When it comes to sealing gaps, joints, or edges in industrial and commercial applications, the two most commonly used solutions are sealant and rubber sealing strip. But which one is better? The truth is: it depends on your application, environment, and long-term needs.
What is a Sealant?
Sealant is a viscous material that hardens over time and is used to seal joints, cracks, or seams. It’s often used in construction, glazing, plumbing, and interior sealing applications.
Advantages of sealant:
- Easy to apply in irregular shapes
- Low initial cost
- Good for small gaps
What is a Rubber Sealing Strip?
A rubber sealing strip is a pre-extruded rubber product that comes in various shapes and materials, such as EPDM, NBR, silicone, neoprene, or PVC. It is used in doors, windows, vehicles, containers, electrical cabinets, and more to provide air-tightness, water resistance, sound insulation, and dust protection.
Advantages of rubber sealing strips:
- High durability and elasticity
- Recyclable, no curing time required
- Excellent resistance to heat, cold, UV, and aging
- Easy to replace or customize
- Ideal for dynamic sealing or frequent open-close environments
Sealant vs Rubber Sealing Strip: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Sealant | Rubber Sealing Strip |
| Installation | Requires curing, skill needed | Easy to install, no curing |
| Customization | Limited | Fully customizable shapes and profiles |
| Durability | Prone to cracking or peeling | High resistance to wear, aging |
| Environmental Resistance | Limited (some types crack in heat or UV) | Excellent resistance to extreme conditions |
| Reusability | No | Yes |
| Appearance | Can be messy | Clean, professional finish |
| Common Uses | Construction joints, plumbing | Windows, doors, vehicles, containers |
Which One is Better?
- For long-term durability, professional appearance, and dynamic environments like automotive doors, refrigerated cabinets, and industrial windows, rubber sealing strips are clearly the better choice.
- For quick fixes or irregular sealing tasks in construction or plumbing, sealants can be more convenient.
Why Leading Manufacturers Prefer Rubber Sealing Strips？
At OKIN, we serve B2B clients across automotive, window & door, household appliance, and industrial sectors, and over 90% of our buyers prefer rubber sealing strips over sealants. Here’s why:
- ✅ Custom-made to fit perfectly
- ✅ No mess, no curing time
- ✅ Long-lasting sealing performance
- ✅ Compliant with industry quality standards
- ✅ Cost-effective for bulk applications
Conclusion
Sealants and rubber sealing strips each have their own place in the world of sealing solutions. But for industries that demand precision, durability, and clean aesthetics, rubber sealing strips are the superior choice — and OKIN is here to deliver the best.