Both building sealants are good yet there are some differences. It just makes sense to know the in-depth features and differences between the Dow 790 and 795 sealants.
Whether you’re constructing a new building or renovating an old one, you need a weather-sealing that will protect your home from moisture, weather, and other harmful elements.
I will talk about all differences between the two best sealants. So, let’s get down to it.
A Quick Comparison Table
You’ll get a primary idea from a quick comparison table before you get into an in-depth review of these two products.
Here’s a quick comparison between Dow 790 and 795:
| Aspects | Dow 790 | Dow 795 |
| Type | Neutral-Cure Silicone Sealant | RTV Silicone Sealant |
| Special Feature | Flexible and Ultra-Low-Modulus | Non-Sagging and Medium Modulus Silicone |
| Benefits | Offers Fewer Benefits than 795 | Offers More Benefits |
| Usage | Offers Less Usage | Offers More Usage |
| Resistance | Thermal, UV, and Water Resistance | Ozone, Thermal, UV, and Water Resistance |
| Processing & Formulating | 168 to 336 Hours | 168 to 336 Hours |
| Available Colors | 13 | 15 |
Key Differences Between Dow 790 & 795 Sealants
You have enlightened yourself about the basic idea of these sealants, but you need more details to make a precise decision. So, stick with me here because I’ll discuss their differences in detail.
- Type
Dow 790 is a silicone-based ultra-modulus weatherproof sealant.
With its one-part neutral cure, you can effectively seal your house against weather hazards.
On the contrary, Dow 795 is a Room Temperature Vulcanizing or RTV silicone sealant.
It is also a one-part sealant providing a neutral cure while protecting your home from weather and other hazards.
- Features
With a one-part silicone formulation, Dow 790 can cure substrates in the presence of atmospheric moisture. It has been designed to provide a durable ultra-low module seal.
Because of its flexibility, you can resist fire and other hazards with this silicone rubber building joint seal.
On the other hand, Dow 795 is a one-part cold-applied sealant. With non-sagging silicone material, it can cure a medium modulus silicone rubber even if it exposes to atmospheric moisture, including rain, snow, etc.
- Benefits
Both Dow 790 and 795 offer a wide array of benefits. Dow 790, being low-staining and plasticizer-free, is especially suitable for porous substrates. Besides, you will get excellent adhesion to masonry, concrete, and natural stone substrates.
It is easy to apply to various temperatures and conforms to ISO 11600F-25LM.
Dow 795 offers more comprehensive benefits as it is highly resistant to weather, UV, and temperature extremes. Using this sealant, you protect glass and other panel materials from high wind load.
It comes ready to use with easy tooling, low odor, and all-temperature application. Besides, you can put this sealant in various waterproof substrates, including glass, aluminum, steel, painted metal, EIFS, granite & other stone, concrete, brick, plastic, etc.
- Usage
Dow 790 provides sealing of joints between natural stone, curtainwall joints, and mullion joints.
Besides, you can also use it for any expansion and contraction joints, precast concrete panel joints, etc.
On top of that, it provides excellent adhesion to various substrates, including Brickwork, Ceramic, Concrete, Glass, Granite, Marble, Masonry, Paint, Silicone, Stone, Wood, etc.
On the contrary, Dow 795 is suitable for the newest constructions and remedial sealing applications.
Apart from working as structural and non-structural glazing, it provides structural attachment to many panel systems.
Another usage you will enjoy is weather sealing on most common construction materials, including glass, aluminum, steel, stone, concrete, brick, plastics, etc. Furthermore, it provides adhesion to all commonly known substrates.
- Resistance
You can protect your home using Dow 790 sealant as it offers thermal resistance, UV resistance, water resistance, etc. In contrast, Dow 795 resists various harmful rays and protects your home from the Ozone layer, UV rays, thermal radiation, and water.
- Processing and Formulation
Because of its one-part cure system, Dow 790 takes 168 to 338 hours at room temperature to cure fully.
On the other hand, Dow 795 also comes with one part cure system that can fully cure in 168 to 336 hours at room temperature. So, they offer the same performance in processing and formulating.
- Available Colors
You will get 13 colors for Dow 790. They are Adobe Tan, Black, Blue Spruce, Bronze, Charcoal Gray, Dusty Rose, Gray, Limestone, Natural Stone, Precast White, Rustic Brick, Sandstone, and White.
In contrast, Dow 795 is available in 15 colors. They are Adobe Tan, Anodized Aluminum, Black, Blue Spruce, Bronze, Champagne, Charcoal Gray, Custom, Dusty Rose, Gray, Limestone, Natural Stone, Rustic Brick, Sandstone, and White.
Which Building Sealant Is Best For You?
With all the information up until now, it is crystal clear which one is the best among the two. So, it should be easy to decide. However, if you are still in a fog, let me help you. Go for Dow 795 as it is the superior one.
It can provide silicone-tight seals and adhesion to more substrates than its competitor. Besides, you can choose from more options of colors and protect your home from various harmful rays and temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Dow 795 is a one-part neutral curing silicone sealant used for structural and non-structural glazing. Besides, you can use it for structural attachment for many panels.
Dow 795 comes ready with all-temperature tunability and is pretty easy to apply. Just make sure you peel off all existing caulking from the surfaces and old joints.
Dow Corning 791 is a silicone-based premium weather sealant. It is specially designed for structural and non-structural glazing and weather sealing.
Dow 785 is a bacteria-resistant sealant made from silicone and provides excellent adhesion to non-porous surfaces. It provides a water-resistant hygienic seal around sanitary fittings.
Conclusion
Sealing your house against weather, temperature, and other harmful elements is essential.
Do you know what is more important?
Choosing the proper sealant is. I’m glad you found my Dow 790 vs. 795 reviews.
Now that you know the comparison between the best two sealants available, nothing will stop you from choosing the right one. So, go ahead and complete your project confidently.
I worked in the International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers Union Local 580 for 31 years, used tons of DOW 795, all colors, all temperatures humanly bearable to work in New York City, the five boroughs, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut and never had a failure of the product. It was set it, and forget it. Retired now for 12 years, I have to re-caulk my custom transom windows, and I will be using DOW 795, no question, no reservations.
I was told you can’t prep the substrate with isopropyl alcohol when using 790 why is this. I was told to wipe the frame down with xylene which is very toxic and cleans caulking. How will it help bond to the surface?
My question was not answered.
Will Dow 795 bond to cured Dow 790 or vice versa?