Getting Stykaflex off . . .

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alex_rhind

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I've got to break/clean/get a stykaflex seal off the coachroof cover to do MORE rewiring. Anyone know any surefire ways or GRP/gelcoat-safe solvents for this pernicious stuff?

It will be going back on with Perflex Ralliseal - just a shame I didn't know about it last month when I put the coachroof on, but hell! Aside from cutting and careful scraping . . . .
 
Hi!

You've got my sympahty, I've just had to do a similar thing on grp when I totally forgot to clean up with meths (the best stuff BEFORE it sets) before shoving off home.

I tried all sorts, as most have over the years, but as Sikaflex themselves say, once it's set it can only be removed mechanically - for which term read bl**dy hard work!!!

Good luck,

Jerry
 
Thanks Jerry - feared this was so.

Dialogue with Moody suggested they won't let Stikaflex near their boats and they use Perflex Ralliseal 432. I used it to bed a stemhead last week and it's lovely to work with. Can recommend. Downside is it only comes in 25l tubs as a 2-part mix!!
 
Hi Dick!

That's really good news if so. I spoke to Sikalex a couple of times during the refit of my boat over various matters, and they assured me that there was nothing that could SAFELY be used to get the cured Sikaflex off grp other than 'mechanical' means..

Does the dry cleaning fluid you recommend have any detrimental effect on the grp, short or long term?

Be grateful for your advice.

Cheers Jerry
 
Perchloroethylene and getting Stikaflex off . . .

Thanks for that - could be useful if I get desperate and frustrated.

It may or may not have a detrimental effect on GRP, but it will on users.
You need to cover up well and wear a mask for this stuff - Perchloroethylene is a very volatile organic compound that is linked to (wait for it) respiratory and kidney problems, as well as skin hypersensitivity. Don't envy the ladies at dry cleaners . . . .
 
I'm afraid it won't help you with your present problem but FWIW..... In applications where you may one day want to remove a component and are also using bolts as a fastening, so the Sikaflex is really ony for bedding down and sealing, try smearing the surface with silicone grease before assembly.

The stuff I have been using is that used by plumbers for assembling plastic and rubber components. It is wicked stuff.... even though you can't see anything it always leaves a microscopic deposit and the surface feels slippery, it seems like for ever. Smear on a very small amount and then wipe it off with a cloth so you can't see any of the grease at all.... If you can see the grease on the surface, there is too much. Then apply the Sikaflex in the normal way.

If some day you need to remove the item, you will find that it has stuck but a good hard pull should break it away and any residue of sikaflex should scrape off much more easily.

'Hope this helps..... next time! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Paul.
 
Petrol does it - decant a small amount from the outboard's supply, use a J-Cloth, usually comes off with minimal rubbing unless REALLY old and hard.
 
recommend using mechanical means to reduce the amount there to the minimum, scraper followed by stanley blade seems to do the best, and I then rub of with an acetone soaked rag - but its hard work.

I now use Wurth adhesive sealant which may not be quite so great at sticking, but also doesnt go off in the tube like sika provided you seal the air access.
 
I have been useing a plumbing polyurathane which smells and feels just like sikaflex, its only $6AU per tube. I really am starting to think Sikaflex is just one of those pay by name products now!
 
Can you oblige with where Perflex Ralliseal is available from, did a Google but no luck.
Thanks
Mike
 
'Not sure about "Ralliseal" but I have bought a great deal of "ordinary" Purflex from Marine and Industrial Sealants who are based in Norwich but do mail order. They have a huge selection of that kind of thing so I would try them first on 01692 406822.

Paul.
 
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