RTV, or called Room Temperature Vulcanizing, is a type of silicone that cures when exposed to room temperature immediately, commonly used as a sealing material between structural surfaces.When it comes to working with RTV silicone, timing is everything – it’s crucial to let the RTV dry completely before adding oil; otherwise, it can cause leaks and other issues. Imagine this: you’ve just applied a fresh bead of RTV around your project, like automotive repair. You’re eager to get back to work, but patience is key here. So, how long should you wait? In this article, we’ll explore how long to let rtv dry before adding oil, the importance of proper drying time, factors that affect RTV drying time.
The Importance of RTV Drying Before Adding Oil
Adding oil too soon after applying RTV can cause leaks and other issues. It’s essential to allow the RTV to cure completely before adding oil to prevent these problems. Additionally, moisture can interfere with RTV curing, which can affect its ability to create a proper seal. Proper drying time is crucial to achieving an effective RTV seal.
How Long for RTV to Cure
Generally, RTV starts curing from the outside towards the center, when it is exposed to air. Let’s take SANVO RTV makers as an example. The surface drying time (min/25℃) is less than 15 minutes, and the curing speed (mm/24h) is more than 2.5 (25℃，50-75%RH). As a silicone sealant manufacturer, we advise that letting RTV dry for at least 5～15min to set up before assembly, and waiting for 24 hours before adding oil. Otherwise, introducing oil too soon could compromise both the integrity of the seal and its performance under pressure.
Read also: What is RTV?
Factors That Affect RTV Drying Time
Many factors play essential roles, affecting its drying time, including:
- Temperature and humidity levels: Higher temperatures and lower humidity levels can speed up RTV drying time, while lower temperatures and higher humidity levels can slow it down.
- Type of RTV used: Different types of RTV have different curing times. Fast-drying RTVs take less time to cure than standard RTVs. Always follow the specific instructions on your RTV product to ensure the best performce.
- Thickness of the RTV layer: The thicker the RTV layer, the longer it takes to dry.
- Surface vs. Full Cure: The surface cures quickly, but the interior remains wet. For optimal performance, it is crucial to wait 24 hours for the RTV to fully cure.
- Surface Prep: Failure to clean of old gasket or gasket maker materials may result in the mating surfaces coming together in an uneven alignment and uneven application, delaying the drying time.
Here are some best practices for RTV drying and oil application:
- How long to let rtv dry before adding oil: Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying time for the specific RTV product you’re using. For example, SANVO’s fast-curing RTV products typically require about 30 minutes to dry.
- Tips for ensuring proper RTV curing: To ensure proper RTV curing, make sure the surface is clean, dry, and free of any contaminants before applying the RTV. Additionally, avoid touching the RTV until it’s fully cured.
- Guidelines for adding oil after RTV has cured: Once the RTV has dried completely, you can add oil to the system. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for oil application to ensure compatibility with the RTV. For example, SANVO’s RTV products are compatible with most oils but not recommended for use with gasoline or other fuels.
Introducing SANVO
SANVO offers a line of high-quality RTV products designed for fast drying and oil compatibility. Our RTV gasket makers cure at room temperature and repel water with ease. They’re resistant to weathering and aging, have excellent oil resistance, and can withstand thermal cycles without hardening or cracking. With our specialized workshops and quality-assured raw materials, we produce and supply great products that have earned a loyal following from our clients.
Conclusion
Allowing adequate drying time not only enhances performance but also extends durability ensuring peace of mind down the line. Remember the surface drying time is 15 minutes, and fell curing time is 24 hours before adding oil! By following the best practices outlined in this article and using high-quality RTV products like those offered by SANVO, you can ensure that your RTV seals are reliable and long-lasting. Feel free to contact us.
