Material Guide
Not sure which material is right for your project? This guide compares the most popular gasket materials we offer so you can choose quickly and confidently. All materials are precision CNC cut with tight tolerances, and you’ll see your exact price in seconds — no minimum order, shipping across the entire USA.
Quick Tip: Not sure what you need? Scroll to the comparison table or use our instant quote tool below.
Gasket Materials Comparison Table
| Material | Max Temp | Oil / Fuel Resistance | Weather / UV / Ozone | Water / Steam Resistance | Applications | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viton® (FKM) | -15°F to 400°F | Excellent | Good | Good | Exhaust, fuel systems, chemicals, high-heat | Premium |
| Silicone | -60°F to 450°F | Fair | Excellent | Excellent | High-temp sealing, ovens, medical, HVAC | Mid-range |
| EPDM | -60°F to 300°F | Poor | Excellent | Excellent | Outdoor, plumbing, HVAC, weather exposure | Very Affordable |
| Neoprene | -40°F to 250°F | Good | Very Good | Good | Automotive, enclosures, vibration damping | Affordable |
| Buna-N (Nitrile) | -40°F to 250°F | Excellent | Poor | Good | Oil, fuel, hydraulic systems, machinery | Affordable |
| FDA Buna-N | -40°F to 250°F | Excellent | Poor | Good | Food processing, beverage equipment | Affordable |
| Natural Rubber | -50°F to 180°F | Poor | Fair | Good | High-compression seals, heavy mechanical | Budget |
| Cork / Rubber Blend | -20°F to 250°F | Good (with Buna) | Good | Good | Low-pressure flanges, uneven surfaces | Very Affordable |
| Paper Fiber / Buna-N | -20°F to 250°F | Good | Fair | Fair | Light-duty covers, shims, housings | Lowest Cost |
| Expanded PTFE | -100°F to 500°F | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Chemical processing, food-grade, aggressive fluids | Mid-range |
Detailed Material Breakdown
Viton® (FKM) Top choice for extreme conditions. Outstanding resistance to fuels, oils, chemicals, and high heat. Ideal for automotive exhaust, industrial fuel systems, and harsh chemical environments.
Silicone Rubber Excellent high-temperature performance and flexibility. Stays soft even in extreme heat or cold. Commonly used in ovens, HVAC, thermal sealing, and food-contact applications.
EPDM Rubber The go-to material for outdoor and weather-exposed gaskets. Superior resistance to UV, ozone, sunlight, and water. Perfect for plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and outdoor enclosures.
Neoprene Rubber Versatile all-rounder with good oil resistance, weather resistance, and durability. Great for automotive, industrial machinery, electrical enclosures, and vibration dampening.
Buna-N (Nitrile) Excellent oil and fuel resistance. The standard choice for hydraulic systems, pumps, valves, and any application involving petroleum products.
FDA-Compliant Buna-N Same great oil resistance as standard Buna-N, but certified food-safe. Ideal for food processing, beverage lines, and pharmaceutical equipment.
Natural Rubber Highly elastic with excellent compression set recovery. Best for applications needing high resilience and heavy mechanical sealing.
Cork-Rubber & Cork/Buna-N Blends Highly compressible and forgiving on uneven surfaces. Excellent for low-pressure flanges, valve covers, and light-duty assemblies.
Paper Fiber / Buna-N Blend Thin, lightweight, and economical for low-pressure sealing in covers, shims, and housings.
Expanded PTFE Chemically inert with broad temperature range and strong compressibility. Great for aggressive chemicals and food-grade applications.
Not Sure Which Material to Choose?
- High heat + oil/fuel → Viton®
- High heat, no oil → Silicone
- Outdoor or water exposure → EPDM
- General automotive or oil → Neoprene or Buna-N
- Food contact + oil → FDA Buna-N
- Low pressure / uneven surfaces → Cork blends
Need a Special Material or Thickness?
Don’t see exactly what you need? We can often source additional materials or custom thicknesses. Just reach out — we’ll get you a fast quote.
Note: All thicknesses listed are nominal (industry standard). Slight variations are normal and typical for gasket materials.