Silicone and MS (modified silane) polymer sealants are the two most specified elastic sealants in modern construction. Both are single-component, moisture-curing and available in neutral formulations — but they perform very differently on UV exposure, temperature range and adhesion. Here is a direct comparison for specifiers, distributors and OEM buyers.
Quick Comparison Table
| Property | Silicone Sealant | MS Polymer Sealant |
|---|---|---|
| Cure chemistry | Acetoxy (acid) or alkoxy (neutral) moisture cure | Modified silane moisture cure |
| UV and weather resistance | Excellent — industry benchmark for facades | Good, suitable for most exterior joints |
| Temperature range | -50°C to +200°C | -40°C to +120°C |
| Paintability | Not paintable (silicone) | Fully paintable |
| Primer-free adhesion | Good on glass, aluminum, stone | Excellent on most substrates, including plastics |
| Movement capability | Class 20-50 typical | Class 20-35 typical |
| Typical applications | Curtain walls, structural glazing, glass | Prefab buildings, panels, interior joints, automotive |
When to Choose Silicone
Choose silicone when the joint faces strong UV, extreme temperature swings, or structural requirements — curtain wall bonding, structural glazing, glass and aluminum facade sealing. Silicone remains the only chemistry with proven 20+ year outdoor track record at Class 25-50 movement.
Recommended options: 8000 structural silicone sealant for structural bonding and 8700 curtain wall weatherproof sealant for joint sealing.
When to Choose MS Polymer
Choose MS polymer when you need paintability, adhesion to plastic and coated panels, or lower odor for interior work — prefabricated buildings, sandwich panels, flooring and interior trim. MS sealants also accept overpainting, which makes them ideal for visible joints in renovation projects.
Recommended options: 8018 MS sealant for prefabricated buildings and MS A adhesive for panel bonding.
Decision Checklist
- Joint on a glass or aluminum facade with strong UV? → Silicone.
- Joint must be painted to match the facade? → MS polymer.
- Structural load transfer required? → Structural silicone only.
- Adhesion to plastic or coated metal without primer? → MS polymer.
- Service temperature above 120°C? → Silicone.
Need help choosing? Send your project details and our engineers will recommend the right product and grade within 24 hours.
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