What’s the difference between sealant, adhesive, and filler?

It’s a question we often get asked here at Fixings & Powertools Center. When you’re in need of something to plug a gap or bind materials together, the huge selection of products available on the market can make the selection process overwhelming. Shelves are packed full of tubes all claiming to have the answer. So how do you pick the right one for the job without wasting time and money?

Follow our guide to help you make the right choice.

1. Sealant: forms a barrier between materials

Sealant is a substance with a close molecular structure that creates a watertight barrier, and is available in liquid, foam, powder or paste form. It is designed to close gaps between surfaces and keep out dust and dirt, while still allowing a degree of movement. This makes sealant suitable for situations where the surface requires some flexibility, such as building joints. Mastic sealants also stick materials like wood, metal and glass together.

Watch out for different classifications termed ‘low mod’ and ‘medium mod’ sealants. Low mod will stick to porous and non-porous materials, whereas medium mod is suitable for use on smooth and non-porous substrates only, such as glass and metal.

2. Adhesive: permanent bonding solution

Adhesives are often supplied in liquid form, and are designed to grip and bind two surfaces together. Different adhesives suit different materials. They solidify on application to provide a permanent and rigid bond. Less supple than sealants, adhesives are stronger, harder and generally longer lasting.

3. Filler: fills gaps and cracks

Typically used to fill holes, polymer filler or decorators’ caulk, as it’s also known, comes in a variety of forms, from powder-based to more expensive ready-mixed formulas. Although convenient, fillers can have limitations, such as being slow to dry. Aim to choose a product that won’t shrink or crack after application.

With all this said, wouldn’t it be great if there was a single product that could do all these jobs on its own? We think we have the answer.

CT1 is a sealant and construction adhesive that can be applied to all surfaces both indoors and outdoors, from metals and glass, to wood and granite. Whether you’re looking to stick a mirror to stone tiles in a bathroom or sealing around a window or door frame, CT1 can do it all.

Effective in both wet and dry conditions, CT1 is trusted by tradespeople as a reliable, effective, fast-acting agent with the flexibility to withstand the toughest conditions. Developed by C-TEC, a specialist in high quality, problem solving products for use in a wide range of different scenarios, CT1 is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a general multi-purpose product.

Why choose CT1? This product is:

• Odourless
• Resistant to fungus
• Flexible
• Resistant to chemicals
• Food safe (can be used in areas where food is prepared)
• UV-resistant
• For use in wet or dry conditions
• Solvent-free
• Environmentally compliant
• Non-corrosive on surfaces

From day-to-day projects to specialist uses such as underwater bonding, CT1’s strength and versatility make it ideal for use in the construction and engineering industries, eliminating the need to buy various products to suit different uses. It also comes in nine different colours including clear, to provide a discrete join on any substrate, and can be easily painted over.

So if you’re looking for a reliable all-round sealant that can save you time, space, and money, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better choice than CT1.

If you’re still unsure which product is right for your needs, remember we’re always here to help with any questions you might have. Drop us a line or visit us at our Redhill store to speak to one of our experts.