Can't remember any silicon going 48 hours and still being tacky to the touch. Maybe the temperature is too low (60-65F) ? Only thing I can think of though.
Have to admit I didn't read the label (print too small for my bad eyes) any ideas?
It sounds as though it is too old. Was this laying around for awhile before you used it?
Bought it new at the hardware store. Tried two different tubes. Furnace in this house not working (next project) so I put a space heater in the bathroom. Haven't been there yet today so I'll see if there was improvement in curing overnight.
Check the use by date printed on the tube. Old RTV Silicone tends to not cure well.
I just did a shower with Silicone II a few weeks ago and it cured in a few hours.
If it's still the least bit tacky today (Sunday) I'd take the tubes back. They may have an issue with giving a refund on spent tubes but I wouldn't fuss if they required an in-store credit.
I bought a tube a year ago. Worst stuff I've ever tried to use. It also develops a "crystalline" like structure. My guess is that either the epa banned the acetic acid content or the patent ran out. You can still get the original form in the 14oz "caulk gun" tube. (last time I looked at HD)
I've been using the goop(brand) version of silicone. It's the same $4 per tube, but uses a hydrocarbon carrier. It flows better out of the tube, smooths easier, and skins fast. Still recommends 24 hrs for full cure, is not as waterproof and is flammable. Get ur magnifier and be sure it's right for your project!
You can also check the 99 cent or dollar stores, they sometimes have $1 (half size) (real)silicone tubes that you won't feel as bad about throwing away when finished ;-)
-larry / dallas
As I recall, the GE stuff requires moisture, which it draws from the air, to cure. If you applied it to a space with hot dry air, it may take longer.
TKM
Check the "use by" date.
I stopped using GE sealants years ago. A year-old tube wouldn't set-up at all. Hulluva mess to clean up. I've had better luck with DAP sealants.
Cheers, Puddin'
"Mit der Dummheit kaempfen Goetter selbst vergebens!" -Friedrich Schiller
It's too old. It will never cure. But now that it's on, I'd give it another day or two anyhow.
I have had tubes that are years old, that were in storage in an ministorage locker with a door open to the outside, with no floor above it but some insulation, and with no heat and no airconditioning, that was still fine. And with no expiration date on the tube.
So I guess it is hard to tell in advance whether the stuff is good or not.
Get a magnifying glass. They really work.
Hire someone.
Before you buy any silicone adhesive, note the expiry date on the base. They have short lives, and staying sticky is typical of adhesive beyond the "use by" date. You may have bought old stock. I find GE silicone extremely useful, but buy it only in small quantities due to the short shelf life. I tend to use the squeeze tubes, as they are easy to reuse, reseal, and are great for small jobs. Also, the tube is plastic vs cardboard cartridges, so the product stays fresher. Roger
On Sun, 06 May 2007 14:40:01 -0400, mm graced this newsgroup with:
it's not old. It was just purchased. Silione has a minimum 5 year shelf life if left unopened.
great suggestions. You're a lot of help.
My recommendation is to use a blow dryer and see if you can accellerate the curing process. If it still doesn't cure after using the blow dryer, remove it, return the remaining silicone and get another brand. I've always had good luck with the higher end GE brand.
WE don't know how long it was in the pipeline before he bought it.
Stores and distributors try to rotate their stock, but I'm sure they fail sometimes.
I have had pretty good luck using the carttridge cap and then wrapping the nozzle and cap tightly with electrical tape.
I think it might help also to cap the squeeze tubes as soon as possible, right away, after squeezing some out.
Use by 10/2008 :)
I I took what I bought back and selected another brand.
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