What is silicone grease?

What is silicone grease? 

Silicone grease is a translucent, viscous lubricant made from a combination of silicone oil and a thickening agent. It stands out for being either waterproof or water resistant, and providing excellent resistance against chemicals and UV radiations. Additionally, silicone grease can be used in a wide range of temperatures (generally from -76°F to 572°F), Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive addition to your toolbox: A tube costs around $5. 

 When to use silicone grease 

 Generally speaking, silicone grease provides excellent lubrication between these materials:

 Plastic to plastic 

Rubber to rubber 

Rubber to plastic 

Plastic to metal

 Rubber to metal 

Here are a few more specific household applications for silicone grease: Lubricating door hinges, window tracks, drawer slides, and other moving parts Can be applied to rubber gaskets on kitchen appliances to maintain their flexibility and prevent leaks To condition a worn-out refrigerator gasket (seal) Applied to O-rings on a sink faucet Lubricating and conditioning rubber components in cars and other vehicles Lubricating screw threads to prevent sticking and corrosion Lubricating piston seals and plunger shafts of fountain pens

 When you shouldn’t use silicone grease 

While silicone grease is versatile, it’s not the best choice for metal-on-metal lubrication. Also, because of its resistance to chemicals, silicone grease doesn’t work well on surfaces that are painted or varnished—or will be in the future. Finally, while silicone grease is ideal for lubricating or conditioning rubber, it shouldn’t be used on silicone rubber.