Replies

1. 
   rich4242 | Jun 04, 2019 07:53pm | #1

   3344055,

   First, the problematic material you're referring to is silicone or silicones (with an "e"), not Silicon.

   Silicon (Si) is a naturally occurring chemical element. It doesn't cause problems in woodworking.

   Silicones are compounds of Silicon, Oxygen and Carbon. These are found in lubricants, sealants, and adhesives. They can be cured to form heat and chemical-resistant rubber-like products.

   The lubricants, sealants and adhesives are the problem in woodworking. Residue from these compounds remaining on wood can cause finishes and glue to have adhesion and curing problems. The appearance in a finish contaminated with silicone is called "fisheye." It's usually necessary to completely remove such a finish layer and sand or otherwise clean the wood to get rid of the residual silicone.

   Silicone compounds can be cured to make rubber-like mats, utensils and other items. There is no residual silicone material once cured.. These objects used in a woodworking environment don't pose any problem such as contaminating a wood finish.

   Rich

2. 
   wbfinewoodworking | Jun 12, 2019 10:20pm | #2

   Silicone brushes, mats, utensils, etc. are fantastic in the shop especially for glue ups. Most wood glues, including epoxy, won’t stick to silicone. I use they for all my glue ups, let the glue totally dry and then I can peel the glue off the silicone object. I even created a YouTube video on it, “Glue and Silicone Don’t Mix.”