Sealant (not again)

[Shaino]

So everyone advises to use Sikaflex (or similar) sealant that is impossible for DIY-er to remove after.
How does one suggest to carry out a repair later, should it be required? Given that you need to remove all previous sealant before applying a new one

 

[otherclive]

White spirit, plastic scrapers and elbow grease

 

[GaryB]

While modern sealants provide an excellent bond and water proofing, most can be removed by using a "cheese wire" type of removal technique. Careful prizing with a blade as Clive suggests can often allow a thin wire (I use MIG welding wire but strong twine can also be used) to be fed through and then used to saw through the sealant.

 

[Dustydog]

Sadly elbow grease , scraper and careful use of a flap wheel . No chemicals I know will actually remove it other than make for a clean surface post the first three mentioned!

 

[Mr Plodd]

Dental floss is excellent for cutting through mastic/silicone. Non abrasive so no damage to the bodywork.

 

[Shaino]

It's been advised on this forum to even use Sikaflex on the seal when resealing windows and also on top of screw heads.

Is it not too excessive and just lead to more issues ? Would it not be more practical to use some non-adhesive sealant?

 

[otherclive]

There are different types of Sikaflex for different tasks you need to choose the correct one. Soudal is a good make and again make different types of sealant-adhesive for different tasks.

 

[Mr Plodd]

It's a question of using the correct item for the job in hand. Don't confuse mastic which remains flexible, with an adhesive that sets solid. There are different types of Sikaflex and Soudal products, some are adhesives and some are mastic.

If you want a flexible seal (around caravan window frames etc) to allow for slight movement between two surfaces, then you need a mastic and not an adhesive. If you want to permanently affix something, such as a camera bracket then you need an adhesive.

Mastic is a pain to remove for the simple reason it's meant to be! If it was easy to remove it would be likely to come away from whatever it was applied to in use and leak wouldnt it??

 

[Shaino]

Ah I see, thank you.

Is there a recommended product / type per each type of work required? E.g. for re-sealing windows, shower tray, etc?

 

[GaryB]

Some manufacturers web sites have a technical helpline service. Tell them what you want to bond to (material type) and they will recommend the best of their products.

 

[Dustydog]

Ah I see, thank you.

Is there a recommended product / type per each type of work required? E.g. for re-sealing windows, shower tray, etc?

For caravan use I have only ever used Soudal RV 61 or Sikaflex 522.
You don’t need anything else imo

 

[otherclive]

For caravan use I have only ever used Soudal RV 61 or Sikaflex 522.
You don’t need anything else imo

Wasn’t Damian a fan of Soudal Fixall?

 

[Dustydog]

Wasn’t Damian a fan of Soudal Fixall?

Some have mentioned it but I believe Damian was more specific. Why use a general all purpose everyday sealant when you can buy and use a dedicated caravan sealant?

 

[Shaino]

Wasn’t Damian a fan of Soudal Fixall?

Yeah that's my impression from reading his replies... To use it for everything

 

[otherclive]

Some have mentioned it but I believe Damian was more specific. Why use a general all purpose everyday sealant when you can buy and use a dedicated caravan sealant?

Dusty I agree horses for courses but what. do you mean about Damian being more specific. As an AWS engineer I found his advice spot on.


PS reading some earlier posts Damian also recommended Sikaflex 512 but Fixall was easier to smooth and work with.

 

[Dustydog]

Dusty I agree horses for courses but what. do you mean about Damian being more specific. As an AWS engineer I found his advice spot on.


PS reading some earlier posts Damian also recommended Sikaflex 512 but Fixall was easier to smooth and work with.

Clive, If you look,back you will see Damian’s reference to all,three . In the context of an exterior sealant to the best of my knowledge he only recommended the two I quoted. Nothing wrong with Fixall but if you check the tech spec you will see the adhesion properties are not as good.
Anyone who has repaired and replaced a roof strap or awning rail will only want to use the very very best to avoid doing the job again.

 

[Shaino]

Soudal RV 61

Are they still selling it or re-branded?

 

[Dustydog]

🤔🤔🙃
It’s freely available even from Amazon and eBay. Most caravan dealers sell,it including Baileys own shop Prima Leisure. Plus via the Caravan Club it’s £1.00 cheaper if you are a member.
Let me be clear. All the mentions of Fixall & 512 are misplaced.As the Prof often points out recommendations on here may not be accurate.
Please double check for yourselves!
Sikaflex 512 was replaced by 522, a great improvement on an already excellent product.
Soudal RV61 is the caravan workshop norm.
Fixall is an all rounder but imo not for major structural adhesions or repairs where water ingress may be an issue. Ask yourself why the sealant manufacturers make different applications!!

 

[Shaino]

@Dustydog can't rv61 on Amazon! Could you share the link please?
And it's not listed on soudal website?..

 

[Dustydog]

@Dustydog can't rv61 on Amazon! Could you share the link please?
And it's not listed on soudal website?..

No . Sorry but I am not your personal Search Engine! Both are freely available Nationwide and at most caravan shops and the Caravan Club! I really haven’t got the time this week, sorry

 

[Dustydog]

Lol you spent more time writing your response than checking if your statements are true

Calling me a liar? That’s unacceptable.

 

[Dustydog]

Amazon.co.uk : soudal rv61 caravan sealant

But today it is not in stock! Dozens of other places have it as explained previously

 

[otherclive]

Lol you spent more time writing your response than checking if your statements are true

It's actually Soudaseal RV61 here is the link to Amazon ( stock out) , eBay has lots of suppliers too. Not that difficult to locate:

B06WGQYJZK

 

[Dustydog]

It's actually Soudaseal RV61 here is the link to Amazon ( stock out) , eBay has lots of suppliers too. Not that difficult to locate:

B06WGQYJZK

Clive
This is weird. The link you attached is a direct link to my March 2021 purchase! Have I been hacked🤔🤔

 

[Parksy]

Shaino
I've deleted two of your recent comments.
Insinuating that forum members who have taken the time and trouble to reply to your query are lying to you is insulting and uncalled for.
By doing so you are in breach of forum guidelines.