Silicone can cause fisheye problems with lacquers and lots of water based finishes. You can not have them for years, then a tiny amount of silicone migrates to another area of the shop, and it's a PITA to eradicate. The properties that make silicone a great lube make it painful to remove.
Remember… ONE fisheye in the wrong spot can totally ruin your day…
I'm a big fan of the drip bottle Teflon based dry lubes sold in home centers, and motorcycle and bicycle shops. The less junk you attract, the longer you can go between maintenance sessions. I use them on most machine mechanisms that need to move, including gears, screw adjusters, and bushings.
This
drip lube is one of my favorites, and is silicone-free. My local Lowes stores have it, in the tool area.
Folks should be aware that many of the PTFE products DO contain silicone. I assume they all do, unless they proudly state that they don't.
I deal with silicone in lubes it by keeping the bottles well away from the finishing materials, as in another room with my automotive and bicycle stuff, and only handling the bottle with fresh neoprene gloves. The gloves, paper towels, etc… get disposed of outside the shop, not in the shop trash, immediately after use. Don't put the bottle, gloves, etc… on your benches, tool tables, or shop tables. Drip lubes are easy to control, so I choose them over spray versions.
Silicon is an inert ingredient used to make electronic parts, sandpaper, glass, and metal alloys. It won't mess with you in the shop.
Am I the only one who uses new toothbrushes (panty hose, too… but that's another thread…)? They're so cheap, my dentist gives me a handful for free at every cleaning, so we develop a supply in the the closet…