Navigating the Seas: Benefits of water resistant Silicone

“Yo-ho-ho, a pirate's life for me”

Okay, not really, but if pirates had water resistant silicone at their disposal, we would be seeing many more ships like the Black Pearl in our harbors.

Silicone products are versatile and are invaluable in industries across the globe. This is due to the standout characteristics of silicone like its water resistant properties. These properties make it exceptionally useful in environments where equipment and tools are exposed to moisture, submersion, and other harsh aquatic conditions. In today’s article we will explore what silicone is. In addition we will unpack its key benefits and its application potential in various industries. We finish off with a brief discussion on the factors to consider when procuring your silicone-containing product.

To get started, what is silicone and why is it important in water resistance?

To start, it is important to differentiate between silicon and silicone.

Silicon is a chemical element found in abundance throughout the world, it makes up 27.7% of the earth’s crust, but primarily exists as silica (silicon dioxide). Silicon dioxide is also known as quartz and is the main constituent in sand worldwide.

Silicone on the other hand is a polymer with various industrial and commercial applications we aim to showcase.

In industrial settings silicone, not silicon or silica (it's confusing we know), is a highly adaptable compound that is used in applications ranging from sealing and insulation, like the silicone found in your bathroom, to serving as a solution for the challenge of water resistant lubrication.

Due to its physical characteristics, like being hydrophobic, silicone is able to provide a protective barrier to surfaces it is applied to, preventing any contact between surfaces and moisture. This characteristic makes silicone an ideal option for water resistant lubrication.

The water resistant characteristics of silicone also make it a great choice for preventing corrosion and rust on equipment and tools, enhancing their durability in wet conditions. In addition, another benefit of silicone is that it is stable at a wide range of temperatures, making it usable in most cases including ovens and refrigeration equipment.

But, we are getting ahead of ourselves here, let first dive deeper into what a water resistant silicone-containing product is.

A water resistant silicone product, like WD-40 Specialist_® Silicone, is a specially developed chemical formulation able to provide a long-lasting protective barrier on the surfaces it is applied to. This is accredited to the chemical structure of silicone. Silicone consists of multiple siloxane (Si-O) monomers with a hydrophobic organic group bonded to it. This allows it to offer superior protection against wear and tear as well as water and moisture. Silicone is also able to maintain its integrity under even the most challenging of conditions, like those temperatures we spoke of earlier.

Interested in a water resistant silicone spray that performs in even the most extreme of environments? Find a retailer near you!

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The key benefits of using a water resistant silicone product include it being durable and having long-lasting action even after application. It is very useful in marine environments and is extremely versatile. Let's unpack its key benefits in more detail.

Durability and Longevity

Owing to its chemical characteristics, water resistant silicone-containing products like WD-40 Specialist_® Silicone is engineered to withstand harsh conditions. It is water-repelling, safe to use, and effective in temperatures ranging from -100° F to 500° F. This allows it to withstand prolonged exposure to moisture and water to maintain its properties over extended periods of time. This makes it a great choice for outdoor and marine use. 

Adding Value in Marine Environments

Water resistant silicone in marine environments plays a crucial part in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of boats, underwater devices and marine equipment. Its ability to protect critical components from salt water and moisture, accredited to the protective hydrophobic film it provides, makes it great at shielding marine components from corrosion and ultimately extends their lifespan.

Versatility in Use

Water resistant silicone is versatile and can be used as a silicone lubricant spray to lubricate linkages, pulleys, cables, guide rails, valves, and hinges. Its versatility makes it a great choice for low-temperature environments, like freezer rooms, and high-temperature environments like industrial ovens.

It is safe to use with seals, gaskets, and coatings as a result of its non-reactive properties. With proper application, it can extend the lifespan of these components by a significant margin.

If you are looking for a durable and versatile silicone spray that provides 5X greater wear protection than its competition, WD-40 Specialist_® Silicone is the product for you.

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Being such a versatile component, water resistant silicone is used in countless industries across the globe. Some of its most notable uses include its use in marine industries and manufacturing operations.

Marine Industry:

Water resistant silicone spray is invaluable in marine environments. This industry has harsh conditions in which equipment and tools are constantly exposed to saltwater and moisture. WD-40 Specialist_® Silicone can be used as silicone spray lubricant on boats and aquatic vehicles, ensuring the smooth operation of moving parts like hinges, latches and pulleys.

Manufacturing:

In the manufacturing industry, machinery and equipment are subjected to rigorous use. WD-40 Specialist_® Silicone plays a vital role in ensuring the longevity and smooth operation of machinery and equipment.

It is ideal for lubricating chains, hoists, pulleys, belts, conveyors and washers. The protective barrier created on the surfaces of the components it is applied to ensures that moisture will not reach these surfaces and as such mitigates risks associated with corrosion.

Planning your next camping trip? Grab a bottle of WD-40 Specialist_® Silicone to ensure you don't get stuck in any sticky situations.

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When considering which water resistant silicone to use, be it for marine environments, construction, or your next camping trip, a few factors must be taken into account to ensure optimal performance and protection.

Application

Determine the specific use for which the water resistant silicone is intended. As a whole, a versatile product like WD-40 Specialist_® Silicone can be used in various settings, from lubricating hinges to protecting equipment from moisture. It can even assist you in preparing for your next outdoor adventure by lubricating the zip of your tent or sleeping bag.

Environment

Consider the environment in which it will be used. Whether it be temperature extremes, humidity or water exposure, the environmental conditions will significantly influence the choice of product. As an example, marine environments require silicone sprays that can withstand saltwater and improve the UV resistance of surfaces it is applied to, while some industrial applications require products that perform well in both high and low temperatures. Luckily WD-40 Specialist_® Silicone is safe to use in both marine and industrial environments.

Formulation

The formulation of the water resistant silicone is a crucial factor in choosing the right product. Some formulations may include additives to improve characteristics like improved UV resistance to the surfaces it is applied to, which is necessary for outdoor use. Additionally some uses, like in industrial operations, require quick drying properties to cut down on standing time. The specific formulation of your water resistant silicone product will play a key role in the applicability of the chosen product.

From sea to shining industrial operation, WD-40 Specialist_® Silicone has you covered, click on Where to Buy, to find an outlet near you.

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Whether you are looking to protect your equipment from moisture exposure, getting ready for a camping trip or considering becoming a swashbuckling old-time pirate like Jack Sparrow; WD-40 Specialist_® Silicone is the ideal choice.