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UK Sealant Types & Applications
Silicone, acrylic, polyurethane, hybrid and butyl sealant types with cure times, movement capability and paintability.
Sealant Types Comparison
| Type | Movement (%) | Paintable | Waterproof | UV Resistant | Cure Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone (acetoxy) | ±25 | No | Yes | Good | 24–48 hrs |
| Silicone (neutral cure) | ±25 | No | Yes | Good | 24–48 hrs |
| Acrylic | ±10–15 | Yes | No (water-based) | Fair | 24–72 hrs |
| Polyurethane (PU) | ±25 | Yes (once cured) | Yes | Poor (paint over) | 24–48 hrs |
| Hybrid (MS polymer) | ±25 | Yes | Yes | Good | 24–48 hrs |
| Butyl | ±15 | Some types | Yes | Fair | Remains flexible (non-curing) |
Application Guide
| Application | Recommended Sealant | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bath / shower seal | Sanitary silicone (neutral cure) | Must contain fungicide |
| Kitchen worktop to wall | Sanitary silicone or hybrid | Neutral cure for stone worktops |
| Window / door frame to masonry | Neutral cure silicone or hybrid | Low modulus for larger joints |
| Internal cracks (plaster to timber) | Acrylic caulk | Paintable, fills small gaps |
| Expansion joints (concrete/masonry) | Polyurethane or hybrid | High movement capability |
| Glazing (single pane) | Acetoxy silicone | Excellent glass adhesion |
| Roofing repairs | Butyl or PU | Remains flexible in all temperatures |
| Natural stone (marble, granite) | Neutral cure silicone only | Acetoxy will stain/damage stone |
Cartridge Coverage
A standard 310 ml sealant cartridge covers approximately:
| Bead Size (mm) | Linear Metres per Cartridge (m) |
|---|---|
| 3 x 6 | ~17 |
| 6 x 6 | ~8.6 |
| 6 x 10 | ~5.2 |
| 10 x 10 | ~3.1 |
| 12 x 12 | ~2.2 |
Related Calculators
See the Adhesive Types for bonding applications, or the Tile Adhesive Coverage for tiling products. See also the Sealant Calculator.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Acetoxy silicone (the one that smells of vinegar) cures fastest and has excellent adhesion to glass and glazed ceramics. However, it releases acetic acid during curing which can corrode metals (copper, brass, lead), damage stone, and attack mirror backing. Neutral cure silicone has no corrosive by-products and is safe on all substrates including metals, natural stone, concrete and mirrors. Use neutral cure unless sealing glass-to-glass or glazed-tile-to-glazed-tile only.
No. Standard silicone sealant cannot be painted — paint will not adhere and will peel off. If you need a paintable seal, use acrylic sealant, a paintable hybrid sealant (e.g. Soudal Fix All), or a silicone-modified acrylic. Acrylic sealants can be painted within 1-2 hours of application. If you accidentally apply silicone where paint is needed, it must be fully removed before resealing.
Skin-over time (touch dry): silicone 5-15 minutes, acrylic 30-60 minutes, polyurethane 30-60 minutes, hybrid 10-20 minutes. Full cure: silicone 24-48 hours (depth-dependent, ~2 mm per 24 hours), acrylic 24-72 hours, polyurethane 24-48 hours, hybrid 24-48 hours. Low temperature and low humidity slow cure times significantly, especially for silicone which cures using atmospheric moisture.
For bath/shower seals and around sanitary ware, use a sanitary-grade silicone (neutral cure, with fungicide) — this contains anti-mould agents to resist black mould. For around window frames and door frames, neutral cure silicone or hybrid sealant. Never use acrylic sealant in wet areas — it is not waterproof and will eventually fail and grow mould.
Related Calculators
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Last updated: April 2026
Verified against UK standards · estimates only, confirm with your supplier.