silicone dry time?

[sleepydoc]

First, your fingers are far from an adequate gauge of whether a material is fully dried and cured. Second, there is more to drying and curing than simple air contact. You can still smell the acetic acid in silicone caulk well after it is dry to the touch. As I said, it continues to out-gas for several days, albeit at lower levels. Adding water will not only change the rate of diffusion, but also leach those chemicals into the water.

As another example, think of polyurethane varnish. You can still smell the solvents literally for weeks after it is dry to the touch.

 

[fishgate]

First, your fingers are far from an adequate gauge of whether a material is fully dried and cured. Second, there is more to drying and curing than simple air contact. You can still smell the acetic acid in silicone caulk well after it is dry to the touch. As I said, it continues to out-gas for several days, albeit at lower levels. Adding water will not only change the rate of diffusion, but also leach those chemicals into the water.

As another example, think of polyurethane varnish. You can still smell the solvents literally for weeks after it is dry to the touch.

I hear what you are saying, but I still don't think it makes any difference to submerge the silicone after 48 hours as apposed to waiting a week (or more). I am not suggesting after an hour. I said 48 hours. I have done this and never had an issue. What problems could it cause?

 

[sleepydoc]

See above. If you don't understand, you won't.

 

[DoitCheap13]

lol, such a long discussion over something so insignificant. Remember, to each there own!

 

[peppie]

lol, such a long discussion over something so insignificant. Remember, to each there own!

I wold have to disagree with you on the your opinion of silicone curing being insignificant. It could cause major issues if the silicone is not properly cured.

However I do agree with your LOL.
I have yet to see a reply on this subject that produces facts. Many opinions, some assumptions, but no facts.

I do not have the facts to back my opinion so I will keep it to myself.

 

[uncleof6]

FACTS? You can't handle the FACTS : From Product DATA Sheet for Momentive RTV100 series silly cone— 7 days for the product to cure full through, for a 1/4" bead. This has nothing to do with how long it takes to fully cure a much thicker glob that is actually used in this hobby. 2 weeks, longer?

Silly putty I, Silly putty II, cure time 48hours (to be safe) for a 1/8" bead. Figure it out. 1/4" bead 96 hours; the globs used in this hobby: do the math LOL week maybe longer?

What kills fish? Uncured silly putty. Not some mythical ingredient referred to as "bio-seal" or mildewcide, or what have you. Silicone needs to cure. Silicone is not for use under water: that would tell you it won't cure under water, rather poison the water...

I share the LOL too, as this comes up everyday, and the answer has not changed, and according to the manufacturer information, it never will. That is where you find the facts.

 

[fishgate]

FACTS? You can't handle the FACTS : From Product DATA Sheet for Momentive RTV100 series silly cone— 7 days for the product to cure full through, for a 1/4" bead. This has nothing to do with how long it takes to fully cure a much thicker glob that is actually used in this hobby. 2 weeks, longer?

Silly putty I, Silly putty II, cure time 48hours (to be safe) for a 1/8" bead. Figure it out. 1/4" bead 96 hours; the globs used in this hobby: do the math LOL week maybe longer?

What kills fish? Uncured silly putty. Not some mythical ingredient referred to as "bio-seal" or mildewcide, or what have you. Silicone needs to cure. Silicone is not for use under water: that would tell you it won't cure under water, rather poison the water...

I share the LOL too, as this comes up everyday, and the answer has not changed, and according to the manufacturer information, it never will. That is where you find the facts.

Do you know why most drugs have a 1-2 year shelf life? It isn't because they are bad after 1 to 2 years. It is because it is a "safe" answer. It costs infinitely more money to test a drug beyond 2 years so why do it? Simply tell people to throw them out. It is the same thing with this. Why take a chance on anything? Simply tell people to let it cure for a week or two weeks.

My research has found tons of anecdotal evidence that no harm will come to any fish and no problems with the silicone will develop by using it "less then fully cured".

Again, I ask, why would silicone not cure underwater?

I am 1/2 Missourian so you need to "show me" :thumbsup: why something is. I do not take anything at face value. So unless someone has done some actual testing and not just Internet postulating, I will stick with my common sense. Meanwhile, I think I am the only one in this thread that has actually done some testing since I submerged my silicone after 2 days to no ill effects. While certainly not scientific it is more testing then anyone else has done.

:deadhorse1:

 

[sirreal63]

Perhaps I look at this wrong, but what is the downside to waiting a week or two? None that I know of, are there potential risks to not letting silicone fully cure? Aside from potential chemical issues, there are structural considerations as well. If it is too much to ask for someone to be patient enough to let the silicone fully cure, this hobby will eat them for lunch.

 

[sleepydoc]

Well, common sense is not common. That much is clear.

If you think you know more about curing than the manufacturer, go right ahead.