Fortunately, no one gasket suits a range of applications, but rather we have a multitude of gasket sealants available to meet various specifications and requirements.
Ultimately, sealants are used to effectively ensure gasket seals. Helping to extend a gasket’s life and offer additional protection from fluctuating temperatures and corrosive chemicals.
In some instances, some gaskets won’t require a sealant at all. These situations occur when a new solid gasket is fitted to new products and flanges.
In other cases, gaskets may be supplied with an adhesive backing (a sealant) to allow you to achieve the perfect placement with no slippage encountered.
Those gaskets with adhesive backings don’t suffer extrusion or, indeed, leak into places they shouldn’t.
Sealants, in the broader term, can also be used on aluminium applications; however, please be aware that it is extremely difficult to remove a sealant, and in worse case scenarios, it can leave a dented surface.
Where gaskets and seals are helpful
Different types of sealants are available to match and sit well with the various types of gaskets available. Where you might find a sealant to be useful in gasket placement is where:
- A flange is very uneven
- It is required to fill a gap
- Leakage of the sealant is not an issue.
You will commonly find gasket sealant used in the automotive industry alongside solid gaskets.
However, we also often find that these sealants can be used to make cheaper gasket materials more robust as it helps increase adhesion and chemical and water resistance.
Note: When it comes to sealants, you most certainly don’t require a lot of gaskets sealant! A small amount is more than sufficient to fill small indents.
Types of sealant
RTV sealants – a silicone gasket sealant that is processed at room temperature is a very effective sealer as well as a gasket itself. Suitable as a high-temperature gasket sealant, silicone is ideal for extended periods making it suitable for long-term industrial applications, especially where a flexible yet permanent seal is required. It is also worth considering Ultra RTV when using newer electronic-controlled vehicles as Ultra RTV is sensor safe.
Non-setting compounds/anaerobic sealants – these sealants help to maintain a consistent seal by not setting hard. Designed for applications where outside air is not available to help the drying process, this type of sealant is good for side of the road leak repairs, as well as filling small imperfections in mating surfaces.
Liquid gaskets offer many benefits if they are used solely as a liquid.
Shellac – perfect for cardboard gaskets or thin paper that operates in low pressure and low-temperature environments.
High tack – this is a non-drying gasket that can sustain temperatures up to 500 degrees.
Form a gasket sealer – within this category, you will find three types of gasket sealants:
- Fast-drying, fast hardening.
- Slow drying, non-hardening (this type works best on cork gaskets as clean up is much easier for re-sealing).
- Brushable, slow drying non-hardening (you can lay this sealant on thick or thin to metal flanges, solid gaskets, and machined surfaces, and it will work effectively asap. This type of sealant is often popular for hose connections due to the material being fuel and oil resistant).
Copper gasket sealant – available in both brushable and aerosol forms, you will find copper gasket sealants fast-drying, dissipate heat, and promote even heat transfer between the two surfaces of the application. It is also suitable to fill small imperfections offering a positive, high-quality seal.
Benefits of gasket sealers
- Provides you with additional protection against leaks
- Offers stronger mating
- Improved sealability
- Strengthens gaskets
- Works in conjunction with gaskets in use sealing the area better
- Supports improved operations.
Of course, there are various considerations to take into account when opting for the right sealant for your gasket, such as the temperature the sealant will be exposed to, type of dispenser, etc.
The team at Specialist Sealing Products is on hand to help you with your gasket and seal needs and all related questions!
Call us today on 01535 274 776; we’d be happy to help.
