Benefits:
Moisture Protection: Helps shield cabinets (especially wood or MDF) from water damage by sealing seams around sinks and backsplashes.
Flexibility & Durability: Silicone remains pliable even after curing, adapting to material expansion/contraction due to heat or humidity. It’s heat- and mold-resistant.
Strong Adhesion: Bonds well to non-porous surfaces like quartz, granite, stainless steel, and laminate. Outperforms acrylic or latex caulks.
Long Lifespan: A good-quality tube can last over 10 years before needing reapplication.
Easy to Apply: Just use painter’s tape for clean edges, smooth with a wet finger or tool, and ventilate due to curing fumes.
Drawbacks:
Difficult to Clean: Removing or cleaning cured silicone often requires mineral spirits or specialized removers.
Non-Paintable: You can’t paint over cured silicone—important if it’s near painted surfaces.
Not Food Surface Safe: Standard silicone isn’t safe for direct contact with food. So avoid using it on cutting boards or butcher blocks. Opt for NSF-certified or “food zone safe” silicone if needed in food prep areas.
Silicone Mats (Placed Under Appliances or Items)
Benefits:
Heat & Scratch Protection: They safeguard countertops from hot gadgets (air fryers, microwaves, pots) and can prevent scratches. Many are heat-resistant up to around 450 °F and easy to clean—dishwasher-friendly or hand-washable.
Flexible & Versatile: Easy to cut to size, roll up, and store. Multipurpose (crafts, baking mats, extra workstation protection).
Good Value: A simple, low-cost way to protect surfaces from everyday wear and tear.
Potential Downfalls (and Community Perspective):
Limited Durability Against Sharp Objects or Extreme Heat: Some materials (like thin plastic film) can be scratched, torn, or damaged by extremely hot items.
One Reddit user captured it well:
“A plastic film is scratch resistant against you stroking it, but not against a sharp blade… and heat resistant to your lukewarm bowl of soup, but not a pan just off the hob.”
Better Alternatives: Many homeowners prefer using cutting boards, trivets, or thick silicone pot holders for hot pans instead. They’re more durable against heat and sharp tools.