LEXEL Sealant

[Sburg58]

Anyone ever used a product called Lexel for sealing leaks? It looks like clear silicon, however does not contain acetic acid, can be applied in temps from 0 F to 120 F, on wet surfaces, dries clear, and can be painted. Supposedly better adhesion, and elasticity than silicon. I found it mentioed on a aviation web site, indicating it is used to seal aircraft windshields between aluminum and plexiglass. Too cold and wet to use Vulkem or the others right now to stop a leak near the street side front window.
New to RV's, first one ever, it is a 65 Safari, owned it almost a month now. Thought I might try it, but do not want to mess up a nice trailer by doing something I might regret later. The manufacturer rep also informed me it is very difficult to remove once setup.
What are your thoughts and ideas.

Stan

[68 TWind]

Vulkem will work if it is not too cold. Best technique I have found is to use blue masking tape on either side of the joint to be sealed. Leaving a gap in the tape proportional to the size of the seam (in other words make the final bead just big enough to cover the crack without being ugly). Apply the Vulkem then smooth with your finger in one direction and then go back in the other direction. This evens out the seam and insures the vulkem is forced into the cracks that need sealing. Then as soon as you get it smooth with your finger, remove the tape and do not touch it again. Don't try tweak it, if you messed up let it dry and them do it again cause if you touch your smooth seam it will not match the rest of the area you smoothed, If you leave the tape on until the sealer starts to skim before removing it will leave little ridges but if you remove it immediately the edges will blend in and be smooth. Hope it works for you, my Trade Wind leaked like a sieve when I got it so I had plenty of opportunity to experiment and this technique worked the best for me.

Happy Holidays

[rowiebowie]

I have not used the Lexel brand, but have used similar toluene-based products on exterior projects (painted and un-painted). I agree it is the best, longest lasting sealant I have ever used.

Again, not Lexel, but I went outside to see a 4yr. old application around my power meter sealing it to the brick. The job is not pretty, but then, I wasn't trying to be.

It gets about 5 hrs. of sun daily (until about noon). The side is still crystal clear (about the same as the day it was applied. The top, however, has turned a little milky gray.

[rugjenkins]

Great advice on the sealant but it is an 8 year old thread

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by rugjenkins

Great advice on the sealant but it is an 8 year old thread

Ha, search error. Meant to post here on this new thread.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f456...nt-184343.html

[sc17842]

I have been using lexel for all my sealing needs and it works fantastic! I have used this a ton of trailers for sealing skylights etc, and it holds up very well and remains playable!

[TG Twinkie]

I use Lexel as well. I swear the stuff will stick to water.
It is not silicone.

[Bob Blarney]

I've been using Lexel for many small cracks & crevices, and I think it should be in every emergency repair toolbox

It has several useful properties:

It's very stretchy and will adapt to expansion and contraction.
It will stick to almost anything but a finger dipped in soapy water (that's how to smooth & fillet it).
It can be applied to wet surfaces down to freezing (32F) or lower.
It is soluble and can be removed with mineral spirits.

[sandollars]

Originally Posted by rugjenkins

Great advice on the sealant but it is an 8 year old thread

But still very much relevant.