Acetic silicone, neutral silicone or acrylic sealant: which to use
Short answer: use acetic (acetoxy) silicone on smooth, non-porous surfaces in wet areas such as baths, basins and glass; use acrylic sealant for cracks and frame joints that will be painted; ask for a neutral silicone when the surface is sensitive to acid, such as some metals, stone or concrete.
The three types
Acetic silicone cures with moisture from the air and gives off a vinegar smell while curing. It stays flexible and waterproof and bonds well to glass, glazed tiles and sanitary ware. It is not painted.
Neutral silicone cures without releasing acid, has little smell and suits a wider range of materials, including surfaces that acid can attack.
Acrylic sealant is water-based. It is less elastic than silicone but can be painted, so it is used for cracks and for gaps around door and window frames before decorating.
What TCP stocks
| Product | Type | Pack | Listed uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCP Multi-Purpose Silicone | Acetic silicone | 290 g cartridge; clear, white, black | Baths, showers, basins, sanitary fittings; selected aluminium, metal, PVC trim and laminate joints |
| ENFIX Silicone | Acetic silicone | 270 g cartridge; clear, white, black | Same sanitary and trim joints |
| TCP Acrylic Silicone Sealant | Water-based acrylic | 485 g cartridge; white | Joints around timber and metal frames; cracks in brickwork, stone, plaster and concrete; paintable after full curing |
For a neutral-cure silicone, ask our team about current availability.
Getting it right
Clean and dry the joint, and remove dust, loose coatings and old sealant. The data sheets exclude bitumen, asphalt and surfaces that release oils, solvents or plasticisers. Apply the silicones between +5°C and +40°C and the acrylic between +5°C and +30°C. Skinning starts in about 25 minutes for ENFIX Silicone at 23°C; full curing depends on temperature, humidity and bead thickness.
Common questions
Can I paint over silicone?
No. Use the acrylic sealant where the joint will be painted, and test the paint first.
Which one for a bathroom?
The acetic silicones above are the ones listed for sanitary joints.
Is a sealant a glue?
No. For fixing cladding, stair nosing or panels, use an adhesive such as TCP Liquid Nail or TCP High Tack.
See all sealants and adhesives, or visit the showrooms in East Legon, Accra, and Kumasi.