Comprehensive Gasket Guide: Types, Uses, and Seal Materials

Our guide explains everything you need to know about gasket paper, how to use it, and the best products.

What is gasket paper?

A gasket sheet - often referred to as ‘gasket paper’, despite usually being made from silicone rubber, cork, nitrile or any other robust flexible material - is a large piece of sheeting intended to be used in making quick, cost-effective gaskets (seals), for joining surfaces or components together.

Gasket paper is sold in a wide variety of material types and thicknesses, with the best choice for any given application being entirely dependent on the nature of the task the gasket will be performing. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the different types and uses of gasket sheeting, and give a run-down of some of the various options on the market.

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What is gasket paper used for?

In its simplest form, a gasket is really just a small part cut out of some sheet material, very often in an ‘o-ring’ shape, that helps form a compressible leak-proof seal between two surfaces or components. Gaskets are usually made from a robust, flexible, and/or chemical/heat/acid-resistant substance.

They’re most commonly used in pipework and ducting systems, where they’re called flange gaskets. Here they help join two sections of pipe together seamlessly to form a continuous, non-leak channel through which liquids or gases can flow.

Some gaskets are defined by their intended application, such as vehicle gaskets in the engines of cars, planes, boats and more. Others are defined by their physical composition and materials, or by the specific nature of the role they’re made to perform (such as acid resistance or high-pressure functionality).

Buying gasket sheets is a cost-effective way to enable the production of new replacement or bespoke gaskets quickly and easily, as older ones eventually begin to stiffen, degrade or fail.

Gaskets are used in a wide variety of applications, from automotive engines to industrial machinery. Gasket paper is commonly used in the following applications:

Automotive: Gaskets are used in vehicle engines to create airtight seals, preventing leaks of oil, coolant, and other fluids. Gasket paper is essential for creating custom gaskets for engine repair and maintenance.

Plumbing: Gaskets are used in plumbing fixtures to create watertight seals, ensuring that pipes and fittings do not leak. Gasket paper is often used to create gaskets for sinks, toilets, and other plumbing components.

Industrial Machinery: Gaskets are used in industrial machinery to prevent leaks of air, water, or chemicals. Gasket paper is commonly used in factories and industrial facilities to create custom gaskets for various types of equipment.

Electrical Enclosures: Gaskets are used in electrical enclosures to create seals that protect against dust, water, and other contaminants. Gasket paper is often used to create custom gaskets for electrical panels and other types of enclosures.

Types of gasket paper and sheeting

Gasket paper comes in a wide variety of materials, each with its own unique properties and advantages. Choosing the right type of gasket paper is essential to ensure that the gasket will perform effectively in its intended application. In this section, we’ll explore some of the most common types of gasket paper and their uses.

Rubber Gasket Sheets

Rubber gasket sheets are one of the most widely used types of gasket paper. They are known for their flexibility and ability to create strong seals. Rubber gasket sheets are commonly used in applications where the gasket needs to withstand varying temperatures and pressures. They are often used in automotive, industrial, and plumbing applications.

Cork Gasket Sheets

Cork gasket sheets are another popular choice for creating gaskets. They are valued for their ability to create airtight seals and their resistance to oil and fuel. Cork gasket sheets are commonly used in automotive and industrial applications, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of projects.

High-Temperature Gasket Sheets

High-temperature gasket sheets are specially designed to withstand extreme heat, making them ideal for applications such as furnaces, ovens, and exhaust systems. These gasket sheets are often made from materials like graphite or ceramic, which can maintain their integrity even at very high temperatures.

Nitrile Gasket Sheets

Nitrile gasket sheets are known for their excellent resistance to oil, fuel, and other petroleum-based products. They are commonly used in automotive and industrial applications where exposure to these substances is a concern. Nitrile gasket sheets are also valued for their ability to create strong seals, making them a reliable choice for a wide range of projects.

Silicone Gasket Sheets

Silicone gasket sheets are prized for their flexibility and resistance to extreme temperatures. They are often used in applications where the gasket may be exposed to the elements, such as outdoor equipment or electrical enclosures. Silicone gasket sheets are also valued for their ability to create airtight seals, making them a reliable choice for projects.

Graphite gasket sheets

Graphite gasket sheet is something of a traditional material for gasket production, but still very widely used in a range of environments and applications. The higher the carbon content of the graphite gasket paper, the more flexible it will be, but also more brittle. For this reason, high-carbon graphite sheet gasket material is often sold reinforced with various metal cores or fillers.

Graphite gaskets are frequently found in high temperature or pressure environments, or where hazardous chemicals must be sealed away. Example industries include petrochemicals and refineries, steam services and vibration damping.

Where to buy gasket materials and paper?

When looking for gasket materials and gasket paper, it’s important to work with a supplier that understands the unique needs of your specific industry. RS is a leading supplier of gasket materials and gasket paper, offering a wide range of high-quality products from industry-leading brands.

Whether you need rubber, silicone, or high-temperature gasket sheets, RS has you covered. Our team of experts can help you find the right materials for your project, ensuring that your gaskets perform effectively and reliably. RS offers fast delivery and excellent customer service, making them the ideal choice for all your gasket material needs.