Menu
I have to use silicone caulk in my kitchen sink; however, there is an urgent need to cook for my relative’s homecoming. How do I make silicone caulk dry faster? Silicone caulk is the most hand-me-down adhesive and binding paste for home works.
It works with any applications that is why it is more popular than any other popular products. The most distinct feature of silicone is its flexibility even when cured or dried. It is also ideal to apply this sealant to an area exposed to strong heat. Silicone sealant can endure high temperatures.
Table of Contents
A drying catalyst is a great help to speed up the drying and curing process of silicone. You can buy it from the local hardware at affordable cost. It comes in a tube making it easier to use. All you have to do is squeeze a small amount of the catalyst and apply it on top of the silicone sealant. The silicone will dry up faster and hardens because the catalysts removes the water from the silicone.
Take note that it would take longer to dry up the silicone if it is too thick. The best thing to do is scrape off the excess adhesive. It will allow air to penetrate into the sealant, thus speed up the curing time. In the absence of a putty knife, use a butter knife instead to remove excess sealant.
Read more: Best Putty Knives Reviews You Should Have in The Toolbox
If you are applying silicone in a room, open the windows. It is essential to maximize the ventilation inside the room. Allow adequate air flow so that the silicone will dry fast and the curing time shorten. Otherwise, if the room is hot, humidity will make the drying process longer.
Remember that drying is different from curing. Drying is the process in which the water and moisture evaporates. After the silicone dries up, chemical change happens. Thus, curing takes place.
The property or attributes of the silicone sealant are contributing factors of the curing process. With this, use a sealant that provides fast curing time.
Aside from those steps mentioned above on how to cure silicone fast, there are other tips that can help speed up the process.
So here are a few tips on how to cure silicone caulk faster:
Things to consider during application are the area or site to apply. The environment scenario should be free from molds and dry enough for faster drying. Also, I highly suggest that you have space to place a fan at least 30 cm- 1m apart from the site.
There are three different silicone caulks to choose from in hard wares. Buyers should be familiar with their uses so that they will work to their best ability. The three types to choose are:
Read more: What is the Best Caulk For Kitchen Sink
According to some experts, air humidity is also to be considered. Air should be dry enough to make the silicone caulk dry for three days. Once applied, wait for the least of 3 days before using your bathroom or kitchen sink. Another tip is you can try to close your bathroom and test the heater to dry the air. It does not mean that the room should be hot; it is the humid air that makes the silicone caulk dry faster. The curing process in which the exposure of silicone caulk in oxygen changes its composition to dry more quickly. With curing, the average drying process takes 72 hours.
Some silicone caulks do not stick during winter days. Often, you may buy some additives like low-temperature adhesives at a minimal cost in hard wares. However, try to be aware of its temperature holding. Some of these can hold temperatures at 0 to 4 °C. This added ingredient may affect the curing process of silicone caulks.
Silicone caulks have the elasticity property. Every buyer should be careful about the temperature of the season you will use it. The range of temperature they work best is 15-30°C. The problem comes during summer where it is hot, and the air’s humidity is high. High temperatures make the silicone caulk sticky and clotted. It is better to tighten it inside a plastic tube before storing it.
It should always be a precaution when buying products to check expiration dates. Adhesive properties of silicone caulk have a durability effect of at least a year from its manufacturing date. However, after a year after its processing date, silicone caulks can even be used. It is just the drying process that may take time.
Overall, we should note to buyers the use of silicone caulk type, the temperature usage, and the mixing ingredient they need to fasten the curing process. The environment should be clean and tidy. And during the application, use a variety of drying substances to make the air humid. Beware when the place is hot, as it does not lessen the curing time. Instead, it prolongs the process. I ensure that once you followed the notes above, you will probably dry your silicone caulk in just a couple of hours.
