Acrylic sealant: pros and cons

In the process of finishing work, it becomes necessary to process the connecting seams. Today, in the building materials market, acrylic sealant is in great demand, because it can be used to protect objects from the negative effects of moisture and temperature extremes. But before purchasing this product, you need to familiarize yourself with its advantages and disadvantages.

Acrylic compounds are used to connect stationary or inactive parts. Acrylic sealant can be waterproof. Such a composition is easily diluted with water and has an environmentally friendly composition. It cannot be used to equip rooms with high humidity. The material does not withstand strong deformations and low temperatures.

The acrylic compound is resistant to moisture. It is used for working with wet rooms - baths, swimming pools and saunas. The composition cannot be diluted with water and the substance is used immediately after opening the package.

The base of acrylic glue is made of durable plastic. The characteristics of the material depend on its components. The liquid that is part of the material evaporates over time. Within a day, the water disappears completely and the sealant solidifies. In addition to plastic, the sealant contains thickeners and additives.

Among the advantages of this material is ease of use. The acrylic material can be diluted with water, so it can be easily removed from the surface. Also, the sealant can be diluted to obtain a consistency that is easy to use. After hardening, it can be easily removed from the surface with a knife. Acrylic sealant is versatile, has a relatively low price and a large selection of varieties.

The water base is safe, so you can use the sealant without additional protective equipment. The material is non-toxic and non-allergenic. There are no flammable substances in the composition of the material, which increases the resistance of the material to high temperatures. Due to its adhesion properties, the sealant can be used on almost any surface. The material is suitable for both glossy and rough surfaces.

Acrylic sealant is able to pass steam: water does not accumulate between the seams of the tiles. This property helps to protect the surface from rotting and fungus formation. Over time, the light composition will not turn yellow. The surface will not crumble under the influence of ultraviolet rays. Silicone polyurethane foam, also used in construction for the treatment of seams, does not have such resistance.

The sealant can be additionally painted over. Acrylic does not collapse on contact with the dye base, therefore it is considered a versatile material. The finished joint can be restored. The sealant is easily removed from the surface and can be easily applied in several layers.

The scope of application of the sealant is quite large. With the help of acrylic composition, you can restore wooden parquet, process laminate. Craftsmen use sealant when installing windows and doors. Without it, it will be very difficult to carry out the sealing of pipe connection lines, sealing baseboards and seams between fragments of ceramic tiles.

The main property of acrylic sealant is elasticity. The plasticizers included in the composition give it an elastic consistency. The material can withstand continuous vibration without damage. The product is suitable for sealing narrow joints and sealing cracks, because it is capable of penetrating and plugging small holes. To obtain the desired result, the material is simply poured onto the surface.

The main distinguishing features of the material are ultimate elongation under critical load and wear resistance. After drying, the material may shrink slightly. With a good material, the displacement amplitude will not exceed ten percent of the maximum elongation. The more irreversible deformation, the lower quality material was chosen. If the expansion of the sealant exceeds the limit value, then the material will not be able to return to its original position.

Craftsmen are not advised to choose an acrylic mixture for outdoor use. The sealant for outdoor use must have increased frost resistance, since the material will have to withstand several freezing cycles. Such a composition, as a rule, is characterized by increased rigidity. The optimum drying temperature of the composition is from -20 to +70 degrees.

Masters recommend applying the sealant with a layer 5-6 millimeters wide and no more than 0.5 mm thick from the width. If the distance between the panels exceeds six millimeters, then experts do not advise increasing the sealant layer. Instead, a sealing cord is used. Its diameter varies from 6 to 50 mm. It is designed to connect panels during installation and to protect the joint from moisture.

The curing time of the coating depends on the density of the application. With a sealant thickness of 10-12 millimeters, the curing time reaches 30 days. The material solidifies while maintaining constant humidity and temperature. Do not constantly ventilate the room. It is enough to maintain 20-25 degrees, and the humidity from 50 to 60 percent. Subject to all the rules, the sealant can harden within 21 days.

The setting time for acrylic sealant is one hour. But removing the coating from the surface will not be difficult. It is possible to paint the sealant only after complete drying. You can store unpacked material for about six months in a room with an air temperature of +20 degrees.

It is forbidden to apply the composition to a surface that constantly interacts with moisture. If it becomes necessary to apply the composition in the rain, it is necessary to protect the outer layer with a polyethylene sheet. With prolonged contact with water, depressurization and delamination of the coating occurs.

When buying a sealant, you must consider the scope of its application. For each type of work, an individual composition should be selected. A versatile material that can be used anywhere indoors. But for finishing the facade of the building, it will not work.

Depending on the behavior after application to the surface, the material is divided into three types: drying, non-hardening and hardening. The first group includes compositions based on polymers. Such a sealant hardens after a day without additional manipulations. The drying acrylic mixture is available in two-component and one-component. Stir the compound thoroughly before application. One-component material does not need stirring.

The non-hardening sealant is produced in the form of a mastic. The elastic mass must be kept at a temperature of 20 degrees for at least a day. The material is resistant to heating up to + 70 ° С and cooling to -50 ° С. In this case, the width of the joint of the panels can vary from 10 to 30 mm. Such a sealant is mainly used in the design of building facades, even in regions with a harsh climate. The hardening composition is created on the basis of silicone materials.The components of the sealant harden during a chemical process (vulcanization).

In appearance, the compositions are colored, transparent and white. The color of the sealant will hardly change after drying. The transparent silicone in the composition may cloud a little, the intensity of the acrylic will not change. Some types of sealant are transparent, but with the addition of a coloring pigment. This composition is used when working with glass products. The sealant is light-transmitting and adapts well to transparent material.

Siliconized colorless sealant is widely used in the installation of plumbing fixtures. This composition is waterproof, therefore it is suitable for interior work in the bathroom. The composition protects the surface from leaks and mold. Due to the absence of color, a coating can be obtained without visible seams.

Colored sealant is purchased if the selected surface cannot be painted. In order to avoid an obvious color drop and preserve the integrity of the composition, experts advise giving preference to this type of material. The pigmented adhesive composition is not inferior to colorless in its physical properties. The tint palette of the sealant is wide enough. Available in gray, black or brown material.

White sealant is good for painting. It is used for the installation of plastic windows and light doors. The presence of the pigment helps determine the thickness of the adhesive strip and the uniformity of the application. It is much easier to troubleshoot if the composition is visible on the surface. After complete drying, such a sealant is painted along with the surface.

There are several types of product depending on the area of ​​use and conditions of future use.

• Bitumen-based composition. This type of sealant is used for external work - the elimination of cracks in the foundation and tiles. The material is able to fix almost any material due to the peculiarities of its composition. The sealant is resistant to heating and cooling to critical temperatures, and also does not deteriorate under the influence of moisture. The indisputable advantage of the material is the creation of strong adhesion.
• Universal sealant does not require any special skills during application and is suitable for almost all interior work. The material is frost-resistant, therefore it is often used when installing windows. The sealant fills the gaps tightly, preventing drafts. When working with wood, craftsmen recommend a colorless composition for use.

• Silicone sealant for aquariums. This material should not contain toxic substances. The adhesive is water resistant because after curing it will be in constant contact with water. High plasticity and adhesion allow the use of this sealant when installing shower cabins. Also suitable for the treatment of ceramic and glass surfaces.
• Sanitary. This professional material is used for working in wet rooms. The composition contains special anti-fungal components. The material protects the surface from the development of bacteria.

• Heat resistant. This fire-fighting compound is used in the assembly of stoves, processing the joints of heating pipes and chimneys. The glue can withstand heating up to +300 degrees, retaining its physical and mechanical properties.

The seam can be treated with a waterproof and non-waterproof compound. Craftsmen advise using acrylic adhesive for work inside the building. For processing the facade of the building, masters recommend using a frost-resistant sealant. It is also suitable for interior work. A non-moisture resistant sealant cannot be used in high humidity conditions.It is usually used for the installation of wood and plastic panels, expanded polystyrene and drywall.

Acrylic works well with decorative elements - ceramic fragments can be securely attached to concrete and brick walls. Installation can also be carried out on walls with increased roughness. The sealant reliably seals the joints of tiles and clinker panels. With the help of such an adhesive, you can beautifully decorate the facade of a building, protecting the walls from negative environmental influences.

Waterproof acrylic sealant is used much more often. It is needed when working with various types of wood, ceramics, concrete and PVC panels. Thanks to the plasticizer in the composition, the adhesive is suitable for surfaces with varying degrees of roughness. The composition reliably fixes both porous and smooth surfaces. The waterproof material is recommended for use in the bathroom or in the design of the kitchen. It is well suited for wet areas.

Acrylic sealant is used to seal joints in wood flooring. The adhesive is available in any shade. This allows the client to purchase a material that does not differ in color from wood. The sealant has good adhesion to wood, so it is often used to seal joints between beams. The material can be used when installing a bath or a summer residence.

The sealant is distinguished by its environmental properties, therefore it is used almost everywhere. The material allows you to eliminate drafts in the room. The sealant contains no components that emit harmful substances under the influence of temperature, so this adhesive can be used in living rooms. In combination with panels made of natural materials, the sealant is often used to decorate the bedroom and nursery.

With the help of sealant of brown shades, they create the final decoration of the premises from wood. It is suitable for sealing knots. Scarred wood surfaces can be smoothed out with a sealant of the appropriate color. Acrylic also helps to strengthen the wood surface and protect it from delamination.

An adhesive is required for fixing ceramic panels. This material is versatile and easy to use, so it will be easy to use even for beginners. Special adhesives require individual technology. The seizure of acrylic sealant does not occur immediately, which allows you to make the necessary adjustments at the initial stage of work. When working with tiles, a white sealant is often used. Tiles with white seams look aesthetically pleasing, and this color also serves as an ideal base for painting.

The sealant can be used when fixing the window sill to the concrete base. The durable compound protects the joints between concrete slabs. In outdoor work, the adhesive is often used to seal cracks in stone surfaces. The coating protects the concrete from the penetration of water into chips and the formation of a network of surface cracks. The sealant also fights dampness.

Acrylic material is used to fix the ceiling covering. If you need to fix the stucco or plinth, you cannot do without the use of a sealant. The composition provides reliable adhesion of the panels to the surface and prevents the development of mold.

To calculate the exact amount of sealant required for operation, you need to know the dimensions of the joint that must be filled. The seam depth is multiplied by the width of the future strip and the consumption value is obtained. Consumption is taken per meter and is expressed in grams. If the seam is planned to be triangular, then the flow rate can be divided by two. This case is suitable for processing the connection of perpendicular surfaces.

To seal the crack, you must take a sealant with a margin, since it is almost impossible to find out the exact dimensions of the gap. To process a seam with a length of 10 meters, you need to spend 250 grams of silicone. The sealant is produced in tubes of 300 grams - this amount is enough to process this surface. It is better to purchase a colored sealant of one brand and one batch, since the shade of the product may vary.

The use of a sealant does not require additional devices and special skills. The material does not have a strong odor and does not irritate the skin. Work can be performed without special respiratory protection and skin protection. The composition can be easily washed off with warm water from hands or tools.

When treating surfaces with a sealant, some rules should be followed. Do not change the humidity and temperature in the room until the composition is completely dry. Do not use water in the bathroom or kitchen if the surface of the sealant has not hardened. Otherwise, there is a high risk of erosion of the adhesive.

The hardening process of the sealant is conventionally divided into two stages. First, the surface is covered with a strong film. This stage lasts no more than three hours and allows for adjustments. Then the sealant sets completely, but this stage lasts several days. With the onset of the second stage, the masters do not recommend influencing the layer of material. Interference can affect the structure of the solidified composition and reduce its physical and mechanical properties.

The sealant is applied with a special gun or spatula. Most often, the finished substance is sold in a special dispenser. After opening the package, it is recommended to use the product to the end. The sealant cannot be stored after the first use - it loses its basic properties. For large volumes of work, the masters are advised to purchase a sealant in buckets, since the use of a tube in large areas is problematic.

Before applying the adhesive, the rough surface must be carefully prepared. Dust, dirt and material residues are removed from the seams. The space to which the sealant will be applied must be degreased. If you skip this stage, there is a risk of impairing the properties of acrylic. The required adhesion will only be applied to the previously treated dry surface.

You can reduce material consumption and save money by using a sealing cord. Experts use this method when installing windows, skirting boards, laying large ceramic fragments. The cord can reduce the consumption of adhesive by 70-80 percent, as well as increase the pace of construction work. The cord also acts as an insulator and prevents heat leakage.

Often, after use of the sealant, particles of the sealant remain on the clean surface. These traces must be removed. Among the methods of cleaning the coating from the hardened sealant, mechanical and chemical removal are distinguished. Both methods do not require special skills and are available to everyone. They are used by both professionals and novice craftsmen.

Excess glue is cut with gentle movements. Remove the sealant carefully, layer by layer. Small residues are rubbed with a pumice stone or steel wool. Care must be taken to ensure that no cracks form on the coating. For more delicate work, you can use a wooden scraper.

After completing the work, the surface must be washed with a cleaning powder dissolved in water. The coating can be rubbed with a soft brush and left to dry completely. It is contraindicated to tear off the frozen glue by hand. This can negatively affect the flawlessness of the coating. Keep track of the quality of work at every stage - scratches cannot be repaired.

If the plastic surface is contaminated with sealant, the areas are cleaned with a plastic spatula.The use of metal cleaning devices on plastic surfaces is prohibited. PVC is most sensitive to sharp objects. After processing the coating with a spatula, wipe the areas with a rag.

Scrubber and scouring powder are used only on surfaces that are resistant to light external stress. Wipe the coating with light circular motions with slight pressure. This kind of work requires patience and accuracy. But the result will justify the investment of time and effort.

The chemical method for removing the sealant is to use a special solvent. Chemical cleaners are produced in the form of a paste and aerosol. After applying the product to the glue, its surface becomes plastic. The soft substance can be easily removed with a napkin or wooden spatula.

Test the cleaner before using it. Due to the large amount of aggressive chemical additives, the solvent can damage the surface. To avoid loss of color or partial dissolution of the coating, the composition is applied to a small area and waited for some time. If the test is successful, then proceed to the treatment of the entire surface.

You need to work in a protective mask and special gloves. The substance is applied and waited for an hour. But before work, it is important to familiarize yourself with the instructions on the solvent packaging - a different composition requires a different amount of time. The solvent is not recommended to be applied to the painted surface.

When working with chemicals, the rooms must be well ventilated. The composition of the solvent can be very toxic, so you should not neglect the safety rules. It is not recommended to remove the protective mask during work - chemicals can irritate the mucous membranes. It is also forbidden to touch the composition with bare hands. Working with sharp blades should also be done carefully.

To protect the surface from contamination with sealant, it must be sealed with masking tape. Adhesive tape is glued along the seam to protect against excess adhesive. It is better not to neglect such protection, because it is not always possible to carefully remove the sealant.

Today, on the building materials market, you can buy sealant from well-known manufacturers. Buyers note the quality of the composition from Germany, Poland and Russia. Craftsmen do not recommend using materials of unknown brands - they do not exclude the use of low-quality raw materials. To avoid buying bad material, you need to listen to reviews from real buyers.

Customers note the affordable price of wood acrylic sealant "Accent"... This brand produces five types of sealants. "Accent 136" easy to use even for beginners. About 20 kilograms of product is spent on 40 square meters of wall area. Buyers note the good insulating properties of the material - the heat loss in the room has significantly decreased. Soundproofing has increased, and insects from the apartment have disappeared altogether.

Sealant "Accent 117" pleases buyers with water resistance. It is suitable for the design of interpanel seams. Customers are pleased with the quality of the products when comparing the sealant with analogues of other companies. The hardening adhesive is suitable for installing windows and interior doors. The coating has good adhesion.

"Accent 128" has a high silicone content. Buyers recommend using this sealant to seal slightly warped joints. The advantage of the composition is its resistance to staining. Customers note that the coating is able to withstand several freezing cycles. The apartment remains warm at low temperatures.

Acrylic sealant "Accent 124" is multifunctional.Buyers advise using it when performing outdoor work, as it has high adhesion to concrete. The composition is used for filling cracks in stone, brickwork and tiles.

Another equally well-known company is "Herment", pleases buyers with a reliable fixation. Mechanical properties fully justify the price of the material. The composition securely fixes the panels and is suitable for almost any surface. Among the disadvantages, buyers may note a pungent smell. Masters advise working with this composition in a protective mask and in a ventilated area.

Sealants brands Illbruck differ in a large palette of shades. Buyers note the richness of the pigment and color retention during use. The material is suitable for working in areas of high humidity. Customers often use this compound when installing glass surfaces. The sealant also works with metal and concrete.

Hardening material Ramsauer 160 lays down in an even layer. Customers are pleased with the lack of odor. This sealant adheres well to paint. Customers use the composition in special bags that provide an even coating. The sealant is suitable for working with wood.

The sealant is selected based on the type of material that will be fixed. Plastic, wood and metal have different properties and operating characteristics. To increase adhesion, craftsmen are advised to additionally purchase a primer. A layer of this composition is applied to the rough surface before using the sealant. The intermediate primer increases the adhesion of the adhesive to the material, the bond becomes more reliable and durable.

When using a sealant in an aggressive environment, preference should be given to samples with the presence of fungicides in the composition. Such a sealant withstands high humidity and is resistant to temperature extremes. Experts use it to equip a bathroom or balcony. The material can be toxic, so its use in kitchen decoration is unacceptable. Upon contact with food, the composition can negatively affect the well-being of residents.

When installing the aquarium, you should pay attention to the composition of the sealant. The material must be resistant to water. However, there should be no toxic substances in the composition - the sealant should be safe for animals. This material has increased tensile strength. It cannot be dissolved in water. Modern acrylic compositions are able to satisfy all the requirements of buyers, but the choice of composition should be taken seriously.

The permissible operating heating of such a composition should reach +300 degrees. Otherwise, there is a great risk of ignition of the material. Under the influence of critical temperatures, a simple acrylic sealant quickly loses its elasticity and collapses. In stores, you can find compounds that retain their properties when heated to +1500 degrees.

An important criterion for choosing a material is fire resistance. For work in warm rooms, it is necessary to choose a fire protection composition. Very often additional protection is required for wood panels. The place of the felling and the connection of the beams must be processed and protected. When assembling a bath or heated floors on logs with a wooden finish, all joints are coated with a sealant that protects the structure from overheating.

Do not apply sealant in direct sunlight. Light accelerates the formation of a dry film on the surface of the coating and the curing process. The coating hardens unevenly, so the sealant may become bubbled and cracked. The working surface must be covered with a screen. It is necessary to shade the wall within the first five days.

When buying a material, you must ask for a quality certificate. There are prescribed rules and regulations for each room. The documents indicate the requirements for materials and construction in each room. The sealant should be selected with this data in mind. It is better to purchase material under the guidance of a master. In the modern market, you can easily purchase material of inappropriate quality.

For information on how to use acrylic sealant, see the next video.