need different type of silicone for DIY canister

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

pattycr125

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 16, 2009
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Alberta, canada
what kind of silicone bonds well to smooth tupperware containers? I tried perfecto aquarium sealent but it does not hold whatsoever? does anyone have a recomendation?
 
If you sand the edge a little bit it might hold better. I think tupperware is coated with an anti-stain agent that might be part of the problem. Also scuffing the surface will give much more surface area to bond too.
 
pattycr125;3805329; said:
what kind of silicone bonds well to smooth tupperware containers? I tried perfecto aquarium sealent but it does not hold whatsoever? does anyone have a recomendation?

The container is likely a blend containing a high percentage of polypropylene or polyethylene. Unfortunately there are no adhesives that will stick to it and also have the flexibility and gap fill properties of a silicone.

If you can't use a gasket one option would be to use a butane torch to lightly flame the area the silicone needs to adhere to. Sanding helps with the mechanical bond while flaming actually rearranges the molcular structure and actually takes it from a low energy state to a high energy state. And flaming also increased the mechanical bond like sanding.

If that stilll does not work you may need to flame the area and then prime the flamed area with epoxy or another semi-flexible sealant that silicone can then adhere to.

But a gasket is the best choice here.
 
pattycr125;3808118; said:
what kind of gasket?

A soft rubber washer may work. I have heard of people cutting their own from stuff like scrap pond liner.

The fittings you plan to use screw from the inside and the outside of the container, right?
 
i just need to find a way to attach the pump to the underside of the lid and seal the holes on the lid and the cord
it sucks cause it sticks to the pump really good
 
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