Today’s elastomeric joint sealants are quite remarkable. For a relatively low cost, they provide much of the protection against air or water intrusion for many types of assemblies. In these applications, a sealant must adhere tenaciously to the substrates and maintain prolonged flexibility while being bombarded by wind, rain, heat, ultraviolet (UV) light, ice, dirt, and so on. In many cases, the sealants are also expected to maintain their color.

Discoloration of paints, finished plastic components or sheets is a well-documented subject; however, it seems the same cannot be said of sealants. Granted, in terms of surface area in use, sealants account for a relatively small amount. Because of their location and visibility on many assemblies, however, any discoloration is readily apparent and often unsightly.