasticity are quite good for both types of sealing materials, silicone adheres better to smooth and even surfaces and is more flexible to deformation loads, compression and bending.

Sealants also differ in price; acrylic is cheaper.

Summing up

It cannot be said that one of these types of sealant is better than another; the differences only determine slightly different areas of application. In rooms with high humidity (baths, kitchens, etc.), silicone compounds are more often used; acrylic compounds are used when repairing wood products, insulating seams and joints of floor coverings, sealing cracks in putty, between brick and concrete structures, etc.

During construction or repair work it is impossible to do without the use of all kinds of adhesive mixtures intended for interconnection various materials. This group includes not only construction adhesives, but also a variety of sealants. The action of both compositions is based on the formation of a strong adhesive bond between them and the surface being treated. Let's look at what adhesives are and where exactly they are used.

Strictly speaking, the main difference between adhesives and sealants lies not in their properties, but in their purpose: adhesives, as a rule, are used to connect and fix parts and materials in a certain position, while sealants ensure the impermeability of seams, joints, cracks and other cavities. Both products are liquid, paste or solid mixtures of homogeneous or heterogeneous components that fill the gap between the adhesive surfaces. When the compositions cure, a durable layer is formed that connects the individual elements into a single whole.

Modern adhesives are divided into synthetic and natural. The first includes compositions based on polymers and chemically synthesized artificial components, the second includes animal, plant and mineral mixtures. The gluing process can occur by evaporation of water or a special alcohol-based solvent from the composition and subsequent hardening of the binder; through the interaction of moisture in the material and in the air with the composition; by heating the solid composition to the melting point and subsequent solidification while maintaining the molecular structure; by penetration of the molecules of the composition into the structure of the material.

Each construction process has its own group of compounds with properties unique to them. For example, synthetic floor adhesives are used when working with cork covering, carpet and linoleum. There is a special glue for parquet that ensures adhesion of wood to concrete and other surfaces. Wall and ceiling adhesives are designed for working with concrete and wood, as well as with gypsum plasterboard, chipboard and similar materials. A separate group is represented by special adhesives, for example liquid nails. The fact that nails can be liquid is not news to builders. The question is whether this adhesive can really be trusted to secure fasteners. And which one exactly?

TO special types Adhesives also include sealants - polymer compositions designed for dense, reliable filling of various voids: cracks in the thickness of materials, gaps between structural elements, joints of surfaces outside and inside buildings.

LIQUID NAILS
The composition is a type of construction adhesive produced in a tube filled in mounting gun, and intended for gluing various materials, including dissimilar ones: metal, concrete, brick, glass, wood, chipboard, all types of plastic, etc. Unlike working with regular glue, the surfaces to be connected should not fit tightly to each other; their structure can be porous or arbitrarily uneven. The weight of the products also does not affect the strength of the connection: fixation of heavy elements adhesive composition no less reliable than using conventional nails and screws.

In what cases is it preferable to use glue? Its main advantage is that it penetrates into hard-to-reach places and leaves no traces. This is why liquid nails are convenient in newly renovated rooms where cement dust is inappropriate; where it is difficult to swing a hammer; where the surface is too hard to punch a hole through. In a word, any home craftsman knows perfectly well in what situations fiddling with dowels is not justified. This is especially true for finishing work. It is convenient to plant on an adhesive joint floor coverings, baseboards, all kinds of tiles, wall and ceiling panels, etc.; it is used for sealing plumbing cabins, repairing doors, windows and furniture; It is easy to hang a clock, picture or other wall decoration on a liquid nail.

Adhesives are either water-based or organic solvent-based. The first type goes by several names (neutral, acrylic, water-dispersed) and is considered harmless to health. Such adhesives have lower bonding strength and longer fixation time, which can be reduced by heating the joint. They are not recommended for use at low temperatures and when working with metal surfaces. The second type - neoprene liquid nails - provides a more reliable grip. The organic solvents included in its composition guarantee strong adhesion even to dissimilar surfaces. In this case, the compound is chemically aggressive and can react with polystyrene.

What is the difference between acrylic sealant and silicone?

In addition, it is toxic and, when used, emits a pungent odor that does not dissipate for several days.
Liquid nails are applied to a clean, grease-free surface, covering it not with a continuous layer, but in spots. The distance between the points is maintained approximately the same as if the fixation was carried out using ordinary nails. If stronger fasteners are required, the composition is placed in parallel strips at a distance of about 10 cm. As a rule, immediately after applying the glue, the surfaces must be pressed firmly and held in this position for up to 2 minutes. Final setting will occur within 12-24 hours.

THE MARKET HAS A HUGE NUMBER OF TYPES AND BRANDS OF LIQUID NAILS, THE ADVANTAGES OF WHICH APPEAR ONLY WHEN USED FOR THEIR DIRECT PURPOSE. THEREFORE, BEFORE BUYING, YOU SHOULD HAVE A VERY CLEAR IDEA OF WHAT AND WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO GLUE: MATERIAL, TEXTURE, WEIGHT OF THE SURFACES TO BE CONNECTED; OPERATING CONDITIONS - TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY; SETTING TIME, DEGREE OF CONNECTION STRENGTH, ETC. THE NECESSARY INFORMATION IS USUALLY PRESENTED IN THE ATTACHED INSTRUCTIONS. EVEN IF THE PACKAGING SAYS THAT THE COMPOSITION IS UNIVERSAL, THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT IT WILL GLUE EVERYTHING. THIS IS ESPECIALLY CONCERNED WITH WORKING WITH POLYSTYRENE, AND ALSO IN CONDITIONS OF HIGH HUMIDITY.

All the numerous advantages of silicone sealants do not make this sealant ideal. In some cases, acrylic sealant will do the job better. Our article will tell you what the product is made from, what it comes in, and how it differs from its silicone “brother.”

Depending on what the composition becomes after use, all sealing agents are divided into three groups:

1. Non-hardening compounds are sealants in the form of mastic, the most primitive of which is ordinary plasticine.
2. Hardening compounds are silicone materials that harden as a result of a chemical reaction (vulcanization process).
3. Drying compounds - such sealants become solid due to the gradual evaporation of the liquid.

This group includes acrylic sealants created on the basis of polymers. After application, the material only needs one day to dry. The one-component acrylic sealant is completely ready for use after opening the package. Other types of sealants are two-component formulations: their components must be pre-mixed before use.

Acrylic sealant: composition

The organic substance polymethyl methacrylate is a kind of framework in the production of acrylic sealants: it is included in the composition in the form of an aqueous dispersion. Today, polymethyl methacrylate is considered one of the strongest plastics. In addition to it, the following are used to create acrylic material:

• thickeners;
• fillers;
• ammonia solution;
• plasticizers;
• defoamers;
• Surfactants and antiseptic additives.

Acrylic sealant: characteristics

Acrylic material remains elastic for a long time, adapts to frequent vibrations, moreover, such a sealant is easy to paint and plaster. The product is ideal for sealing small holes and cracks - simply pour acrylic inside and wait for it to dry.

Experts recommend correcting problem areas using acrylic sealant exclusively indoors. In “room” conditions, the material copes well with deformation that occurs due to changes in humidity and temperature fluctuations. But open air does not have the best effect on acrylic: subzero temperature will make the material too hard. However, here the opinions of competent people differ.

When stretched, acrylic-based sealants retain the so-called memory of the material - this means that after application the product tries to regain its original appearance. To characterize the quality of a material, the concept of the maximum elongation value at maximum stress is used. Stretching the sealant above this limit makes its deformation irreversible. That is, the larger this value, the best properties possesses material. The amplitude of displacement when using sealant should not be more than 10% of the maximum elongation. In this case, acrylic can be considered flexible enough for outdoor work. Acrylic frost-resistant sealant, as a rule, has less rigidity than those materials that are used for indoor work.

Optimal temperature conditions A range from -20°C to +70°C is considered for successful use. Then the acrylic sealant for exterior work will demonstrate all its positive qualities in full. The product will withstand more than one cycle of freezing and thawing, keeping the seam intact.

The classic material is white or transparent, but if necessary, finding colored acrylic sealant is not difficult. Most often you can find hermetic sealants on the shelves of hardware stores. acrylic products with a hint of wood names: cherry, oak, pine, mahogany. Thanks to the impressive color scheme and the possibility of tinting many types of acrylics, the seam can be made almost indistinguishable from the color of the parts that it connects.

Acrylic sealant: advantages and disadvantages

By using acrylic sealant correctly, you can appreciate all its strengths.

1. Price. If we compare the prices of equal volumes of silicone and acrylic, the cost of the latter will be one and a half times less.
2. Easy to select and use. Unlike silicone products, the choice of acrylics is not very large, but acrylic sealants are more versatile. There will be no problems when working with the material: if necessary, the material that has not yet hardened can be washed off with water, and the already hardened sealant can be easily cut off with a knife.
3. Environmental Safety. Water based acrylic sealant is free of toxins. When working with it, you don’t have to do anything additional measures protection, because the product causes an allergic reaction only in exceptional cases. The material is fireproof - it contains no solvents.
4. Versatility. Acrylic sealants have high adhesive abilities (the product sticks even to very porous surfaces).
5. It is possible to restore the finished seam and its coloring.
6. Excellent steam permeability. Acrylic window sealant freely releases steam from the room to the street without accumulating it in the form of condensation between the seams.
7. Quality and durability. High-quality acrylic sealants do not turn yellow over time and do not crumble under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, unlike silicones and polyurethane foam.

Let's now talk about the disadvantages of this sealing agent. Acrylic sealant is not friendly with water, and this feature can be explained very simply: it is based on an aqueous dispersion that can dissolve. It turns out that it is more reliable to use acrylic sealants for seams between the wall and the window sill, between the wall and the door frame, in wooden coverings - where the percentage of moisture is minimal or completely absent.

However, on packages of acrylic sealants, in addition to the warning “do not expose to prolonged exposure to moisture,” you can often see the mark “moisture resistant.” You need to understand this as follows: after complete drying, this material becomes moisture resistant, that is, it cannot be dissolved by water. But if the seams are made of acrylic sealant long time contact with water, all properties of the sealant deteriorate.

It follows from this that acrylic sealant for a bathroom or shower room is not the best the best choice. Also, this type of material is not suitable for gluing an aquarium, otherwise the finished structure will sooner or later begin to leak water.

Features of the use of acrylic sealants

The use of this material does not require special professional skills or experience. All that is needed for successful application of the sealant is a completely dry and clean surface onto which the product is applied by squeezing directly from the tube or using a gun designed for this purpose.

Before directly applying the material, you need to pay attention to the depth of the seam. If it is large enough, it is better to fill the seam with a sealant or put a special cord there. This trick allows you to significantly save sealant. After applying the sealant, the working surface is cleaned and degreased.

This material can be used not only as a sealant for cracks. For example, acrylic sealant for ceiling plinth we can say with confidence a worthy alternative construction glue. You also can’t do without it when finishing works after installation of fillets. The place where the baguette will be glued with sealant must first be moistened with water so that the sealant material does not dry out too quickly. Then a little acrylic material is applied to the panel and pressed tightly against the wall, fixing it in the desired position.

Acrylic sealant for ceiling tiles- an indispensable tool to “hide” the gaps between tiles that appear due to an uneven base. Of course, you can also use white silicone sealant for this purpose, but it is inferior to its acrylic counterpart in that it cannot subsequently be painted.

A quarter of an hour after application, the surface of the acrylic sealant is covered with a film. At an air temperature of + 23°C and a humidity of 50%, the polymerization process of the material takes 1 day.

Scope of application of acrylic sealants

The mass of acrylic sealant just applied to the work surface is easy to adjust, the material fills large cracks and wide crevices, and after drying it is not subject to deformation.

The main “field of activity” for the use of acrylic sealants is the boundaries of movable and inactive joints. Using acrylics you can:

• repair cracked furniture;
• restore parquet and wooden floors;
• seal the laminate;
• install door and window frames;
• install skirting boards;
• eliminate cracks in walls and window sills;
• seal joints between pipes and tiles.

Obviously, the scope of application of this material is quite impressive: acrylic sealant for laminate can be quite easily used to seal the gap between the window sill and the wall, and acrylic sealant for wood is quite suitable for sealing window frame. Of course, like other materials, acrylic sealants are divided into several types according to their intended purpose (for bathtubs, for windows, universal acrylic sealant), but there is no fundamental difference between them.

Acrylic sealants are not dangerous to human health; they can be safely used in residential premises without worrying about toxic substances getting into the air. The product has a barely noticeable odor, and its residues can be easily washed off the tools after finishing work.

Due to the strength, low thermal conductivity, thermoplasticity and light fastness of acrylic sealants, they are widely used in the space and air industries. Today, organic glass is made using acrylics, acrylic bathtubs and medical prostheses.