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Product Questions |
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When do I use a silicone caulk? When do I use an acrylic caulk? Why are there so many different kinds of caulk? How long will caulk release an odor? How do you keep a caulk from curing in the tube? What can I use to make the curing time longer or thin the silicone caulk? Which caulks can be painted over? Are silicone caulks resistant to acids or bases? At what temperature can caulks be applied? How much will one cartridge cover? How do I store silicone caulk? How long does it take a silicone bead to cure (dry completely)? What is the tooling time for caulk? Are GE caulk products guaranteed? What is the shelf life for silicone caulk? What happens if silicone caulk freezes? How do I store open tubes of silicone caulk ? Caulk is used to seal cracks and gaps in your home, such as the ones that may appear around door and window frames, or around sinks and tubs. Caulk can also be used to adhere surfaces together and repair seams where two building materials meet, such as siding and trim, crown molding and wallboard. When do I use a silicone caulk? - update with new approved language Silicone should be used for surfaces that require:
When do I use an acrylic caulk? Acrylics are better for use when:
Why are there so many different kinds of caulk? Caulk differs in formulation and intended use. Its physical properties, including adhesion, flexibility, color, opacity, finish, elasticity and durability, vary significantly so it's important to select the right product for each job. How long will caulk release an odor? Caulk releases an odor during its cure cycle. Most of this process occurs during the first 24 hours after the product is applied. How do you keep caulk from curing in the tube? The only way to keep silicone caulk from curing is to prevent it from coming in contact with the atmosphere. To create an air/moisture tight seal in a squeeze tube, squeeze a bead of silicone into the cap before the cap is reapplied. For caulk tubes, insert a nail into the hole or squeeze out a bead of silicone and tightly wrap plastic over the silicone and the caulk tube. Can I use silicone caulk as a barrier for gasses (oxygen, carbon monoxide, etc.) to keep gasses in or out? No. Silicones are vapor-permeable and will not form a hermetic seal. Before you perform any kind of test on GE caulk, simply check the "use by date" on the bottom of the cartridge. This should tell you if the caulk is still fresh, and able to be used. There is also a simple test that only takes 10-15 minutes; run a small bead on a piece of cardboard and if after about 15 minutes, the product doesn't form a "skin," the product is probably too old and won't ever fully cure (dry completely). What can I use to make the curing time longer or thin the silicone caulk? If you are a do-it-yourselfer, we do not recommend attempting to thin sealants at home. You should choose the product best suited for your application. If you are an industrial customer, contact a customer service representative at 866-275-4372 for detailed information. Which caulks can be painted over? GE Silicone II XST is a waterproof and paintable caulk that combines the benefits of siliconewith the paintability of an acrylic. If your application doesn't need to be waterproof, we recommend GE Infinity for the best painted finish. GE Infinity offers paintability with no shiners, which are visible variations in the sheen level of a painted surface. Is silicone caulk resistant to acids or bases? No. Acids and strong bases will work against the bond between silicone and the substrate it is bonded to. At what temperature can caulk be applied? Our silicone caulk can be applied in extreme temperatures ranging from below freezing to 110°. However, for the best application, the caulk itself must be at room temperature. Most of our acrylic caulk must be applied when the temperature is 40°F or higher. Generally, it's important that the surface be clean, dry and frost-free for the caulk to properly adhere to the surface. However, we do sell several adhesives designed to adhere to wet or frozen lumber. How much area will one cartridge/tube cover? One 10.1oz cartridge is enough for three standard doors (3' x 4') and four windows or two bathtubs and one sink. (51 linear feet with a 3/16" bead) One 2.8 oz tube is enough for one door or one window and variable repairs or "touch-ups." OR approximately 2 doors (3' x 7'). How do I store silicone caulk? Push any air out of the nozzle by pushing the caulkall the way to the tip before tightly replacing the cap. Store in a cool environment. If it is a squeeze tube, push the caulk up out of the nozzle before replacing the cap. Only twist cap until it stops. Do not wrench it or it will sheer and break off. You should squeeze some silicone in the tip of the cap.. By doing so, you'll remove the cured silicone plug when removing the top. What is the typical cure time (drying time) for silicone caulk? A 3/16" bead "normally" cures in 24 hours. The cure time could vary depending on the moisture in the air. Lack of humidity will make the curing process slower. If the product shows some sign of curing, such as a change in original consistency, it should cure but may take longer than normal. It may take up to 48 hours for caulk to cure under extreme conditions. Silicone II:
Silicone I:
What does "tooling time"mean? "Tooling time" is the amount of time you have to work, smooth, tool or otherwise manipulate the silicone caulk once it's applied. What is the tooling time for caulks? Silicone II:
Silicone I:
Are GE caulk products guaranteed? GE caulk products are backed by a standard limited warranty. Please call 1-866-275-4372 for more information about our warranty. What is the shelf life for silicone caulk? Generally, GE sealants & adhesives have "Use by" dates on most of its consumer caulk. This is to ensure that you get the freshest product available. If the product is unusually difficult to extrude or doesn't form a skin in 15 minutes or less, it is too old and should not be used. What happens if silicone caulk freezes? GE Silicone II and Silicone I caulk can freeze. If the caulk freezes before you use it, simply thaw at room temperature and test before application. The caulk should "skin-over" in 15 minutes. GE acrylic caulk cannot be frozen and should be stored at temperatures between 40°F and 100°F. How do I store open tubes of silicone caulk? Opened tubes of caulk should be stored in a cool, dry place. Before storing, squeeze out a small amount of silicone caulk so that fresh silicone will be at the top of tip. Replace the cap, or quickly wrap electrician's tape or duct tape around the tip. You can also put a nail down the nozzle and wrap tape over it. |
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