High-Temp Masking Tubing

• Temperature Range: up to 600°F / 315°C
• Material: Silicone
• Colors: Clear and Orange
• Typical Uses: powder coating, e-coating, plating and anodizing. Ideal for masking very long studs, tube ends, and pins.
• Reusable.
• Chemical Resistance.

Can be cut to desired length, or extend the length of masking caps.
In-stock wall thickness is 1/16" but other wall thicknesses can be custom ordered.

Try a FREE sample to check for compatibility with your next project - Contact Us for more information!

How to Choose the Right Silicone Tubing Size

Selecting the correct tubing ensures a "compression fit" that prevents paint or powder from seeping under the mask. Follow these three rules of thumb:

• For Studs and Bolts: Choose an Inside Diameter (ID) that is 0.010" to 0.020" smaller than the major diameter of the thread. This creates a tight seal that prevents "bleeding" or "bridging" during the curing process.
• For Smooth Pins: Select an ID that matches the pin size exactly or is slightly smaller. Silicone is naturally flexible; a snug fit is better than a loose one - unless pins are oriented "upwards" (then watch for "pooling" if parts musts still go through a wash cycle!).
• Check the Wall Thickness: Our stock 1/16" wall thickness is the industry standard for flexibility. If you are masking sharp threads or need extra durability for heavy media blasting, contact us for 1/8" or other custom wall thickness options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• 1. How many times can I reuse silicone masking tubing? While "reusability" depends on the cure temperature and duration, most finishers get 5 to 10 cycles out of a single piece. If the silicone becomes brittle or loses its elasticity, it is time to replace it.
• 2. How do I remove baked-on powder coating from the tubing? Once the parts have cooled, "crack" the coating by flexing the tubing. Much of the cured powder should flake off. For stubborn buildup, a brief soak in a mild solvent can help, but avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals to prevent the silicone from swelling. See our Cleaning Powder Coating off Caps & Plugs" page for more details.
• 3. Can this tubing be used in plating or anodizing? Yes. Silicone is highly resistant to the chemicals used in most plating, e-coating, and anodizing lines as well as cleaning solutions.
• 4. What is the difference between the Orange and Clear colors? There is no functional difference in performance or heat resistance. We primarily offer clear, but orange or other colors are available (non-stock, additional lead time may apply) so you can color-code your shop floor (e.g., "Orange for Metric, Clear for Standard") to prevent sizing errors during high-volume production.
• 5. Is this tubing food-grade or medical-grade? Our CST tubing is specifically engineered for industrial masking. While silicone is generally inert, this specific line is not certified for FDA food contact or medical implantation. Contact us for FDA or food grade tubing options.

Try a FREE sample to check for compatibility with your next project - Contact Us for more information!