What is the point of using "solvent free" Silicon ?

[mactatty]

I can't find anyone who can tell me, including the technical guy at Mapei. I've heard that Solvent free may not shrink like other silicones with solvents, but Mapei still shrinks by 3% (their figure). Another tech guy at a Silicon manufacturer says that it doesn't have an odour, but this is the same as other non-acetic silicones, whether with solvents or not.
It's important as "solvent free" means "expensive", and I'd like to know if it's worth the money.

 

[2010]

its not good for you to breath in solvents also some substrates react to them - mirror backing for example

 

[Ajax123]

Solvents generally are f concern in the construction industry. They are a serious health and safety concern. They are also an environmental concern with high voc content and disposal issues. You might not think that your ne or two tubes a week make a difference but add them to the several million tubes used per day and you have a serious problem.

solvent based products do not generally perform any better so why use them.

Epoxys are a massive concern in the flooring industry at the moment fr the same reasons.

 

[mactatty]

There's nothing in the Safety Data Sheets about solvents, and nothing to suggest that they are hazardous in any way. The Mapesil solvent free silicones still contain "hazardous components". I don't think it is easy at all to decide what the advantage of solvent free is. Water is a solvent.....maybe the Silicon ones are as harmless too.
As Mapesil (£6) is 3 times the price of the cheaper ones like NonNonsense (£2) , and there is no performance difference that I can see, I don't see any point in going for Mapesil.

 

[DHTiling]

Does no-nonsense come in 26 colours to match grouts ?

 

[Ajax123]

My comment was ore generic about organic solvents in general as I am not sure what solvent is used in Silicon sealant.

 

[mactatty]

No. I only usually use white, clear and beige, so Non-Nonsense and other cheap silicones are fine. If I wanted to match a colour, Mapei would be the one I would go for. In any case, for white Silicon work that will be visible I always use Forever White, even though I know from experience that it goes mouldy.... it is to impress my customers.

 

[DHTiling]

If you like a particular brand and it works for you then stick with it IMO.

I just like Silicon to match the grout i use.

So weber with weber and Mapei with Mapei and bal with bal and so on.

 

[Ajax123]

Are you sure ou are talking about solvent based Silicon. I just looked up solvents used in Silicon sealants in my safety guide and they contain such nasties as acetone and ethyl methyl ketone which at best will kill a few brain cells and at worst will kill a few people. EMK is also capable of making you sterile..... If the data sheet does not say owt about hazardous chemicals I would suggest it is actually solvent free.......

 

[mactatty]

This would mean that the cheapies like No Nonsense and Toolstation own brand are solvent free, even though they don't say so. I'll see if they can tell me this week.

 

[gamma38]

I never use any no-nonsense Silicon, and definately never in any remotely wet areas. It is useless for finishing work. Doesn't stick that well and goes black within your packing up time!!!!! Use good quality Silicon, it's the finishing touches that customers really notice IMO

 

[mattle40]

I agree^ for the sake of an extra few £££ per job it more than worth it for the finish and peace of mind.
I really like the bal micromax range
A bit thicker to work with and some dnt like this but I can't fault it
Well priced too

 

[billflat12]

sNot wanting to state the obvious, but my experience say,s use what people want. if, it,s the best job use it , solvent free has always been a buzz word for the conciseness of maybe.

 

[panman]

i think to much knowledge may a bad thing . like whats been said any sealant will do , what works with you is the key

 

[mattle40]

Too much knowledge is never a bad thing, I wish I knew what most had forgotten.. Knowledge is insurance