Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: rosalind dna on 03/03/2009 11:12:48

Title: What is the difference between "Mastik" and Putty?
Post by: rosalind dna on 03/03/2009 11:12:48

What is the difference between Mastik (sp) and Putty?

I am asking because at the weekend, the plumber will be coming to fix the leak in my toilet floor, which has loads of newspaper there now.

The previous plumber had put Putty instead of Mastik in the hole.

thanks Rosalind

Title: What is the difference between "Mastik" and Putty?
Post by: Don_1 on 03/03/2009 12:02:27

Putty will dry, even if top coated with a sealant, in time. This will depend on how much of the surface is exposed to the air and how porous the surrounding material is. Dry putty shrinks, becomes brittle and cracks. Mastic retains it's elasticity whether coated or not and almost regardless of the nature of the material it is used to seal or fill, although it will dry eventually, it will be a very long time.

Putty is also unable to deal with expansion and contraction very well and is highly susceptible to any movement. Mastic, because it does not 'set', is able to move with any such movement.

Title: What is the difference between "Mastik" and Putty?
Post by: rosalind dna on 03/03/2009 12:45:49

Quote from: Don_1 on 03/03/2009 12:02:27

Putty will dry, even if top coated with a sealant, in time. This will depend on how much of the surface is exposed to the air and how porous the surrounding material is. Dry putty shrinks, becomes brittle and cracks. Mastic retains it's elasticity whether coated or not and almost regardless of the nature of the material it is used to seal or fill, although it will dry eventually, it will be a very long time.

Putty is also unable to deal with expansion and contraction very well and is highly susceptible to any movement. Mastic, because it does not 'set', is able to move with any such movement.

Don thanks and that sort of explains why my toilet's leaking again.
As I thought that putty is for windows.

But if Mastik/silicon does not "set" as you said then what keeps it together?

Title: What is the difference between "Mastik" and Putty?
Post by: Don_1 on 03/03/2009 12:56:12

I think I'll leave the answer to that one to the chemists here, 'cause I don't really know.