How to use silicone spray correctly – and when it's better not to
Silicone spray is an all-rounder for lubricating, separating, conditioning, and protecting. However, it has clear limitations – especially where painting or gluing will later take place. This guide shows the correct application and the most common mistakes.
To the point: What is silicone spray suitable for?
Silicone spray leaves a thin, slippery, and water-repellent silicone film. It is suitable for lubrication and improving the sliding properties of rubber seals, rails, and plastic parts, as a release agent , and for the maintenance of elastomers. Do not use where subsequent painting, printing, or bonding will take place – silicone residues will cause wetting problems (craters). Details regarding compatibility and temperature range can be found in the technical data sheet.
Typical uses
- Sliding: rubber seals, window runners, drawers, plastic guides.
- Separation: as a release agent in simple molding and injection molding processes.
- Care/Protect: Keep elastomers supple, repel moisture.
- Light corrosion protection: thin, water-repellent film.
Apply correctly
- Clean and degrease the surface.
- Spray thinly from about 20–30 cm; less is often more.
- Allow to air dry briefly, then wipe off any excess material.
- Apply thin coats as needed instead of applying one thick coat.
When silicone spray is taboo
Silicone is the classic "paint killer": Even the smallest residues in the ambient air or on the workpiece lead to craters and wetting problems during subsequent painting. Therefore, silicone spray should be avoided in paint shops and anywhere bonding, printing, or coating will take place, or silicone-free alternatives should be used.
Silicone spray vs. alternatives
| Task | silicone spray | alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Sliding on plastic/rubber | very good | PTFE spray |
| Lubricating metal/metal | moderate | Multi-purpose/PTFE/specialty oil |
| Before painting | unsuitable | silicone-free release/lubricant |
| Separation in mold making | simply suitable | specific release agent |
Guideline values – the specific suitability depends on the product and application and must be checked in the respective technical data sheet.
Why silicone and paint are incompatible
Silicone has a very low surface tension and creeps into the finest layers. If traces of it get into the paint system, the paint can no longer wet those areas – crater-like depressions form. Even aerosols in the air of the workshop are enough to cause this. Therefore, a strict ban on silicone is often in place in painting and bonding shops.
Silicone-free alternatives
Where painting, printing, or gluing will later take place, silicone-free lubricants, release agents, and care products are used – for example, those based on PTFE or wax. They offer similar lubricating properties without interfering with the wetting of subsequent layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can silicone spray be used to lubricate door hinges?
Yes, for rubber and plastic contacts. For heavily loaded metal-to-metal bearings, special oils or greases are usually the better choice.
How long does the silicone film last?
This depends on the load and environment; rework is necessary after movement and cleaning. Specific details can be found in the data sheet.
Is silicone spray electrically insulating?
Silicone is generally an insulator. For specific electrical requirements, choose a product specifically designed for that purpose.
Sources and technical basis
The information is based on manufacturer data sheets and common application practice. Suitability, compatibility, and temperature range are product-dependent and can be found in the respective technical data sheet.
How SILITECH supports
Do you need a lubricant, release agent, or care spray – with or without silicone? We recommend the right product and provide the corresponding data sheet.
