Silicone and acrylic are sealants that are very similar in their composition and consistency. Both are found in every house and apartment where joints need to be filled. But do you use silicone or acrylic?
The decision between silicone and acrylic depends on several factors. In particular, the areas of application of the two sealants. In this text, I, a trainee at Couture Construction, would like to explain how the two sealants differ and where to use which material.
What is silicone and what is acrylic?
Even though the two are similar in texture and both materials are rubbery when hardened, you can still tell them apart. Silicone is shiny, whereas acrylic has a more matte appearance. You need a trained and sharp eye to tell the difference. But the fact is that both materials are excellent sealants.
Where are silicone and acrylic used?
Silicone is very elastic and is therefore used in areas where the materials to be bonded move or work. Silicone is very good for use in the bathroom or kitchen because it is water-repellent. Sanitary silicone makes it very difficult to form mold because it has a fungicidal effect, which is particularly important in damp bathrooms. You can use silicone to create silicone joints to seal the shower or bathtub.
- Sealing expansion joints in the floor or wall area
- Sealing joints with moving substrates or in damp rooms
Acrylic is very plastic-elastic and has several advantages over silicone. Among other things, acrylic can be painted over and therefore offers scope for sealing cracks in masonry. Acrylic is used wherever water is not involved. You use it to seal joints and connections that do not require a great deal of expansion. However, minor fluctuations can be compensated for by acrylic.
- Expansion and connection joints with low load in interior construction
- Joints on sand in concrete
- Aerated concrete
- Putz
- Masonry
- Wood
- Plasterboard
- Faserzement
- Roller shutter boxes
- window sills etc.
Advantages and disadvantages
Acrylic or acrylic resin has its advantages and disadvantages. One big advantage is that acrylic can be painted over. One disadvantage, however, is that acrylic is permeable to water. This is why you cannot use it in damp places, as you risk mold. Another disadvantage is that acrylic shrinks in volume (loses water during the drying process). It has little odor but takes a long time to harden.
But silicone or plastic also has its advantages and disadvantages. Compared to acrylic, silicone cannot be painted over. One advantage, however, is that silicone does not shrink in volume and that silicone is permanently elastic as a sealant. And another clear advantage is that silicone is water-repellent! However, silicone produces a vinegar smell when it hardens. Fortunately, there are also low-odor silicones.
Processing of the two materials
Acrylic and silicone are both applied with a handgun, battery gun, or compressed air gun. They are therefore processed with cartridges or tubular bags. With both sealants, however, you should also scrape off the surface with your finger (provided it has been moistened beforehand) or a spatula (with a rubber lip if necessary).
This way, no cracks or holes can form, which would otherwise look unsightly or lead to the sealant not sealing properly. If you want to work with silicone, you should know that a smoothing agent is important as a separating agent to create a nice silicone joint.
Pro Tip: Transform Your Home with Top Remodeling Services in Coronado, CA. Get Expert Design & Craftsmanship. Call Today for a Free Consultation!
Results
You should use acrylic for immobile and non-damp joints that may need to be painted over. Silicone is used in damp rooms or for movable subfloors.
