Is your bike chain producing excessive noise as you try to ride it? Or is it stiff? Well, this may be due to increased friction that arises because of dust and debris accumulation.
For this, you may need a lubricant. So can you use silicone spray on bike chain for this purpose?
Well, you definitely can! Silicone spray is an average lube that can get your bike back into smooth action, but only for shorter periods. Let’s dig deeper into how it works in this article.
What is a Silicone Spray?
Before answering your query of whether can you use silicone spray on bike chain, let’s first briefly describe what a silicone spray adhesive is.
Silicone spray is a type of aerosol that contains silicone as its primary ingredient. It comes in spray cans for easy application.
When sprayed onto any surface, the silicone evaporates, leaving behind a protective film.
The film acts as a protective barrier that serves multiple functions, like reducing friction, preventing rust and corrosion, and repelling moisture.
What is Silicone Spray Good For?
Well, silicone spray is a market-ready item that people use for many purposes. Amongst all, its lubrication, corrosion-resistance, and waterproofing properties take the front seat.
1. Lubrication
Silicone spray, if used properly, can reduce friction between moving parts of any machinery, tool, or equipment.
For example, it is frequently utilized for ensuring the smooth turning of door hinges and tracks, drawer slides, bike chains, etc.
2. Waterproofing
This is like a bonus plus point of silicone spray. The spray forms a protective layer over the substrate which acts as a moisture-resistant barrier. Common examples include leather boots, outdoor gear, shoes, etc.
3. Rust prevention
Another reason why silicone spray is used frequently is that its protective layer can even prevent rust development over the electrical connection and components.
4. As a Release Agent
Silicone spray is useful in mold-making and casting, preventing the sticking of objects in the mold.
5. Cleaning and Polishing
Lastly, this spray, if used on metal or vinyl surfaces, can make them shine as brand new. No matter how stubborn smudges, fingerprints, or marks a surface has, this spray can remove it all and leave a glossy finish.
Properties of Silicone Spray
Before you use silicone spray for bike, here are some of its basic properties for your better understanding:
- Quickly drying
- Non-toxic
- Does not produce any odor
- Offers long-term effect
Another aspect that makes mtb silicone spray a popular choice to lubricate bicycle chains is its adequate thickness.
The surfaces, like locks that may not be able to hold liquid oil, work perfectly fine with a silicone spray. But it’s still not thick enough to replace the lubricants specialized for bike chains.
Related: Are Chain Tensioners Necessary? Find out here.
Can You Use Silicone Spray on Bike Chain?
Many dedicated bike chain lubricants are available in the market. However, sometimes you may need to lube your bike chain urgently. In that case, there are some alternatives that may work fine for short-term lubrication and protection of the bicycle’s components. And silicone is one of them.
However, it can solve the issue only for the time being. You will need to use a high-quality bike chain lubricant for long-term and durable results. Due to its low viscosity, silicone spray may attract dust, leading to its accumulation and eventually increased friction.
How Can You Use Silicone Spray on Bike Chain
Now that you know the answer to can you use silicone spray on bike chain? Let’s discuss the process of applying silicone spray to a bicycle chain.
- Make sure your bike is clear before proceeding further. For that, you’ll need to clean dirt, debris, and old lubricant from the chain by wiping it with a clean piece of cloth. You can also use a degreaser for this purpose.
- Let the bike chain dry and shake the silicone spray mtb can in the meanwhile to ensure the contents settled in the bottom mixes together perfectly.
- Now it’s time to position your bike. Make sure it is stable, for which you can place the bike on a stand. Or flipping it upside down may also work.
- This is the main step that you must attempt with extra care. Hold the silicone spray bottle 4 to 6 inches away from the bike chain and spray it evenly along the entire length of the chain.
- Make sure you cover both inner and outer plates during the process. To reach each area of the chain, you can move the pedals or turn its cranks to rotate the chain.
- Once the silicone coat is applied, give it some time so it penetrates within the chain’s link. Through this, you can get the most out of this lubricant to reduce friction in your bike’s components.
- Finally, take a clean rag and wipe off any excess silicone on the chain. You can now test whether the spray worked or not by rotating the pedals.
- Even spinning the rear wheel can give you an adequate idea. If it happens smoothly and does not cause any noise, you are good to go!
Note: Make sure you apply a light and even coat when spraying silicone on the bike chain. Excessive spraying may lead to dripping and pooling of the contents.
Wrapping Up
So here you have it, the clear-cut answer to Can you use silicone spray on bike chain. Well, you can definitely apply it but remember that it’s a short-term solution.
For long peace of mind, you must use the lubricants that are specifically designed for this purpose.
FAQs
Which surface can be sprayed with silicone?
You can use silicone spray on multiple types of surfaces, be it wood, plastic, rubber, or metal. This means it is definitely compatible with your bike’s chain.
What is a WD 40 silicone spray bike chain?
WD-40 is a popular brand that excels in selling lubricating products. And WD 40 silicone spray is also one of them.
Is silicone spray bike chain safe to use?
You can safely use silicone as an alternative to chain lubricants. However, it may not provide the same level of long-lasting results. You must re-apply it frequently to maintain lubrication.
