Can you get clear sealants free of silicone?
Yes, you can.
A transparent sealant is ideal when you want a low-key sealant that doesn’t draw attention to itself. Sometimes, the effect of a white or coloured sealed joint contrasting with the elements that it joins can be visually appealing. But when that’s not the effect you’re after, use a transparent sealant.
What is the difference between crystal clear and translucent?
'Crystal clear' means what it says: a crystal-clear sealant is completely transparent and colourless. If a sealant is translucent, it will be visible in its own right. If you want an invisible, under-the-radar product, select a crystal-clear sealant or adhesive.
Why transparent adhesives?
If there is a chance that the adhesive will be visible in the finished product, for example, if it is being used to bond a transparent or translucent material, then you will want to select a transparent adhesive to ensure it is invisible.
Both professionals and DIY users love using this product because if a mistake has been made or there is overflow, it is easy to remove and clean up. And, most importantly, it is not visible!
What is a good crystal-clear sealant?
BOSTIK H505 SEAL’N’BOND CRYSTAL is a high-quality professional phthalate-, tin- and solvent-free crystal-clear universal sealant and adhesive for interior and exterior use*. Bostik H505 SEAL’N’BOND CRYSTAL is hybrid-based and it cures to form a durable elastic rubber. It can be used for all types of non-structural sealing applications where minimal joint movement is expected. Bostik H505 SEAL’N’BOND CRYSTAL can be used to seal and bond many common building materials.
*BOSTIK H505 SEAL’N’BOND CRYSTAL has a high resistance to UV; however, Bostik still recommends avoiding direct UV exposure if you use it outside.
BOSTIK H915 SUPERGRIP TURBO CLEAR is a crystal-clear fast-setting hybrid-based power adhesive with a green grab (instant hold) and a quick strength buildup. This solvent-free power adhesive secures objects in minutes. It was developed to bond a wide range of building materials including vertical bonding of heavy items such as brick, stone, and ceramic tiles. It provides excellent adhesion to most building materials including PVC, metal, wood, polyurethane, steel, aluminium, stone, glass, and mortar. Bostik H915 SUPERGRIP TURBO CLEAR can be used both internally and externally and is suitable for roof tiles, skirting boards, panels, siding materials, and plasterboard rails.
For sealants and adhesives that you don’t want to see, the choice is crystal clear.
How to apply transparent sealants and adhesives?
Bostik gives you a transparent sealant and a transparent adhesive that you can trust to perform well over the long term.
Transparent sealant
BOSTIK H505 SEAL’N’BOND CRYSTAL is for use as a sealant in situations where the differential movement of the joint is not expected to exceed 12.5%. It can also be used as an adhesive.
Step 1: Preparation
- Application temperature +5 to +40 degrees Celsius (applies to environment and substrates).
- All substrates must be solid, clean, and free of grease and dust.
- Clean substrates with BOSTIK T100 UNIVERSAL CLEANER.
- Pre-treat porous substrates with BOSTIK T300 UNIVERSAL PRIMER.
- Always test adhesion before application.
Step 2: Application
A sealed joint with the correct dimensions can absorb typical differential movements between building materials. From the minimum joint width of 5mm up to 10mm, the depth of the sealant should equal the width. For joints wider than 10 mm, the depth should be the width divided by 3 plus 6 mm.
Use a backer rod to ensure the correct joint dimension and to avoid three-point contact.
Use Bostik T500 FINISHING SOAP to smooth the joint.
For more information see FactSheet FS008 (Joint Dimensions) on our website.
If using it as an adhesive, apply BOSTIK H505 SEAL’N’BOND CRYSTAL in vertical stripes at 10–20 cm spacing. (Do not apply the adhesive in dots!)
- Not suitable for polyethylene, polypropylene, Teflon, soft plastics, neoprene, and bituminous substrates.
- Not suitable for glazing joints, natural stone, and mirrors.
- Not suitable for chlorides (pools).
- Not suitable for continuous water load.
- With prolonged exposure to UV radiation, products can discolour and become less UV-stable.
Transparent adhesive
Bostik H915 SUPERGRIP TURBO CLEAR an elastic adhesive for bonding diverse materials indoors, curing with air moisture to form a highly transparent, flexible bond. Ideal for various applications.
Step 1: Preparation
- Application temperature +5 to +40 degrees Celsius (environment and substrate).
- Surfaces must be dry, clean, and solid.
- Clean surfaces with Bostik T100 UNIVERSAL CLEANER.
- Bostik H915 SUPERGRIP TURBO CLEAR adheres perfectly to most non-porous substrates without needing primer.
- Always test adhesion before application.
Step 2: Application
- Cut off the dome at the top of the cartridge, taking care not to damage the thread.
- Cut the nozzle to the required diameter and screw it onto the cartridge.
- Insert the cartridge into a cartridge gun and repeatedly squeeze the trigger until the adhesive appears.
- Apply the adhesive in vertical stripes to one of the surfaces, then align and bring the surfaces together to crush the beads of adhesive. (Beads 5 mm in diameter are generally sufficient.)
Limitations
- Not suitable for polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate (Perspex, Plexiglas, acrylic), Teflon, soft plastics, neoprene, and bituminous substrates.
- Not suitable for continuous exposure to water.
- Not suitable for movement joints.
- Not suitable in combination with chlorides (pools).
A reminder of the benefits of using these crystal-clear BOSTIK products.
BOSTIK H505 SEAL’N’BOND CRYSTAL:
- Crystal clear
- Phthalate-free, tin-free, and solvent-free
- High UV resistance
- Multi-functional sealant and adhesive
- Suitable for internal and external use
BOSTIK H915 SUPERGRIP TURBO CLEAR:
- Green grab
- Extreme fast setting (20–30 min) and quick strength buildup
- High mechanical strength
- Cost saving due to thin adhesive layer of 2 mm
- Free of isocyanates, solvents, and silicones
- Neutral curing, almost odourless
- Adheres perfectly to a wide range of building materials
For your customers' peace of mind regarding transparent sealants and adhesives, the choice is clear. Insist on using BOSTIK H505 SEAL’N’BOND CRYSTAL and BOSTIK H915 SUPERGRIP TURBO CLEAR.
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