Silicone is an organic substance that is commonly used as a lubricant. Typically heat-resistant and rubber-like, they are used in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medical applications (used in breast implants), cookware, and filling. It can be a liquid oil, a resin (silicone caulk in the tube. It can be used as a basic sealant against water and air penetration), or a rubber (dried silicone caulk).
Because silicone oil is very slippery and non-reactive to most substances, it can lubricate almost anything. It works really well on plastic parts, locks, hinges and guns. The most common type of distribution is in spray form. The fact that it is in spray allows you to put it in places that liquid oil and greases cannot be applied to. As silicone spray is water resistant, it can also protect items from moisture. It keeps hinges working smoothly especially during winter season.
Since it has a lot of uses around the house, all silicone lubricant sprays are not created equal. To choose the most effective silicone spray, you should consider the purpose for which you need it. There are a lot of silicone sprays that are not trustworthy, using them may be doing more harm than good to the parts you are lubricating.
Here are some of the most trusted brands of silicone spray:
CRC
It comes in different kinds, some of them are:
CRC Heavy Duty Marine Silicone which is a fast-acting, water-resistant lubricant spray to lubricant anything that squeaks, or refuses to slide. This spray leaves a colorless, odorless, non-staining film perfect for canvas fasteners, and zippers. The remaining film will not wash off and is great for waterproofing canvas. The dry film eliminates binding and sticking while protecting most surfaces.
CRC Food Grade Silicone Lubricant is a multi-purpose silicone spray for food processing and handling applications. It leaves a colorless, odorless, and non-staining film. Usually applied in bottling machinery, slicers, ovens, freezers, knives, saws, coin mechanisms, linkages, locks, pulleys, timers, rubber seals, tools, vending machines and ceramic insulators.
Mr. Mckenic
Mr McKenic Silicone Spray serves as a multi-protective spray and a mould release agent for all metal surfaces. It is non-toxic, colorles,s odorless and it has an anti-rust protection feature. It is usually used in hospitals, workshops, paper cutting industries and injection mould industries.
Waxco
Waxco auto Silicone spray is specially developed to lubricate, clean and protect most automotive parts, window gliding groove, fan belt, door joints, battery terminals etc. This new formulation is safe and gentle to all rubber and vinyl surfaces.
Amsoil
Amsoil silicone spray is perfect for lubricating non-metallic surfaces that comes in contact with metal, nylon, cardboard, fiberglass, wood or plastic surfaces. It is excellent for waterproofing leather boots, shoes, jackets, suede, etc.
Krylon
Krylon silicone spray stops annoying squeaks and sticking, it lubricates and reduces friction. It has a high viscosity silicone that allows surfaces to repel water and dust. It will not harden or degrade in temperatures from 40* f to 400* f.
Manufacturers of silicone spray products endorse this product enthusiastically .It is great, but some of the applications they say may be problematic or totally harmful. Because it is so slippery and lasting, avoid using silicone spray under the following conditions:
- On any surface upon which you walk, sit, or lay. You’ll slide off.
- On any item that you have to handle, such as the outside of a gun, fishing rod, door handle.
- On glass, it will stain them like many other products.
- On floor mats or any thing your feet may slip on. As I’ve said, you’ll slip.
- On steering wheels. It is dangerous when you find your hands keep sliding off when your driving.