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Please note, this product is BOX BUY only.
At a Glance: Key Applications
Use Bostik 6S for: Sealing bathroom and kitchen joints against mould, weather sealing powder-coated window frames, sealing fibreglass spa units, and creating flexible seals in cool rooms and around splashbacks.
Bostik 6S Sanitary & Tile Silicone Sealant: A Technical Overview
Bostik 6S is a professional-grade, one-component, neutral cure silicone sealant engineered for superior performance in sanitary, tiling, and general construction applications. As a mid-modulus, non-slump formula, it is easy to tool and provides a durable, elastomeric seal that withstands the rigours of modern building environments. By curing through absorption of atmospheric moisture, it forms a robust seal with exceptional flexibility and adhesion to a wide array of non-porous substrates. Its formulation includes an active fungicide to prevent the growth of mould and mildew, ensuring a clean and hygienic finish in demanding wet areas. The neutral cure system results in a low-odour application and is non-corrosive, making it the ideal choice for use on powder-coated and other sensitive metal surfaces.
Comparative Performance Overview
| Metric | Bostik 6S Sanitary & Tile Silicone Sealant | Standard Acetoxy Cure Sealant | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Movement | ±25% | ±20% | Offers greater movement capability, accommodating more significant thermal and structural shifts without failure, critical for long-term durability. |
| Substrate Compatibility | Neutral Cure (Non-corrosive) | Acetoxy Cure (Releases Acetic Acid) | Safely adheres to powder-coated metals, aluminium, and concrete without causing corrosion or discolouration. Has a low odour for better workability in confined spaces. |
| Elongation at Break | 630-670% | ~300-400% | Exceptional elongation provides a superior ability to stretch without tearing, preventing cohesive failure in high-movement joints like those between different building materials. |
| Mould Resistance | Contains Active Fungicide | Standard formulation | Proactively inhibits the growth of mould and mildew, reducing call-backs and maintaining a clean, professional finish in wet areas. |
Using Bostik 6S Sanitary & Tile Silicone Sealant in a Complete System
Bostik 6S is designed to function as a critical component within a larger engineered system, such as a tiled shower or a building facade. For optimal performance, joint design must prevent three-sided adhesion. This is achieved by installing a closed-cell polyethylene backing rod or a bond-breaker tape at the base of the joint before sealant application. This isolates the sealant from the back of the joint, allowing it to stretch freely and accommodate movement across its designed ±25% capability. It is crucial to conduct compatibility tests before use, as Bostik 6S can be incompatible with materials that bleed oils, plasticisers or solvents, such as certain rubberised waterproofing membranes, bituminous products, or some plasticised sealants.
Common failure prevention information
Prevents Mould & Mildew Stains
The inclusion of an effective, integrated fungicide actively inhibits the growth of mould and mildew on the sealant surface. This is critical for maintaining a clean aesthetic and hygienic conditions in high-humidity environments like bathrooms and laundries, preventing unsightly black spots and costly remedial work.
Prevents Joint Failure from Movement
With an exceptional elongation at break of up to 670% and a dynamic movement capability of ±25%, Bostik 6S absorbs thermal expansion, contraction, and structural shifts. This prevents cohesive failure (tearing) and adhesive failure (debonding) in joints between dissimilar materials, ensuring a durable, watertight seal.
Prevents Sagging in Vertical Joints
The thixotropic, non-slump nature of Bostik 6S ensures it holds its shape when applied in vertical or overhead joints. This allows for clean, easy tooling without the sealant sagging or running, resulting in a professional, uniform finish and reducing wastage.
Core Features & Specifications
- Neutral Cure System: The low-odour chemistry is non-corrosive, making it safe for use on powder-coated metals, aluminium, and other sensitive surfaces where acetoxy silicones would cause damage.
- Superior Flexibility (±25% Movement): Accommodates high degrees of joint movement, making it ideal for dynamic applications such as perimeter sealing and joints between different building materials.
- Integrated Fungicide: Contains a powerful additive that actively resists the growth of mould and mildew, ensuring a long-lasting, clean seal in showers, kitchens, and other wet areas.
- Excellent UV & Weather Resistance: Withstands harsh Australian climate conditions, including high UV radiation and temperature extremes (-50°C to 150°C service range), without cracking, shrinking, or discolouring.
- Fast Skinning Time: Forms a tack-free skin in just 8-10 minutes, allowing for rapid tooling and reducing the risk of contamination for a smoother, cleaner finish.
- Non-Slump Formula: Its thixotropic consistency prevents sagging in vertical and overhead joints, ensuring easy application and a neat final appearance.
The Bostik 6S Sanitary & Tile Silicone Sealant Advantage
- Reduce Costly Call-Backs: Deliver a mould-free, durable seal that performs for the long term, enhancing your reputation and minimising warranty claims.
- Work Faster and Smarter: The rapid 10-minute tooling time and non-slump properties allow for quicker, more efficient application, helping you stay on schedule.
- Versatile Application Range: Use a single, reliable product across multiple job site tasks, from tiling and plumbing to window installation and cool room sealing.
- Ensure System Integrity: The high movement capability and robust adhesion provide a seal that complements modern construction systems, maintaining weatherproofing and structural integrity.
Applications in Practice: Trade Scenarios
For Tilers & Waterproofers: Sealing a New Shower Enclosure
The Challenge: Achieving a permanently flexible, waterproof, and mould-resistant seal in high-movement corner joints between an acrylic shower base and tiled walls.
The Solution with Bostik 6S: The sealant's ±25% movement capability easily handles the differential movement between the tiled wall and the shower base. Its integrated fungicide prevents mould growth in the constantly damp environment, and its excellent adhesion profile ensures a tenacious bond to both the ceramic tiles and the acrylic base for a fully waterproof system.
Pro-Tip: Install a closed-cell backing rod in the joint to ensure a depth of half the joint width (min 6mm). This prevents three-sided adhesion, allowing the sealant to flex correctly and maximising its service life.
For Builders & Glaziers: Weather Sealing Powder-Coated Window Frames
The Challenge: Creating a long-lasting, weatherproof seal on powder-coated aluminium window frames, which are notoriously difficult for some sealants to adhere to and are subject to extreme UV and thermal cycling.
The Solution with Bostik 6S: Bostik 6S is specifically noted for its excellent adhesion to powder-coated metal. Its neutral cure chemistry won't damage the finish, and its superior UV and weathering resistance ensures the seal won't break down, crack, or peel, even in the harshest Australian sun.
Pro-Tip: For a flawless bond, surface preparation is key. Use the two-wipe process with a recommended solvent cleaner (like Z Bond R-40) to remove all residues from the powder-coated surface before sealant application.
Certifications & Regulatory Compliance
Bostik 6S is engineered to meet stringent performance standards, providing confidence for specification and use in commercial and residential projects. It is tested in accordance with multiple international standards, including ASTM and BS standards for sealant performance.
- NZFSA-C82 Approved: Certified as safe for use in food processing areas, making it a suitable choice for sealing joints in commercial kitchens, food preparation zones, and cool rooms where incidental food contact may occur.
Storage & Shelf Life Considerations
To ensure maximum performance, Bostik 6S has a shelf life of 12 months from the date of manufacture when stored correctly. Store cartridges in a cool, dry place, ideally below 25°C and 50% relative humidity. Avoid leaving cartridges in direct sunlight or in vehicles on hot days, as prolonged exposure to high temperatures can affect shelf life and sealant properties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bostik 6S Sanitary & Tile Silicone Sealant
Q: Why did my new sealant discolour or fail when applied over a waterproofing membrane in a shower?
A: This is a classic chemical incompatibility issue. Some waterproofing membranes or backing rods can leech plasticisers or bitumen, which attack the sealant, inhibiting its cure and causing discolouration or debonding. Bostik 6S is a stable neutral cure, but you must always run a small compatibility test with all adjacent materials before proceeding with the main application.
Q: Can I use Bostik 6S for expansion joints in a concrete driveway or patio?
A: No, Bostik 6S is not engineered for this purpose. It is unsuitable for horizontal walkways, trafficable joints, or below-grade applications where it would be subject to abrasion and constant immersion. For these applications, you must use a dedicated trafficable-grade polyurethane sealant designed to withstand such conditions.
Q: How do I guarantee a perfect seal in a shower corner that I know will experience movement?
A: The key is correct joint engineering. You must install a bond-breaker tape or a closed-cell backing rod (25% larger than the joint width) into the corner. This prevents "three-sided adhesion" and allows the sealant's ±25% flexibility to function correctly, stretching like a band to accommodate movement without placing stress concentrations on the bond line.
Q: The last acetic cure silicone I used had a very strong vinegar smell. Is Bostik 6S better for indoor use?
A: Absolutely. Bostik 6S is a neutral cure system, which emits very little odour as it cures. This makes it significantly more pleasant and less intrusive to work with, particularly in poorly ventilated or confined spaces like bathrooms, laundries, and ensuites, improving on-site work conditions for you and your clients.
Applications & Benefits
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Sealing shower screens, vanities & wet area joints | Active fungicide prevents mould; ±25% flexibility prevents cracking from movement. | Tilers, Plumbers, Builders |
| Perimeter sealing of kitchen benchtops & splashbacks | Neutral cure is non-corrosive to metal frames/trims. NZFSA approval for food areas. | Carpenters, Joiners, Builders |
| Weather sealing powder-coated window & door frames | Excellent UV resistance & adhesion to powder-coats ensures a durable external seal. | Glaziers, Builders, Remedial Contractors |
| Sealing joints in fibreglass spa units | Excellent adhesion to acrylics/fibreglass and high flexibility for thermal cycling. | Plumbers, Builders |
| Sealing panels and penetrations in cool rooms | Wide service temp range (-50°C to 150°C) & NZFSA certification ensures performance. | Remedial Contractors, Builders |
Applying Bostik 6S Sanitary & Tile Silicone Sealant: Protocols & Best Practices
General Application Steps:- Preparation: Ensure the substrate is clean, dry, sound, and prepared as per the Adhesion & Preparation Guide. Install a bond-breaker tape or closed-cell polyethylene backing rod to ensure correct joint design and prevent three-sided adhesion. Mask adjacent surfaces with quality tape for a clean, sharp finish.
- Application: Cut the cartridge tip and nozzle to the desired bead size. Apply with a professional caulking gun, ensuring the sealant is forced firmly into the joint to achieve full contact and wetting-out with the substrates.
- Tooling & Finishing: Within 10 minutes of application, tool the sealant surface with a suitable spatula or finishing tool dipped in a non-soap-based solution. This creates a smooth, concave profile and ensures maximum adhesion by pressing the sealant against the joint walls.
- Curing: The sealant will form a skin in 8-10 minutes. It cures at approximately 7mm per 7 days. Protect the joint from water, chemicals, and abrasion during the initial cure phase. Remove masking tape immediately after tooling.
For Tilers & Waterproofers: Sealing a New Shower Enclosure
The Engineering Challenge: Achieving a permanently flexible, waterproof, and mould-resistant seal in high-movement corner joints between an acrylic shower base and tiled walls.
The System-Based Solution with Bostik 6S Sanitary & Tile Silicone Sealant: The sealant's ±25% movement capability easily handles the differential movement between the tiled wall and the shower base. Its integrated fungicide prevents mould growth in the constantly damp environment, and its excellent adhesion profile ensures a tenacious bond to both the ceramic tiles and the acrylic base for a fully waterproof system.
Best Practice Note: Install a closed-cell backing rod in the joint to ensure a depth of half the joint width (min 6mm). This prevents three-sided adhesion, allowing the sealant to flex correctly and maximising its service life.
For Builders & Glaziers: Weather Sealing Powder-Coated Window Frames
The Engineering Challenge: Creating a long-lasting, weatherproof seal on powder-coated aluminium window frames, which are notoriously difficult for some sealants to adhere to and are subject to extreme UV and thermal cycling.
The System-Based Solution with Bostik 6S Sanitary & Tile Silicone Sealant: Bostik 6S is specifically noted for its excellent adhesion to powder-coated metal. Its neutral cure chemistry won't damage the finish, and its superior UV and weathering resistance ensures the seal won't break down, crack, or peel, even in the harshest Australian sun.
Best Practice Note: For a flawless bond, surface preparation is key. Use the two-wipe process with a recommended solvent cleaner (like Z Bond R-40) to remove all residues from the powder-coated surface before sealant application.
Limitations & Safety
Product limitations and safety information
Limitations:
- Not suitable for structural glazing applications.
- Not for use in aquariums or for adhering mirrors.
- Not for continuous underwater immersion (e.g., swimming pools) or below-grade applications.
- Not suitable for trafficable joints such as horizontal walkways.
- Not recommended for use on natural stone like marble or granite as it may cause staining.
- Cannot be painted. A paintable sealant should be used if painting is required.
- Will not cure in totally confined spaces as it requires atmospheric moisture to cure.
Safety & Handling:
- PPE: Wear protective gloves and safety glasses with side-shields during application.
- Ventilation: Use in a well-ventilated area. Vapour released during cure may cause irritation in high concentrations.
- Handling: Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
- First Aid: For eye contact, flush with copious amounts of water and consult a doctor if irritation persists. For emergency information, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
Bostik 6S Sanitary & Tile Silicone Sealant Adhesion & Preparation Guide
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Substrate preparation guidelines
- Ceramic & Porcelain Tiles: Clean thoroughly using the two-wipe process with a recommended solvent (e.g., Z Bond R-40) to remove all dust and residues. - Primer: No primer required.
- Powder-Coated Aluminium: Clean thoroughly using the two-wipe process with a recommended solvent to ensure a pristine surface. - Primer: No primer required.
- Glass & Glazing: Clean thoroughly using the two-wipe process with a recommended solvent. - Primer: No primer required.
- Fibreglass & Acrylic (e.g., Spa Units): Ensure surface is clean, dry, and free from oils or release agents. Lightly abrade if necessary. - Primer: No primer required.
- Masonry & Concrete: Must be clean, dry, and free of all loose material and dust. - Primer: A primer may be required for optimal adhesion on porous or friable surfaces. A compatibility and adhesion test is recommended.
- Natural Stone (Marble, Granite): Not recommended. This sealant may cause staining on porous stone. Use a dedicated stone-safe sealant like Bostik 5CLM.
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