{"id":7670,"date":"2022-04-09T18:32:58","date_gmt":"2022-04-10T02:32:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/?p=7670"},"modified":"2022-07-13T14:53:36","modified_gmt":"2022-07-13T22:53:36","slug":"why-silicone-is-the-best-glue-for-garden-art","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/why-silicone-is-the-best-glue-for-garden-art\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Silicone is the Best Glue for Garden Art"},"content":{"rendered":"
To be completely accurate, Silicone is not actually a “glue”, it’s a caulk. Just wanted to get that off the table. It doesn’t really matter how you think of it because 100% silicone might just be the best glue for garden art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A professional’s perspective:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NOTE: This post is intended to provide helpful information to the reader seeking to learn which glue will work the best for their garden art project. Not a paid endorsement of the product. The author is not related to anyone associated with sales or manufacturing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As an artist who makes and sells my own dish flowers and other garden art, I use silicone more often than other adhesives. For me, it’s more than developing a good reputation. I simply love what I make and sincerely want my customers to be able to enjoy their art piece for many years without it coming apart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That required doing a good bit of on-line research. And over time, experience has proven that 100% silicone is the way to go. Though, perhaps even more influential are the stories about glue issues from people who love re-purposing and making their own art for the garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Without the right glue, your whimsical craft project won’t be very successful. I’ve lost count of how many times someone asks “What glue do you use?” <\/p>\n\n\n\n For garden art that’s going to be living outside in the weather, the glue needs to be 1) strong and 2) waterproof. But some people forget it also needs to be 3) sun-proof.<\/strong> 100% Silicone–rated for 400 degrees–is the best product that meets all three requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other glues\/epoxies are strong-bonding. They may even have some weather resistant qualities. But in super hot climates, some glues, (even E-6000 which is another popular glue for garden art), can liquefy like melted butter after days in the blazing sun. It’s not the fault of the glue, but rather that its limitations are exceeded. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Silicone is a sealant…a caulking product. If you’ve ever had a window installed, this is what the contractor used. Silicone’s primary purpose is to seal around the exterior of a window and fill in the gaps. Therefore, it is made to be waterproof and stick to glass. When dry, it has a rubbery look and texture. But it’s most valuable quality is that in extreme cold or extreme heat, it remains flexible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 100% silicone will not dry out and crumble apart. Nor will it become soft and mushy in hot weather. And it’s strong, too! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Silicone does for garden art, what it does for windows. And it’s especially nice to work with if you’re making crafts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Silicone is available at hardware stores like Lowes<\/a> or Home Depot<\/a> in the paint section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The only complaint some crafters have concerning silicone is that it’s not as “clear” as they would like it to be. But it’s as “clear” as silicone can possibly get, according to the manufacturer. I had the same reaction, too at first. Silicone is kind of a cloudy-clear, and it is somewhat visible when fully cured, but it’s not that noticeable. But the high qualities of silicone outweigh the color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TIP: Be sure to use the silicone for EXTERIOR. Some is made for kitchen and bath. You want the stuff that says “doors and windows<\/strong>.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nGlue for Garden Art<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What’s good about 100% silicone?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A minor complaint about silicone<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How to correctly apply silicone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n