Sikaflex information

[Franklin1]

G'day again, would those of you who are familiar with sikaflex please tell me if it is suitable to temporarily seal the aluminium edge strip on a van (no, not the Franklin...another van needing emergency repairs). I'm thinking I'll need to take the ali strip back off in about a month to do some more extensive repairs, and just need to seal it for that period. Does sikaflex set solid and stick like s***, or does it stay pliable and can be pulled apart easily? What about butyl mastic, would that be a better alternative for the short period required? Any help from those in the know appreciated.

thanks,
Al.

[harriet]

hi harriet hear i use sikaflex when i restore old wooden boats it sticks wourse than sh;;;;;',.t to ablancet . my wife makes me put on old cloths even if i say sikaflex .some of my baot s have been in the water for twenty yaers and dont leak . so be carefull . harriet .

[atouchofglass]

Got to agree with harriet
Have used sikaflex before and it is liquid steel
Have seen it remove fibreglass rather than come off.

once tried to get it off a steel window frame with a bottle jack...... didn't come off.

be afraid be very afraid

Atog

[Daggsey]

Hi Franklin 1,

Sikaflex is what panelbeaters use to glue panels on modern cars....not many nuts and bolts used nowadays.

I would suggest you use paintable silicon....you will be able to cut through it with a stanley knife, and any residue of silicon that is left, you will at least be able to paint over it if that is what you are doing.

Having said that, I think there are various strengths of sikaflex....in any case, I would advise talking to a panelbeater or somebody with some knowledge at a hardware store.

Cheers
Daggsey

[Franklin1]

Thanks guys for your feedback. I would appreciate anyone else adding their two cents worth as well.

Daggsey's comment about 'paintable silicon' leads me to my second question...

Some waterproofing repairs have been done on this van with a number of beads of silicone in various places. Has anyone used the silicone remover gels that are available on the market? I've read the Selley's website about their product, and the materials that you need to avoid using it on, etc. My question relates to whether anyone has actually used it and found it successful, or is it messy, or expensive, or 'a waste of time', etc. I'll need to scrape or remove some silicone off the painted ali cladding and don't want to do any damage.

Again, any thoughts or info appreciated.

thanks,
Al.

[rfw]

Sikaflex is used in the auto windscreen trade to seal your screen in place. If you`ve ever tried to remove one you`ll know what you`re up against. And yes, most panel beaters use this product ( other than / with the required clips) to hold your door moulds in place. It is literally a bullet proof product. If you want permanentcy this is what you use. For removal of silicone you can try softening it with a petrol soaked portion on a rag. Rubbing backward and forward. Somewhat messy but it will clean it up. A Stanley knife carefully run along the silicone bead to remove the excess will probably work. Then follow up with the petrol/rag application again. Good luck.

[minicamper]

Hey Franklin,

I'm voting steer clear of sikaflex for anything temporary.

As far as removing silicon, it depends on the surface its on, nut one of the quickest things i've seen lift silicon, is white spirit. You only have to see a mechanic put a silicon "gasket" or part in the parts cleaner to see how quickly it bubbles and peels...

Cheaper than the gels too..

Cheers
Chris

[Franklin1]

Good information, guys...thanks for the input.

Maybe this is the type of product I'm looking for??...

(from the Sika website)
"Description:
SikaLastomer-710 is a butyl rubber based sealant, for general use in joint sealing.
The sealant does not harden, therefore permitting if necessary, eventual dismantling of elements joined with SikaLastomer-710...

...Removal:
Sikaflex Remover 208 may be used for removing excess product from painted surfaces, plastics, rubbers, glass and application tools etc.


Could be a goer?

cheers,
Al.

[cobber]

Al,
Slow response..... sorry, been busy.

I have used either Sikaflex 290 or 291, both of which don't claim to have adhesive properties and worked pretty good for me as a filler and have remained kind of flexible.
I did use another one, didn't take note of it's number, as a filler and it was a disaster.... bubbled up when it got wet, so the right product for the right job with Sikaflex will get good results I reckon.
However the one you have found sounds like it will do the job too.

Cobber.

[Deleted]

Hi Al
Doddle on down to the big green shed at the local shopping centre.

Take your glasses and take the time to read the description on the tubes.
It is one thing to find a product that will "let go" when yo want it to but beware that anything with silicone in it is a death knell for paint. no matter wether you are trying to paint over the stuuf or you have removed it from the surface it was on .. its presence in any ammount will cause paint top "fish eye" or fry up.
The surface it was on will need to be 100% clean before you repaint it.

Agree with past comments about sikaflex . I have seen it used to hold stainless moulds on the side of old cars. God help the poor bugger that has to remove it later on...
Sticks like fobbergross to a blanket

Reddo

[boblor]

Hi Al
I contacted Sika some time ago about the best product to use for installation of alum. windows on fabuglass van and the technical reps in Syd and Bris. suggested SikaLastomer 511 a non skinning product. I have used it and it is ideal for windows as it allows some movement without breaking the water seal. the only problem I had to buy a carton of 12 tubes at $7 a tube. A little goes a long way, but I am not sure of what to use to clean off.
I feel it is excellent for windows.
Cheers boblor