Sikaflex 291 at low temperatures

[Ian_Edwards]

Anyone got any experience of using Sikaflex 291 at temperatures below 10 deg C?

The data sheet says:

"Do not apply at temperatures below
10°C or above 35°C. The optimum
temperature for substrate
and sealant is between 15°C and
25°C."

and another bits says it shouldn't be applied to "frozen surfaces"

It's relative easy to comply with the frozen bit, but the boat is unlikely to see 10 deg C until next spring.

I want to bond in two new hull fittings, one for an echo sounder transducer, the other for a new paddle wheel speed sensor.

I could attempt to heat the area around the skin fittings with a fan heater.

But since the boat won't be launched until mid March next year, am I worrying to much?

 

[jerrytug]

Funnily enough I have the same stuff and was wondering the same thing. I will warm up the tubes in warm water, and blow a hairdryer on the surfaces to be stuck, get it all as dry as possible. And have a fan heater blowing on the general area as it cures, to avoid condensation getting in there by cooling too quickly.
Plus scrubbing with acetone and all that palaver. Fingers crossed Jerry

 

[prv]

Must admit I'd never noticed the temperature requirement, and I've used loads of the stuff over several cold winters...

Pete

 

[itchenseadog]

I've used 291 in the winter many times with no problems - just the manufacturer covering themselves. Make sure surfaces are clean and dry and you will be ok.

 

[martinaskey]

Likewise have used this and similar products in the cold without a problem.
The one issue I've had is getting the stuff out of the cartridge when it is cold - moves better if warmed under your jumper !.
But have never warmed application surfaces or maintained heat during curing.

M

 

[Amulet]

It is moisture curing, so heat and dryness shouldn't be the main issues. I wonder if the temperature limits are indeed about flow characteristics.

 

[Blueboatman]

Moisture-curing polyurethanes aside, if you do want dry surfaces one trick is to heat the hull, or just one part of the hull, from the inside using the fan heater, this then radiates right through and can be maintained all night if required ( eg curing laminating work)

 

[alan17]

The one issue I've had is getting the stuff out of the cartridge when it is cold - moves better if warmed under your jumper !.


M

Just be careful not to squeeze whilst under jumper. Very messy!

 

[Chris_robb_ndota]

Just be careful not to squeeze whilst under jumper. Very messy!

At the very least, In the event, try to remove offending jumper within 2 hours of squeezing, unless you very much like wearing the jumper. forever.

 

[theguerns]

Hi Ian, I have tested this product to destruction and believe me when I say it out performs Sikaflex a 1000 times. Its called CT1. do a Google search and you will see it . We get ours sent to us in France from Sealantsandtoolsdirect.co.uk