GENERAL PURPOSE SILICONE
A general purpose silicone for small sealing jobs
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Product overview
Bostik General Purpose Silicone is an industrial grade, waterproof, flexible neutral cure silicone sealant designed for sealing a wide variety of surfaces including gutters, downpipes, flashings and vents, exterior walls and plumbing applications. Resistant to weathering, including UV and ageing. Bonds to glass, masonry, ceramics, cement, brick, timber, PVC pipe, metal and aluminium.
Features & benefits
Suitable for interior and exterior applications
Specifically designed to meet New Zealand conditions - Unaffected by rain, snow, extreme temperature change and constant ultra violet exposure
Excellent adhesion properties - Permanently flexible
Waterproof
Downloads & resources
Bostik DIY New Zealand Repair - General Purpose Silicone Technical Data Sheet (199.02 KB)
This file is stored on an external website, please follow the link
How to use
Ensure all surfaces that will be in contact with the sealant are clean, dry, and free of dust, dirt, rust, oil, and other contaminants.
Non-porous substrates should be clean with solvent and wipe dry immediately with cloth before the solvent evaporates from the surface. Porous surfaces should be roughening with a stiff-bristled brush, rubbed down or sandblasted.
Complete all painting before applying. Use masking tape each side of the joint to simplify clean up and protect surfaces.
Application
- Unscrew cap and pierce end of tube with reverse end of cap to open.
- Apply on surface in steady flow by hand pressing.
- Tool off/smooth off before skin forms.
- If used, remove masking tape immediately until sealing tolling is complete.
- Sealant surface will skin in approx. 10 minutes and is touch dry in 30 minutes.
- Content fully cures in 48 hours.
Cleaning
- Remove excess uncured sealant with a mineral turpentine-soaked cloth.
- Fully cured excess sealant can be removed by trimming with a sharp knife.
Important
Oxime silicone sealants (both standard and sanitary grade versions containing fungicide) will tend to display a slight colour shift with age and exposure to ultraviolet light. Typically this colour shift, or yellowing, is not visually significant in the field. Also it is not necessarily confined to translucent coloured materials, and the fungicide itself does not have any adverse impact. This is a worldwide phenomenon affecting this cure type of silicone sealant.
Misapplication or contamination of an oxime sealant whilst curing will exacerbate the inherent condition. Specifically, chemical exposure to certain agents such as chlorinated cleaning solutions (ie, bleach), chemical solvents, and the fumes of some paints (enamel or solvent – containing types where not fully dried) may tend to magnify this yellowing change particularly where the sealant is still curing.
FAQs
Why is viscosity important in adhesives?
Viscosity refers to how easily an adhesive flows. Products with a lower viscosity are thinner and spread more easily, while higher-viscosity products are thicker and offer greater control during application.
In adhesive applications, viscosity can influence how a product spreads, fills gaps and performs on vertical surfaces, making it an important factor when selecting the right adhesive for a project.
How do you remove General Purpose Silicone from your fingers?
If Bostik General Purpose Silicone gets on your fingers, remove any excess sealant as soon as possible before it cures.
For uncured sealant, clean the affected area with mineral turpentine and then wash thoroughly. If skin contact occurs, wash the skin thoroughly for at least 15 minutes and remove any contaminated clothing.
For detailed step-by-step guidance, see the How to remove glue from your fingers article, which explains how to safely deal with adhesive on skin and minimise discomfort during removal.
What is the difference between General Purpose Silicone and Super Glue?
Bostik General Purpose Silicone and Bostik Super Glue are designed for different jobs. Bostik Super Glue is a fast-curing adhesive that creates strong bonds in seconds and is typically used for quick repairs and precision bonding.
Bostik General Purpose Silicone is a flexible sealant used for sealing joints, filling gaps and creating watertight seals around a range of household surfaces. If the goal is bonding materials together, Bostik Super Glue is usually the better choice. If the goal is sealing or waterproofing a joint, Bostik General Purpose Silicone is generally more suitable.
How long does General Purpose Silicone last?
Bostik General Purpose Silicone has a shelf life of 12 months from the date of manufacture when stored in its original unopened packaging under the recommended storage conditions.
For best results, store the product in a cool, dry place away from excessive heat and keep the packaging sealed until it is ready to be used. Proper storage can help maintain product performance throughout its shelf life.
How do you get surfaces ready for General Purpose Silicone?
Before applying Bostik General Purpose Silicone, remove any dust, dirt, grease, oil and other contaminants from the surfaces being sealed. The surfaces should also be completely dry before application.
To help achieve the best sealing performance, ensure the application area is smooth and free from loose material that could interfere with adhesion. Proper preparation helps create a more reliable seal around joints, gaps and household fixtures.
Stuck on what glue to use?
Use this guide to find out what product to use for your job.
Start the Glue Guide