Want to keep things watertight? Be sure to pick the right sealant—there’s one for every taste and task, and getting it wrong can leave you in hot water!
From sealing bathroom tiles to tackling rooftop leaks, a good sealant keeps the elements where they belong (outside, thank you very much).
Stixall is one of the leading brands. It’s a multitasking wonder that bonds faster than you can say “roof leak.”
But what, exactly, makes it so versatile? Read on to uncover why Stixall is your best bet for tackling just about anything sticky in DIY.
Which Sealant’s Best?
Each sealant has its strengths and quirks. Here’s a quick tour through all the sealants, so you can find just the right one for each job.
And while you’re here, for jobs involving roofs, gutters, and corrugated surfaces, be sure to check out our guttering products and roofing sheets to help get the job done.
Acrylic Sealants
Acrylic sealants are water-based wonders, excellent for filling in joints and gaps in woodwork, doors, and trims. They’re ideal for exterior use, as they hold up well against the sun’s UV rays. They don’t offer a lot of stretch, though, so if there’s too much movement, you might see some cracking over time. The good news? Acrylic sealants are paintable, so you can easily blend them in with your surface.
Butyl Sealants
If you need a sealant that stays flexible, butyl’s a blessing. With a rubbery, gum-like texture that doesn’t fully harden, it’s ideal for guttering, corrugated roofs, and even windshields. It’s highly water-resistant but not great with friction—so avoid using it in spots that see a lot of movement, as it can wear and tear.
Latex Sealants
Latex sealants are the all-rounders of the bunch—fab for indoor jobs, particularly in places where there’s minimal movement, like door frames or mouldings. They’re water-based, easy to apply, and can be painted over to match your decor. Just bear in mind that they can shrink a bit, so they’re not the best for damp or high-moisture areas.
Polyurethane Sealants
If durability is key, polyurethane sealants are a brilliant bet. These are heavy-duty, flexible, and stick well with minimal prep. They’re good for tough jobs like gutters, pipes, and even car parts. They’re UV-resistant and handle movement well, but they’re usually reserved for more industrial-level projects.
Polysulphide Sealants
Polysulphides can handle extreme flexibility, even in chilly temps, and they can even be applied underwater. These sealants are best for sealing leaks that need immediate attention, and you’ll often find them used on roofs, glazing frames, and exterior walls. They do, however, pack in more VOCs (volatile organic compounds), so a bit of caution is required during application.
Silicone Sealants
Silicone is the all-weather friend of the sealant family, known for its durability and adaptability. It forms an airtight, watertight bond that can expand and contract without any fuss at all. It’s exceptional for high-moisture areas, though it can pick up a bit of grime and is sometimes prone to mould growth in damp spots. But rest assured, it’s a long-lasting choice for jobs that need both flexibility and reliability.
Why Stixall? The Basics of a Versatile Sealant
So, what’s all the hype with Stixall about? This is a sealant that works for every surface—metal, glass, wood, brick, you name it. Stixall is a chemically curing formula that bonds surfaces with an iron grip, drying rapidly to create a rock-solid seal.
It’s great for fixing up the kitchen or patching up the roof and ensures stuff holds fast. Want to know more? Check out our Stixall products to see how they can work wonders on your next project.
Stixall vs. Traditional Silicone Sealants
When it comes to the heavyweight battle of sealants, Stixall and silicone are often the last two contenders standing. Silicone’s flexible, waterproof, and sticks around longer than your last DIY project’s to-do list.
But Stixall brings a bit of extra punch. Unlike silicone, Stixall isn’t fussy about surfaces. It’ll bond metal to wood, plastic to glass, or even all four if you’re feeling ambitious. Plus, it boasts a faster drying time, so you’re not sitting around twiddling your thumbs waiting for it to set.
Best Uses for Stixall Inside and Out
Stixall’s versatility means it’s right at home in the kitchen, the garden, and even up on the roof. Have a leak? Stixall to the rescue. Need to bond metal to wood or seal up those windows? Stixall’s on it.
This stuff can handle temperature changes, so it’s brilliant for outdoor projects, but it’s also flexible enough to use indoors without causing a rumpus. Whether you’re patching up a tile, fixing a loose gutter, or adding a seal to a drafty window, Stixall tackles just about any job you throw its way with ease.
For roofing jobs, why not explore our full range of pitched roofing and flat roofing products?
Painting Over Stixall: Do’s and Don’ts
So, you have your Stixall doing its job, and now you’re wondering if you can slap a coat of paint over it to blend it all in. The good news? You generally can! Stixall gets along just fine with most water-based paints.
But hold your roller—before you do anything, check the paint’s technical details to make sure it won’t mess with the sealant’s strength. If you want a nice, smooth finish, let the Stixall cure fully (think a good 24 hours) before breaking out the brushes. It’s a small wait for a long-lasting result that looks as sharp as it is sturdy.
The Takeaway
So, that’s everything you need to know about how to choose the right sealant. Whether you’re sealing a sneaky leak, bonding bits that refuse to stick, or adding that final coat of paint, Stixall has the strength, flexibility, and ease to keep your projects smooth and stress-free.
It’s versatile, quick to dry, and reliable, too. So next time you’re reaching for a sealant, you’ll know exactly what you need to get the job done right. And if you’re ready to give it a go, don’t be shy—pop over to our Stixall section and let the projects begin.
Need any more supplies? From roof vents to ladders and lead flashing, we’re here to help. Need advice or want to talk to the team? Get in touch with us now.
