Sealants Summary ...

[Hittenstiehl]

Thx Arrowstrean looks like a great product. Look like baby condiments for all kinds of stuff.

Intentional auto correct to not offend.

[TinShack]

Originally Posted by Arrowstream

Little Red Caps

They make something for everything, don't they? I may have to give these a try!

[Foiled Again]

The black caulk is coming off in strings on my Eddie Bauer wheel covers - or whatever you call them... Black plastic trim around wheel wells unique to the EB.

What is the recommended sealant for this piece of trim?

Thanks in advance. Paula

[Foiled Again]

bump

[cwf]

I had some coming off the seam where front/ rear fender wells came together. I cleaned off with mineral spirits and washed gently the applied the "Adseal" sealant sold by AS. It is gray, but hard to see under the week with a tires blocking.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by Arrowstream

Little Red Caps

Here is another alternative for sealing caulking tubes. I used to use the 'caulking condoms' but found these to be much better!!

[lewster]

Originally Posted by cwf

I had some coming off the seam where front/ rear fender wells came together. I cleaned off with mineral spirits and washed gently the applied the "Adseal" sealant sold by AS. It is gray, but hard to see under the week with a tires blocking.

Adseal is a silicone based material, still un proven in it's longevity. I've seen it on the roof seams of new Airstream trailers………..wouldn't touch it!!!!!! I would stay with proven polyurethanes like SikaFlex that are known to work well.

[0557]

Don't forget SeamerMate at Lowes

[lewster]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

The black caulk is coming off in strings on my Eddie Bauer wheel covers - or whatever you call them... Black plastic trim around wheel wells unique to the EB.

What is the recommended sealant for this piece of trim?

Thanks in advance. Paula

SikaFlex 221 in black. I always have it in stock. Let me know if you can't find it locally…………..

[asv2]

I'm waiting for a new Maxim skylight to be delivered and trying to determine what sealant to use. (we will be resealing the roof as well)
I read in the forums that David at Maxim advised NOT to use a solvent based sealant as it can attack the skylight material. I'm not a scientist but I think Sikaflex is solvent based, and is probably what compromised Wingeezer's skylight(?).
I asked David at Maxim what was a safe and effective caulk/sealant. He recommended OSI Quad Max or Quad. I looked up that product and again I'm not a scientist but it sounded like it might be solvent-based. I'm checking in here for opinions because I also want to make sure to use a product that will work well for an airstream application.
After reading and studying, it appears most everything is either solvent-based or silicone. Solvent based is not recommended by Maxim, and silicone I read is not good for airstreams.
I sure would appreciate any input.

[lewster]

From what I know of SikaFlex, it is a polyurethane based sealant very low in VOCs. You might want to check their MSDS for more specifics.

Many sealants that are characterized as 'self leveling' are very high in VOCs and sealants. Again, the MSDS will reveal everything you need to know.

I use a product from Alpha Sealants called 1021 which is self-leveling and one that most major motor home manufacturers use for their go-to roof sealants; especially around skylights and vent fans.


Lew Farber
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[asv2]

Thank you Lew. Unfortunately the MSDS is not something that makes any sense to me. I wasn't kidding, I'm not good at science!
You mentioned VOC content– do VOC's equate to the amount of solvent in the product?

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by asv2

Thank you Lew. Unfortunately the MSDS is not something that makes any sense to me. I wasn't kidding, I'm not good at science!
You mentioned VOC content– do VOC's equate to the amount of solvent in the product?

Yes, in a manner of speaking. VOC= Volatile Organic Compound. It is the stuff that evaporates as a compound dries, or cures. An example of a high VOC would be automotive lacquer.

[asv2]

So, VOC = Solvent?

[asv2]

I'm sorry Overlander, I just reread your message and it looks like you already answered that VOC's = solvent. By your description would that mean that since silicone puts out acetic acid when it cures, is it also also solvent based? I was under the impression (somehow), that solvent is petroleum based.

[rokjok]

I saw this on the Nenernet and thought it seems like a good idea. Anyone tried it?
Take a short piece of Duct Tape, 3-4 inches, place it up and over the nozzle and fold it back on itself, then press the edges so the sticky sides seal on themselves. The fellow I stole this photo from uses the "Metal Duct Tape" but I also saw someone using just plain ole duct tape.

If sealed tightly the caulk should stay fresh for quite awhile.

Seems like a reasonable solution since it is almost impossible to find caulk in the little tubes for those little jobs.

[Bob662]

Yes, the aluminum tape is what should be used. I tried the cloth duct tape and it didn't work as desired. I guess the cloth lets air penetrate, while the aluminum tape doesn't.

[rugjenkins]

Also put them in your freezer!

[rokjok]

From another AS Forum thread:

How to select sealants
http://www.westmarine.com/WestAdviso...9581-_-2617611

[digidad]

Great thread! One question I'm not finding the answer to... Butyl tape vs Vulkem. I've been using Vulkem (the VTS rebranded equivalent) on pretty much everything for my '72 restore, but I pulled off the scare light and it's using butyl tape. Why? It'd turn to dust, so I'm loath to use it again.

After prepping the surface (and removing all the silicone caulk the PO used), is there any reason I can't used Vulkem to re-attach?