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Silicone adhesives are an essential tool to have in your house. This multipurpose adhesive can be used to fix a window frame, mend some fabric, or fix the shower joints.
In this article, I’ll tell you about some of the best silicone adhesives and their different uses.
Top Silicone Adhesive Reviews
Here are some of the best silicone adhesives and their features.
Best Overall Silicone Adhesive: Gorilla Clear Silicone Sealant Caulk
The Gorilla brand is known for its quality sealants – you’ve probably used one of their products at some point.
Made out of pure silicone, the Gorilla Clear Silicone Sealant Caulk is the perfect choice for both light and heavy work. Its material is versatile, and it can work with almost all materials and surfaces.
Product Specs
- Made of pure silicone
- Waterproof
- mold-resistant
- Mildew resistant
It’s also waterproof, mold-resistant, and mildew resistant. Its drying time takes around 25 to 30 minutes to dry, and it can be used both outdoors and indoors.
The 10-ounce tubes are an ideal size as well. They’re portable and easy to store.
Feature Highlights
- Can be used on many different surfaces
- Holds up well for long periods of time
- Can be used to seal pipes, shower joints, and gaps in windows, sinks, and counters
Pros
- It’s versatile and durable
- Doesn’t take too long to dry
- Can be used to mend a wide variety of items
- Waterproof and mold resistant
- Balanced size
Cons
- It has a strong, unpleasant smell
- The tube is weak and might break if not handled with care
Best Value Silicone Adhesive: Permatex 81173 Black Silicone Adhesive
The Permatex 81173 Black Silicone Adhesive is a black-colored silicone adhesive that can be used in different kinds of repair.
This adhesive is a good choice if you’re looking for something bigger than the usual 10-ounce adhesive tube like the Gorilla Clear Silicone Sealant Caulk.
Product Specs
- Comes in black
- Can be used for different kinds of repair
- Available in 12.9-ounce tubes
- Temperature range is between -75 F to 450 F.
Some of the best things about this adhesive are water-resistant and oil-resistant. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to withstand harsh weather and isn’t affected by vibrations.
You can use it to seal or mend glass, metals, and plastics. It also does a good job with fabrics and vinyl tops. In addition, you can use it to protect electric wiring as well.
Feature Highlights
- Water-resistant
- Oil-resistant
- Can withstand tough weather and vibrations
Pros
- This adhesive comes in a pack of twelve which is great if you need a lot of repairs done
- Reasonable price range
- Its 12.9-ounce size is bigger than the usual 10-ounce tube
- Ideal size for easy storage and portability
- It works with different surfaces and materials
Cons
- It comes only in black color, which can be a problem and might leave noticeable marks
- Its material is a bit runny and may cause a mess during application
Best Budget-Friendly Silicone Adhesive: GE Sealant & Adhesive
The GE Sealant & Adhesive is a good pick if you’re looking for something small at an affordable price. The adhesive is 100% silicone and comes in 2.8-ounce tubes.
The most notable thing about this adhesive is its water resistance and durability. It’s also flexible and easy to apply on different surfaces.
Product Specs
- Made of 100% silicone
- Comes in 2.8-ounce tubes
- Flexible and easy to apply
- Can be used on different surfaces
It’s easy to apply and dries quickly. Hence, it’s an excellent choice for all types of repairs around the house, like the Permatex 81173 Black Silicone Adhesive.
You can use it to seal porcelain, glass, wood, steel, and aluminum. It does a decent job with plastics as well.
Feature Highlights
- Water-resistant
- High flexibility level
- Can be used to seal porcelain, glass, steel, and many other materials
Pros
- It’s great for minor fixes and quick DIY projects
- Durable and long-lasting
- Works equally well outdoors as well as indoors
- Cost-effective
- Compact and easy to store
Cons
- It gets a bit dry inside the tube after the first use, so it would be better to use it all at once
- Its clarity changes a bit after it dries, and it isn’t fully transparent
Best Compact: J-B Weld 31310 All-Purpose Silicone Adhesive
The J-B Weld 31310 All-Purpose Silicone Adhesive is an excellent choice if you’re looking to purchase something small. Its 3-ounce tube will be your best friend if you want to save storage space.
Store it at room temperature and can be used on most surfaces. It’s also an excellent option for mechanical or household assembly and minor fixes as well. It’s also great for heavier things as well, such as door frames, showers, and aquariums.
Product Specs
- Comes in three-ounce tubes
- Comes in different colors, but cures in a clear color
- Stored at room temperature
- Set time is one hour
Besides its convenient size, the J-B Weld 31310 All-Purpose silicone adhesive is great for many uses. It takes an hour to set and around 24 hours to cure.
Its silicone material is dependable, versatile, and doesn’t shrink. Another two outstanding features are that it’s waterproof and weather resistant. So, if you’re thinking about using it on a window, you don’t have to worry about future cracks.
Feature Highlights
- Versatile silicone material
- Waterproof
- Resists tough weather
Pros
- Compact size
- Easy application
- Works well with both heavy and light things
- Doesn’t shrink after drying
- Available in various colors for added versatility
Cons
- The tube isn’t durable, and the adhesive might squirt out of the other end
- It’s not as affordable as GE Sealant & Adhesive 2708910
Features to Consider
When choosing a silicone adhesive to buy, take a few minutes to think about the following.
Temperature
It’s important to consider the weather in the area where you live. Is the summer really hot in your area? Can the adhesive handle the intense heat?
Some silicone adhesives start to break down in high temperatures.
If you’ll be using this adhesive outdoors, it is especially important to take into consideration. Sun and heat combined can really shorten the life of your adhesive.
Durability
It’s crucial to check the durability of the adhesive you’re buying. At the same time, consider the item you’re fixing.
You might find an adhesive that the brand you chose is more affordable but isn’t as durable as another one sold at a higher price range. However, if the item you need to fix is small, the cheaper one could be the right pick for you.
On the flip side, if the item you’re fixing is heavy and big, you have to get an extremely durable adhesive. Even if it costs more, think of it as a smart investment.
Color and Painting Blemishes
Not all adhesives are clear. Many of them come in bright, vivid colors. So, even if the adhesive is highly durable and efficient, its color might leave a mark on the item you’re fixing.
To avoid getting unwanted blemishes on your stuff, check the product’s description. If you’re adamant about buying colored adhesive, make sure it doesn’t leave any stains or blemishes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s look at some frequently asked questions among silicone adhesive users.
Do I Need to Prepare the Surface Before Applying the Silicone Adhesive?
You should prepare the surface 24 hours in advance before applying your silicone adhesive. With surfaces like glass, metal, and plastics, simply wipe them with a solvent, such as mineral spirits with glass, metal, and plastics. Make sure you do this in a well-ventilated area. Then, wipe them using a dry, clean cloth.
Avoid cleaning them with soap. Adhesives don’t work well on surfaces that have soap residue.
Can I Add a New Layer of Silicone Adhesive to an Older One?
You should avoid adding a new layer of silicone adhesive on top of an older one. Even though the new silicone adhesive layer will bond with the older one, it won’t be as strong. It’s better to remove any old adhesive layers and apply a new layer of silicone adhesive straight to the surface.
Does Silicone Adhesive Produce a Bad Odor?
Most silicone adhesives have a vinegar-like smell that lasts until the adhesive is finished curing. Some adhesive brands have a stronger odor than others. Nevertheless, the odor will generally remain for about 24 hours until the adhesive fully cures. Then, it evaporates without leaving any lingering smells behind.
How Can I Prevent Silicone Adhesive From Curing Inside the Tube?
Keep the silicone adhesive in the refrigerator until application to keep it from curing and drying out. The cold temperature will slow down the curing process and make the adhesive stay usable for longer.
You should also avoid opening the tube early. Instead, make sure to open it right before application to prevent it from drying out.
Conclusion
You can always find the best silicone adhesive to get the job done no matter what you’re trying to fix! Yet, with so many choices on the market, it can be challenging to know which is better.
This is where my handy product review comes in. I chose the five top-quality brands on the market to meet every DIYer’s needs.
If you’re looking for an adhesive that’s versatile and easy to use, go with the Gorilla Clear Silicone Sealant Caulk. I like that you can use it both indoors and out, and on many types of surfaces.
However, if you want something smaller and more affordable, opt for the GE Sealant & Adhesive 2708910. It’s perfect for fixing small items around the house. Plus, it’s water-resistant and works on a wide range of surfaces.
