Acrylic sealant is a versatile synthetic material used to seal and protect various surfaces. It is commonly used in construction for caulking joints, sealing cracks, and keeping out dirt and bugs. The drying time varies based on temperature and humidity, and silicone can be added for added flexibility. Acrylic sealants come in various colors and can be used on plastic, wood, concrete, and metal. They are applied with a caulk gun applicator.
Acrylic sealant is a synthetic protective material used in a wide variety of applications. Seals all types of materials to make them free of cracks and resistant to the infiltration of foreign bodies. Variations of this sealant are used extensively in the construction industry on both residential and commercial properties.
The sealing is called caulking; joints in buildings require a caulked seal to seal the cracks and keep each joint watertight. Sealing construction joints with sealant is also done to keep out dirt and bugs. Because construction joints need to have some movement, a flexible sealant should be used. Flexible acrylic sealant has a rubber-like quality when it dries, so it’s often the preferred choice for sealing building joints. Drying in reference to caulking is called curing.
The drying or curing time of acrylic sealant varies according to the humidity and temperature of the place. When fully cured, the flexible sealant forms a rubbery, elastic coating on building surfaces and spaces. In addition to creating joints, it is used around windows and doors and to seal cracks in foundations. Gaps in building siding can also be sealed with acrylic. Mold resistant products are preferred for use in wood construction applications where mold could become a problem.
Silicone is often added to these sealants, as it adds a flexibility that the sealant doesn’t have on its own. Not only are silicone-coated acrylic sealants less likely to crack, they also tend to dry or harden faster. Many silicone-based acrylic varieties can be painted after 24 hours of curing or drying.
Clear, white, black, brown, gray, and tan are the typical color choices available in acrylic sealants. It is common for them to indicate on their labels the number of years they are expected to last: one designed to last 20 years would have the number 20 on the packaging. The number is still only a prediction because weather and application conditions affect the life of sealants. At some point, they will likely break and need to be replaced.
Acrylic sealants can be used on plastic, wood, concrete and metal, both indoors and outdoors. Driveway contractors use them on brick pavers. The sealant should be applied after the flooring has been cleaned with a pressure washer, otherwise dirt and debris will be sealed. Acrylic surface sealants are also used to seal airport runways to make them resistant to chemicals and weather.
In smaller applications, these sealants are applied with a caulk gun applicator. There are different types of applicators, but a common caulk gun looks like a great cake icing decorator because of its cylindrical shape and narrow tip. The gun is also used in a similar way, as the hollow cylinder is filled with mastic or sealant and applied to the surfaces from the tip or end.
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