Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 17, 2000 04:56am | #1

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   Read the product labels as there have been a lot of developments in synthetic products in the last couple of years. I've been told several things over the years, most started with don't use silicone anywhere where it will come into contact with food, drink, utensils, or pets. One caveat to that was the surmisal that it was okay to use painter's caulk along the top of a back-splash or post-formed counter top.

   Unless a seam is going to be near the sink, or otherwise subjected to a lot of moisture, then you're supposed to just leave them, or touch them up with wax; I usually at least paint the faces of the cut with Weldbond thined 3-1 with water to seal the end or the joint will curl up for sure. If there's a significant moisture risk, then epoxy the joint. There also a "special" sealant (comes in various brand-names) for aquariums that will pass inspection for use in restaurants, so I guess it's okay for home use - it's also sometimes available at restaurant fixture supply houses under a different name (name escapes me at the moment).

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 17, 2000 02:08pm | #2

   *Food-grade silicone should be readily available from outfits selling pond or aquarium building supplies. I also wouldn't be at all surprised if it could be special ordered by your local ACE Hardware. As a side note: my local ACE has the full product line books right at the contractor's desk, what they stock is a fraction of what's available. Many times I'll check their book before ordering from another source and find I can get it through them quickly, at a good price and they pick up the shipping. If you use this option, make sure you look at the availability codes at each listing and make sure the person that writes the order is used to taking special orders... otherwise you might end up burning time.

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   RICHARD_FARMER | Aug 17, 2000 02:11pm | #3

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   IF MY MEMORY SERVES ME RIGHT I READ SOMETHING SOME YEARS PAST ABOUT SILICONE NOT BEING SAFE TO USE IN FOOD PREP AREAS, HOWEVER I SEE MANY USING SILICONE ON COUNTER TOPS TO SEAL SEAMS AND BACK SPLASHES. IS SILICONE SAFE OR SHOULD AN ALTERNATIVE BE USED SUCH AS LEXEL, SEAM SEALER, OR ???