Silicone sealants are widely used in a variety of applications. In the coating and silicone sealant industry, GE Silicone 1 and GE Silicone 2 are big names, especially in the aquarium sealant section.
GE Silicone 1 can be used when curing time is not a problem and also when the budget is an issue. GE Silicone 2 can be used when you need fast curing time, and you have a good budget to spend on it. In this article, I compared GE Silicone 1 Vs. 2 in detail to help you choose the perfect one for your next project.
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GE Silicone 1 Vs. 2
Overview of GE Silicone 1
GE Silicone 1 is an all-purpose silicone sealant with 100% silicone. The sealant is 100% weatherproof and ideal for areas that could be exposed to the weather. With its same-day rain-ready formula and 7-year mold-free product protection, it is extremely flexible, strong, and stain-resistant.
GE Silicone 1 has a long curing time, usually 24 to 48 hours. During this slow curing process, the sealant adheres fully and forms a strong bond. Also, it’s weather resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it a great outdoor product.
Read More: GE Advanced Vs. Supreme Silicone
Overview of GE Silicone 2
GE Silicone 2 is an advanced silicone sealant with better specifications than GE silicone 1. It also comes with 100% silicone and 100% weatherproof sealant formula to protect against harsh weather. It has a faster curing time (30-minute rain-ready). With GE Silicone 2, you can achieve a strong, permanent bond within a shorter period of time, which is one of its key benefits.
As a result of its 30-minute rain-ready formula, it offers 40% more flexibility than Class 25 sealants, as well as 5X greater strength than GE Silicone 1. Additionally, it comes with a 10-year mold-free product protection to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Similarities and Dissimilarities Between GE Silicone 1 and GE Silicone 2
| GE Silicone 1 | GE Silicone 2 |
| Safety: High | Safety: High |
| Flexibility: Less | Flexibility: More |
| Color: Clear | Cure Color: White, Black |
| Water-Ready Time: In 24 hours | Water-Ready Time: In 30 mins |
| Curing Time: 24-48 hours | Curing Time: 6-12 hours |
| Water Resistance Level: 100% Waterproof | Water Resistance Level: 100% Waterproof |
| Surface Applications: Siding, windows, doors, pipes, etc. | Surface Applications: Window, door, most metals, woods, aluminum, etc. |
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Comparison Between GE Silicone 1 and GE Silicone 2
Specifications
Different materials are used in the GE silicones, which makes them distinctly different from one another. In addition, different sealants have different characteristics, specifications, and textures.
GE silicone 1 sealants comply with ASTM C-920. A standard specification for elastomeric joint sealants that are cold-applied, single-component or multi-component cured. Here, the class level is 25.
As for the GE silicone 2 sealant, it also uses ASTM C-920. However, it is a level 35 class. As a result, the joint movement of the GE silicone 2 is 35%. Additionally, it is 40% more flexible than GE silicone 1. The flexibility of silicone allows it to adapt to adverse weather conditions.
Price
The GE silicone 1 is less expensive than the GE silicone 2. It is possible to select different variants based on the purposes for which they will be used, which can increase the cost.
However, the GE silicone 2 is a bit more expensive. When purchasing in large quantities, it will become more expensive than GE silicone 1.
Curing Time
The curing time of GE Silicone 2 is faster than that of GE Silicone 1. It takes about 24 to 48 hours for GE Silicone 1 to fully cure. On the other hand, GE Silicone 2 can be rain-ready in as little as 30 minutes. And GE Silicone 2 takes about 6 to 12 hours to fully cure.
Ge Silicone 1 Vs. 2 For Bathrooms
GE Silicone 1 and GE Silicone 2 are silicone sealants with differences in curing processes and applications. GE Silicone 1 is an acetoxy-cure silicone that cures faster and is ideal for non-porous surfaces like glass. However, it may corrode metals.
GE Silicone 2 is an alkoxy-cure silicone that resists mold and mildew, making it better for bathrooms. It also has better adhesion to various surfaces, including metals. For bathroom use, GE Silicone 2 is generally recommended.
Ge Silicone 1 Or 2 For Aquariums
For aquariums, GE Silicone 1 is recommended, as it is an acetoxy-cure silicone with strong adhesion to non-porous surfaces like glass. Ensure you choose a version labeled as aquarium-safe and free from mold/mildew inhibitors, as they can be harmful to aquatic life.
How Can You Tell If Silicone Is Food Grade?
Just by pulling on silicone, you will be able to determine if it is food-grade silicone. After stretching the silicone, you will be able to tell if it is food-grade or not based on the color tone. Take a silicon product and pull it from both sides. It’s ordinary silicon if it’s white. But if it’s blue, it’s food-grade silicone.
Is GE Silicone 1 Or 2 Better for Aquariums?
For aquariums, GE Silicone 1 is recommended as it is a more flexible sealant that can accommodate movement and expansion without losing its seal. This is important since aquarium environments are constantly changing.
Last Opinion
Both GE Silicone 1 and GE Silicone 2 are high-quality silicone sealants that are suitable for a wide range of applications. You just need to choose the perfect silicone sealant as per your need. Here, I tried to help you in that matter by comparing GE Silicone 1 Vs. 2. Hopefully, it will help you to find the right silicone sealant for your next project. Please leave a comment below if it really helps you.
