On Queensland sites since 1989, N-40 is the trusted staple for reliable sealing. It handles everything from commercial kitchens to roofing, delivering waterproof, mould-resistant joints across diverse substrates. Finish the job knowing you have a compliant, versatile silicone that simply works.
Why this product exists
N-40 was engineered for broad utility. It combines robust adhesion across common building materials with critical anti-fungal properties, making it indispensable for environments from humid wet areas to external roofing. This neutral-curing formulation ensures compatibility and durability where many general sealants fail, providing a single, reliable solution for a multitude of sealing demands. We developed N-40 based on decades of real-world site feedback, ensuring it performs where it matters most.
What it's like to use
N-40 is a ready-to-use, single-pack neutral (oxime) cure silicone. Apply it when temperatures are between 5°C and 40°C. Ensure all surfaces are clean, dry, and free of contaminants. For impervious substrates, use the two-wipe process with Acetone or 100% White Spirits. Masking joint edges before application helps achieve a clean finish.
For optimal adhesion, apply a primer: Adheseal 50A Surface Prep for non-porous surfaces or Everflex Supaprime for porous substrates. Tool off the sealant within approximately 15 minutes of application, before a skin forms, using a moistened spatula. Remove masking tape while the sealant is still wet. Clean uncured product and tools with white spirit.
Control joint depth for joints greater than 10mm with an Adheseal backer rod, choosing one 25% larger than the joint width. Prevent three-sided adhesion by ensuring the sealant bonds only to two surfaces, using a polyethylene tape or release agent where necessary.
How it fits in a real system
N-40 often serves as the final sealing component in various construction assemblies. In wet area installations, after substrate preparation and tiling, it forms the critical flexible, mould-resistant seal between wall and floor joints. For roofing and cladding, it's typically applied after metal sheet installation, sealing laps and penetrations to complete the weatherproofing envelope. Always ensure proper joint design with an Adheseal backer rod and the recommended primer (Adheseal 50A Surface Prep or Everflex Supaprime) to maximise adhesion and movement capability.
N-40 vs. N-80: General Purpose vs. Architectural Specialisation
N-40 represents exceptional versatility, performing across a vast range of general-purpose sealing applications. It is the indispensable choice for jobs without highly specific, niche requirements, providing a robust, multi-substrate, and compliant sealant. In contrast, Dowsil 795 Silicone Sealant is engineered specifically for high-performance structural glazing applications, demanding precise engineering and stringent regulatory compliance. Choose N-40 for your everyday, high-demand sealing needs, and reserve N-80 for critical architectural structural glazing where its specialised properties are essential.