out of date silicone

[finest1]

hi all, hope you are all well,

i was just about to start siliconing my shower tray (long running project) and found the exp date on the tube FEB 23. the silicone is a DOW 785 unopened. it was stored in a cool dark place. is it ok to use?

thanks

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Do a test bit see if it drys and looks fine eg doesn’t flake off etc but should be fine

 

[finest1]

Do a test bit see if it drys and looks fine eg doesn’t flake off etc but should be fine

Hello Sean, thanks. i just opened it. if my eyes didn't fall on the date, i wouldn't have known any better. anyway i just applied a smidge. how will i know if it starts to set? will it just harden? i've never checked before. in the past i just silicone and leave it !! i'm going to give it 30 mins, will that be enough? furthermore, when i opened it, it smelt vinegary but not overpowering. i suppose it just smells like silicone, no different. and i didn't even put it in the gun yet, and i can squeeze it in my hands and it was moving fine

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Yes about an hour if off won’t dry etc or will just fall apart no stretch etc

Yes stnd smell

 

[finest1]

hello Sean, yes the test one hardened in an hour.
as it is a shower in the loft, i want to add another beading of silicone on top of what i did, and also the beading was slightly thicker in places. i think the average person won't really notice, but for me I'm after the water proofing. can i add another bead in a few days? i'm thinking Tuesday evening

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Yes aslong as the existing is clean etc

 

[finest1]

Yes aslong as the existing is clean etc

thanks, as always Sean

 

[finest1]

hi Sean, i just went to check my silicone to see if it is worth adding some more. i don't know why i did it but i touched each area to check and to my suprise, 2 areas were "tacky" compared to the rest. i'm wondering if it is because its in the corners of the external wall and maybe its the coldest part of the wall. the other bead on the external wall has set and not tacky. the shower is not in use at the moment.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

hi Sean, i just went to check my silicone to see if it is worth adding some more. i don't know why i did it but i touched each area to check and to my suprise, 2 areas were "tacky" compared to the rest. i'm wondering if it is because its in the corners of the external wall and maybe its the coldest part of the wall. the other bead on the external wall has set and not tacky. the shower is not in use at the moment.

Yes does need heat to go off doesn’t like low temps think it needs to be above 12dc from memory

 

[finest1]

maybe i add some gentle heat to the area, not specifically on the silicone itself. will that help?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Should do how long since you installed it ?

 

[finest1]

Should do how long since you installed it ?

Sunday afternoon (19th NOV 23)