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Silicone spray is typically seen as a lubricant for noisy door hinges. But users can also use silicone spray on car handles and hinges to protect against freezing or spray it in a rusted lock to loosen the internal mechanism, allowing them to turn the lock or at least recover a stuck key.
To find the best silicone spray for one’s intended purposes, it’s important to consider whether a food-grade product is necessary or if it will be used outside of the kitchen on fabric, metal, wood, plastic, or rubber surfaces. Our recommendations are listed below.
- BEST OVERALL: WD-40 11-Ounce Quick-Drying Specialist Silicone
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: WD-40 2-Pack 14.4-Ounce Smart Straw Metal Protector
- BEST FOR RUBBER: DuPont Teflon Silicone Lubricant
- BEST FOR GARAGE DOOR: 3-in-One Garage Door Lube
- BEST FOR WINDOWS: 3M 08897 Dry Type Silicone Lubricant
- BEST FOR FABRICS: Sprayway SW946 Heat-Stable Silicone Release Agent
- BEST FOOD GRADE: CRC Food Grade Multi-Purpose Silicone Spray
- BEST HIGH TEMPERATURE: Design Engineering Hi-Temp Silicone Coating Spray
How We Chose the Best Silicone Sprays
We researched the best silicone spray lubricants in their respective categories and discovered that the top options are determined by their quantity, temperature resistance, drying time, compatibility with multiple surfaces, and other special features included by top brands.
While searching for the best silicone spray lubricant options available, we included products that come with ample 8.5- to 14.4-ounce quantities which last through multiple uses or projects on rubber, wood, vinyl, metal, plastics, glass, and fabrics. Many of these silicone lubricants are able to tackle high temperatures of up to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit on hot appliances or vehicles, while select picks can be used to lubricate garage door components, doors, hinges, and household appliances.
For added ease of use, these silicone lubricants dry immediately or take 24 hours to cure for long-term protection against moisture, rust, grime, dirt, and other debris. Plus, select picks are colorless, non-staining, odorless, and come with multiple spraying methods.
Our Top Picks
Our top picks for silicone sprays are some of the best on the market for home and workshop repairs. These items were selected based on several factors that we discuss later in this article.
Best Overall
WD-40 11-Ounce Quick-Drying Specialist Silicone
This 11-ounce silicone spray from WD-40 can create a water-resistant, low-friction coating on cables, pulleys, valves, hinges, locks, and guide rails that will also protect against rust. It can also be used on a range of materials, including rubber, plastics, metals, and vinyl. Use the spray to regain movement lost to rust, grime, oil, cleaner, solutions, and other built-up debris.
Once applied, the spray dries in moments into a clear, stain-resistant, waterproof film. The silicone spray remains effective between -100 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit and repels water after curing, making it an ideal product to keep on hand for a number of different purposes around the home.
Product Specs
- Quantity: 11 ounces
- Compatible materials: Metal, rubber, plastics, and vinyl
- Temperature resistance: -100 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
Pros
- Creates a clear, nonfriction, water-resistant coating; ideal as a protective film against rust
- Suitable for penetrating oil, rust, grime, cleaners, solutions, and other debris
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use across a range of applications and materials
Cons
- Some users report issues with the spray nozzle; can be quite sensitive
Get the WD-40 Specialist silicone spray at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Lowe’s.
Best Bang For the Buck
WD-40 2-Pack 14.4-Ounce Smart Straw Metal Protector
Silicone sprays can be used on many different materials but, depending on the project, users may want to use a specific lubricant. This affordable value pack comes with two cans of multipurpose lubricant that is an excellent option for metal-to-metal friction points, cables, pulleys, and loosening up rusted bolts or hinges with a high-penetration formula that works quickly and effectively.
These silicone sprays lubricate and protect against moisture and rust. Once applied with the smart straw or spray function, it dries quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky residue, though it still takes about 24 hours to properly cure.
Product Specs
- Quantity: 14.4 ounce per can
- Compatible materials: Metal
- Temperature resistance: -100 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
Pros
- High-penetration formula works especially well on gears, threads, and hinges
- Waterproof formula helps protect against rust and expels moisture from the area
- Smart straw provides multiple spray functions, from narrow streams to wide sprays
Cons
- Only suitable for metal applications; unable to tackle projects that use other materials
Get the WD-40 Smart Straw silicone spray at Amazon, Ace Hardware (single 12-ounce can), The Home Depot (two 12-ounce cans), Lowe’s (single-12 ounce can), or Target (single 12-ounce can).
Best For Rubber
DuPont Surface Safe Silicone Lubricant
This Dupont teflon silicone lubricant comes in a 14-ounce can and can be used on rubber, plastic, vinyl, leather, metal, and wood and can be used as a food-grade lubricant. Rubber gaskets, seals, and rings can become dry over time, causing them to crack and break. Given that rubber fittings are typically used to seal a portion of a system or connect two parts of a system without leaks, a cracked or broken seal can lead to big issues.
To prevent this problem, users can lubricate and moisturize their rubber seals with this silicone spray that will also help to return the waterproof properties of the rubber. This silicone lubricant spray can also protect and preserve the rubber so that users can extend the life of their gaskets or O-rings, though they will still need to be replaced at some point. This option dries in minutes but takes over 24 hours to fully cure.
Product Specs
- Quantity: 14 ounces
- Compatible materials: Rubber, plastic, vinyl, leather, metal, and wood
- Temperature resistance: -40 to 392 degrees Fahrenheit
Pros
- Great temperature resistance makes this the perfect spray for snow tools
- Also suitable for gaskets, seals, and rings and can be used as a food-grade lubricant
- Works well on a variety of materials; a great all-round lubricant to have on hand
Cons
- No straw spray nozzle; may not be able to provide precise application
- Some users report that the odor can be quite strong after application
Get the DuPont silicone spray at Amazon.
Best For Garage Door
3-in-One Garage Door Lube
A seized garage door can damage the tracks and springs, causing a potential safety hazard every time the door is opened or closed. With this silicone spray to lubricate sticking points, including the hinges, tracks, chains, pulleys, or any other metal components, users can return their door to its normal operation. The spray both lubricates the parts and creates a protective barrier against corrosion.
With this product, buyers get an 11-ounce bottle of silicone spray that has a permanently attached straw for precision application. The straw is on a hinge so that users can adjust the angle while they spray the quick-drying formula. This silicone spray doesn’t leave behind residue, so there’s no worrying about the accumulation of dirt, grease, and other contaminants on garage door mechanisms.
Product Specs
- Quantity: 11 ounces
- Compatible materials: Metal
- Temperature resistance: -29.9 to 495 degrees Fahrenheit
Pros
- Suitable for lubricating gears, hinges, tracks, chains, pulleys, and electrical components
- Permanently attached straw is less clumsy to use than regular straw sprays
- Multiple spray modes can adapt to the specific task at hand
Cons
- More delicate silicone spray; may be too thin for some hinges or tracks
Get the 3-in-One silicone spray at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Acme Tools.
Best For Windows
3M 08897 Dry Type Silicone Lubricant
Older houses and aging vehicles can have many things in common, but one area that frequently becomes a problem for both a home and a car is the mobility of windows. The car windows can become jammed and stuck with dirt, grime, oil, and other road debris, but with this dry silicone lubricant, users can quickly regain the smooth movement of a new motorized car window.
This dry silicone spray won’t stain fabrics or window frames, making it a great option for freeing up the stuck windows in the home. Once the silicone spray has been applied, allow it to dry and fully cure for at least 2 hours. This spray isn’t affected by the high and low temperatures of the seasons due to its wide effective temperature range of -28 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This spray can also be used on sliding doors, screen doors, and hinged doors for better movement.
Product Specs
- Quantity: 8.5 ounces
- Compatible materials: Metal, rubber, vinyls, and plastics
- Temperature resistance: -28 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Pros
- Flexible uses; sliding, screen, and hinged doors, as well as car or interior windows
- Will not stain fabrics or window frames; great for those with curtains or blinds
- Silicone spray is able to withstand oil, grime, dirt, and other debris
Cons
- Straw can sometimes be difficult to insert into the sprayer
Get the 3M silicone spray at Amazon or O’Reilly Auto Parts.
Best For Fabrics
Sprayway SW946 Heat-Stable Silicone Release Agent
Silicone sprays are not commonly used on fabrics. Still, there are a few circumstances where users will want a fabric-friendly spray like the Sprayway silicone spray to properly lubricate, seal, and protect appliances that come in contact with clothing or other fabrics. This can include lubricating the hinges on the clothes washer, the dryer, or using the spray on a sewing machine.
This colorless, nonstaining silicone spray can be used on metal, glass, rubber, or plastic to help protect the material and extend the life of appliances. The 11-ounce can of silicone spray doesn’t come with a straw for the precision application, so users will only be able to spray broad surfaces or by bringing the can much closer to the target object.
Product Specs
- Quantity: 11 ounces
- Compatible materials: Fabric, glass, plastic, metal, and rubber
- Temperature resistance: -40 to 392 degrees Fahrenheit
Pros
- 11-ounce spray can size provides ample quantity; ideal for more frequent use
- Colorless and nonstaining properties make this spray safe for appliances and fabrics
- Great choice for DIY projects; can be used in compression molding for easy release
Cons
- Does not come with a straw for precision application; can only do broad sprays
Get the Sprayway silicone spray at Amazon.
Best Food Grade
CRC Food Grade Multi-Purpose Silicone Spray
Preparing meals, serving, and cleaning up are just a few of the daily tasks that are completed in most kitchens every day, but when appliances begin to squeak and food preparation tools show signs of rust, it’s time to use this food-grade silicone spray. This spray can be used in fridges, the hinges of stoves, or the moving parts of a blender to lubricate and extend the life of appliances.
This food-grade silicone spray operates effectively at temperatures ranging from 0 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and it has a colorless, odorless, non-staining appearance that is ideal for kitchens. The spray has passed certification for both the NSF H1 and FDA regulations for incidental food contact, so it can be used safely on appliances.
Product Specs
- Quantity: 10 ounces
- Compatible materials: Metal and plastic
- Temperature resistance: 0 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
Pros
- Suitable for stoves, knives, fridges, blenders, and other kitchen appliances
- Colorless, odorless, and nonstaining; can be used for most applications
- Recognized by the FDA and NSF H1; safe to use on kitchen items
Cons
- Thicker straw casts wide misting; can be tricky to aim into tight spaces
Get the CRC silicone spray at Ace Hardware or Grainger.
Best High Temperature
Design Engineering Hi-Temp Silicone Coating Spray
When working on engines, barbecue grills, or ovens, this silicone spray is a good choice because it can be used on surfaces that reach extremely high temperatures of up to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. This silicone spray penetrates through built-up rust and oils to create a lasting seal that extends the life of vehicles and appliances.
The 12-ounce can of silicone spray can be used to protect exhaust headers, pipes, and engine block from abrasions, road debris, and oil. Just apply the spray and allow it to fully cure, which takes only 2 hours. Once it is cured, users can use their vehicles regularly without worrying about the spray melting or burning off.
Product Specs
- Quantity: 12 ounces
- Compatible materials: Engines, grills, ovens, and other hot appliances
- Temperature resistance: Up to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit
Pros
- Withstands rust and oils to help extend the life of vehicles and appliances
- Creates a coating that protects against spills, abrasions, and grime
- Can handle heavy-duty applications for extended periods without cracking, peeling, or flaking
Cons
- High temperature tolerance makes this spray pricier compared to other products
Get the Design Engineering silicone spray at Amazon, Advance Auto Parts, or AutoZone.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Silicone Spray
Before choosing a silicone spray, here are some of the most important shopping considerations to keep in mind.
Application
If you decide to use silicone spray around the home or in the garage, consider how you intend to use the spray. Depending on the purpose, you may want a compact product you can carry in your car, or you might benefit from something that comes with a straw so you can direct the spray to a narrow location with high precision.
Silicone sprays also come in either a wet or a dry form. The wet spray is ideal for vertical or upside-down surfaces because moisture in the formula helps the spray to adhere to the surface while it dries. Dry sprays are suitable for working on more sensitive equipment because the mist evaporates quickly and leaves behind a protective film.
Formula
To ensure that a product meets your needs, consider the silicone spray formula. You can typically find the chemical composition used in the product by reviewing the manufacturer’s website, where an MSDS (material safety data sheet) for the spray must be available.
Silicone sprays normally contain about 1.5 percent silicone, but this can increase to 3.5 percent while still remaining a spray. High silicone sprays are best for lubricating heavily-used joints and machinery. You should also review the formula and the manufacturer’s recommendations to determine whether you can use silicone spray on certain metal, wood, plastic, or other materials.
Food-Grade
A food-grade silicone spray can be used on many kitchen tools and appliances, including the hinges on your fridge or the slide on a meat slicer. Although a food-grade spray will contain flammable components like 1,1-Difuorethane to help penetrate through rust and other contaminants, these harmful ingredients in the spray evaporate away after applying it, leaving a protective, lubricating film that won’t end up in your food.
While a food-grade spray is safe to use in and around the kitchen and other food preparation areas, it should not be confused with an edible product. What this means is that it is not safe to eat silicone spray, regardless if it is food-grade or not, because the product’s composition is harmful to humans.
Temperature Resistance
The silicone lubricants you use will need to be able to remain effective at the temperatures it’s exposed to regularly. For example, suppose you use silicone spray on your grill to protect it from rust and moisture damage. In this case, it’s important to invest in a silicone spray with a very high maximum temperature to ensure that you won’t be burning the spray while you cook and having to reapply immediately afterward.
Depending on the product, the effective temperature range can vary significantly, with some silicone sprays having minimum temperatures of -100 degrees Fahrenheit while others have high-temperature maximums that exceed 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. If using the silicone spray on windows or doors, choose a product that will hold up to seasonal temperatures.
Drying Time
Silicone sprays dry at different rates depending on the spray’s viscosity, the material it is used on, and the amount of spray applied. However, most silicone sprays dry very quickly, typically taking only a few minutes to achieve a consistency that is dry to the touch. This is because many silicone sprays use flammable components for penetrating oil and grime to form a better seal, but these penetrating components rapidly evaporate, leaving only the protective lubricant and sealant.
If you are using the silicone spray for waterproofing or sealing, you will want to wait at least 24 hours to ensure that the spray is properly cured. Otherwise, you can use your appliances, doors, windows, tools, or other products almost immediately after application.
Versatility
A silicone spray’s versatility refers to the materials it can be used with and whether its primary design is for lubricating, sealing, or a combination of both. If you are looking for a general-purpose silicone spray for around your home then you will want to find a product that can be used on wood, metal, plastic, vinyl, and rubber surfaces.
Consider finding a silicone spray that is non-staining so that you don’t have to worry about leaving a permanent reminder on your appliances or door frames. While most silicone sprays are both sealants and lubricants, there are products specifically designed to provide better waterproofing and others for easily penetrating through layers of rust for more efficient lubrication.
Tips for Using Silicone Spray
Spray lubricants are a great addition to the garage or workshop with many different applications. You can easily apply the spray to the surface you want to silence squeaky hinges, lubricate stuck metal parts, protect against rust, and prevent moisture damage. When you set out to apply silicone spray, keep these tips in mind:
- Avoid spraying walking surfaces with silicone spray. The mist creates a slippery coating that can quickly become dangerous.
- Do not use silicone spray on painted surfaces. The paint tends to absorb the spray, making it very difficult to apply a new coat of paint over the silicone-infused layer.
- Focus the silicone spray on the mechanical parts. Even in the situation of loosening a lock on a car door handle, you won’t want the spray to coat where you grip, because it will make the surface slippery and hard to grasp. This is the case for any items you may need to handle― fishing rods, chainsaws, guns, and more―so that they do not slip out of your hand while using them.
FAQs
Before investing in a new silicone spray, take a look at these frequently asked questions and their answers below.
Q. When should I use silicone lubricant?
Silicone spray is used to properly lubricate metal, wood, rubber, and plastic while providing a water-resistant barrier. However, once a surface has been sprayed, it becomes difficult to paint, so you will want to plan out your projects before applying it to every exposed hinge.
Q. Is silicone spray waterproof?
Most silicone lubricants are not completely waterproof, but most are water-resistant and naturally repel water from any surface you spray. One option that is waterproof is the effective and multipurpose WD-40 Multi-Use Product.
Q. Does silicone spray damage plastic?
No, silicone sprays won’t damage plastic. They actually work very well to lubricate and protect plastic surfaces.
Q. Is silicone spray harmful to rubber?
Silicone spray can improve rubber and help keep the material soft and pliable.
Q. How long does silicone spray take to dry?
It normally takes just a few minutes for spray lubricants to dry but can take up to 24 hours to fully cure.
Q. How do you clean off silicone spray?
You can remove silicone spray using a rag or cloth and denatured alcohol. If you don’t have denatured alcohol, you can use rubbing alcohol or another solvent. After wiping the area clean of silicone spray, you should rinse it with warm water before drying.
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