1 Design of joints: In case of joints which have to accommodate movement the dimensions must be chosen according to the maximum movement tolerance. A minimum joint cross section of 3 x 5 mm is required. Joints with little total deformation (5 %) can also be designed as triangular joints. Since there is no silicone sealant for universal application, the decision on what system to use must be made taking into account the characteristics of the respective object (adhesion tests are recommended).

The adherent surfaces must have sufficient load bearing capacity, must be dry and free from dust and grease. Apply a primer coat if required. The compatibility of the sealant with the substrate must be tested. Tarry and bituminous substrates are not suitable adherent surfaces.

3 In case of poor adhesion apply a primer coat. Choose primer according to primer table. It is recommended to conduct a new adhesion test afterwards. Stir or shake the primer well. Do not dilute. Apply it to the cleaned and dry adherent surfaces with a brush or cloth. Protect treated surfaces from moisture and dust. After sufficient open time (according to product label) apply the sealant. Primers form a film and cannot be removed after curing. Therefore work carefully to avoid impurities (yellow colouring, formation of stains). Attention with  substrates sensitive to solvents, e.g. powder coated surfaces, sanitary plastics, styrofoam, etc.

4 In most cases, joints in buildings are much deeper than required, and therefore they are not suitable for efficient sealing. Expansion joints in building construction must be designed according to DIN 18540. .Ramsauer closed-cell round sections (1050) are in accordance with this DIN standard. As a pre-filler the product must have the required characteristics to prevent three-point adhesion, it must not affect the sealant and must not absorb any water. The round section must be selected according to the joint width and must be placed inside the joint. When introducing the section into the joint make sure that the section is compressed by approx. 25 % in order to secure it. Do not introduce the section by means of sharp objects since this will damage the surface (danger of formation of bubbles).

7+8 In touching up ensure good contact with the adherent surfaces/joint edges. When using smoothing agents streaks of water should be removed immediately after sealing. When cleaning is delayed, permanent streaks may remain. Using household detergents as smoothers may cause problems since the ingredients of these products include chemicals which may cause discolouring or even destruction of the sealant surface. It is absolutely necessary to ensure that no smoother penetrates into the joint before it is filled with sealant.

This would reduce or even prevent adhesion of the sealant introduced subsequently. We recommend our smoothers “Sanitär 505“ and “Spezial 506“.
Unfortunately, smoothing of sealants with the fingers is still the most common procedure. In order to prevent the related technical and hygienic disadvantages suitable tools should be used (glaziers’ spatula, special joint smoothing tools such as “Fugenprofi”, “Fugenfux”, or “Glättfix”, etc.). Make sure that the adhesive tape is removed before a skin is formed

9 Maintenance of elastic joints sealed with spray sealant:
Check joints at regular intervals and renew if required. If no defects can be detected no maintenance work  is required. Due to electrostatic charging of silicone sealants dust and dirt particles are attracted by the silicone surface. The joint must be cleaned with a moist cloth. Dry cleaning may result in abrasion of material from the silicone surface.

Commercially available detergents can be used (take into account resistance to chemicals)
Excessive mechanical stress or chemical processes, incompatibility with the substrate or inexpert application may result in defects such as detaching from the adherent surface, longitudinal and transverse cracks in the sealant, visual defects, etc. Any such defect must be removed professionally as soon as possible.