sikaflex 291i----how to clean up/off before it sets??

[lenten]

installing a plastic skin fitting for a bilge pump----putting sikaflex under the outside fitting-----i am sure it will extrude under pressure -----what to clean it up with??----i have acetone---meths---white spirit-----advice welcome---thanks

 

[john_morris_uk]

Acetone will dissolve it but you can also use white spirit which acts more like a lubricant to help you get a clean edge. Scrape most off using a blunt edge and then keep wiping and turning the cloth/paper towel. Wear disposable gloves!
As a general rule, if mounting fitting on anything remotely absorbent (like wood), then mask it off because otherwise either acetone (or while spirit and the vigorous wiping) will get sikaflex into the absorbent surface and you’ll struggle to get it out. (I found this out when mounting deck fittings through Treadmaster decking.). If the fitting is on smooth gel it’s not a problem.

 

[Neeves]

I don't why I think this:

Using a spirit solvent, turps, wicks between the 2 surfaces, of the base and the item being attached, and reduces the strength of the bond. I thought the recommended clean up was, concentrated soapy (washing up detergent) water and lots of rags. As John says - use masking tape where ver [possible

Cleaning places where you have made a mess, turps.

Jonathan

 

[Kilo]

There's a product made by CT1 called Multi Solve, seems to be able to shift most uncured siliconey/polyester adhesives & sealants but I've not had to use it on Sikka so do a test first. It's not a cheap option but it's saved my bacon a few times

 

[dunedin]

Baby wipes seem to work well

 

[Neil_Y]

I

installing a plastic skin fitting for a bilge pump----putting sikaflex under the outside fitting-----i am sure it will extrude under pressure -----what to clean it up with??----i have acetone---meths---white spirit-----advice welcome---thanks

I found many years ago that a wet wipe product called Scrubs manages to clean it off, it's also not as dangerous or toxic as solvents like acetone where you really want a respirator. It really works and is not bad for your skin.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Acetone might not be the best answer for some plastic transducers.

I've mentioned it several times on here (no-one seems to take much notice), automotive panel wipe will remove all Sika type adhesives/sealants, silicon, butyl and most other sticky adhesives. It will not harm any plastics.

 

[michael_w]

Another vote for baby wipes, god knows what they do to baby's bottoms.

 

[Kilo]

Acetone might not be the best answer for some plastic transducers.

I've mentioned it several times on here (no-one seems to take much notice), automotive panel wipe will remove all Sika type adhesives/sealants, silicon, butyl and most other sticky adhesives. It will not harm any plastics.

I am now taking note. thanks.

 

[Neeves]

I've mentioned it several times on here (no-one seems to take much notice)

Not uncommon

Jonathan

 

[Poignard]

Acetone might not be the best answer for some plastic transducers.

I've mentioned it several times on here (no-one seems to take much notice), automotive panel wipe will remove all Sika type adhesives/sealants, silicon, butyl and most other sticky adhesives. It will not harm any plastics.

I have taken notice and might give them a try when I have used up my two boxes of Everbuild Wonder Wipes.

 

[PCUK]

Wonder Wiper from the builders merchant. Made for the job and loads of others.

 

[jim.howes]

Hi i do skin fittings the old fashioned way, wipe off excess sikaflex with finger and remove remainder with rag/cloth/ paper towel until clean.

 

[neil_s]

Having done this so many times I am now very economical and only get the smallest amount squeezing out. Trouble is, I can't stop it going hard in the tube!

 

[sogood]

I always mask off the area around whatever it is that I'm sticking down. Then apply sealant and item in question and fix it down, but not fully tight. Doing so only squeezes out most of the sealant.
I allow it to cure somewhat, usually just a few hours or less, depending on the environment etc.
Then I trim off the excess that has squeezed out onto the masking tape, using a sharp blade like a Stanley knife.
Peel off the tape, which takes away the excess and finally give your fitting a final tighten down. This works better as the sealant has cured/set somewhat and will create a better, thicker seal, more like a rubber washer.

 

[dgadee]

Having done this so many times I am now very economical and only get the smallest amount squeezing out. Trouble is, I can't stop it going hard in the tube!

Put it in the freezer.

 

[wiggy]

I installed 4 new through hulls this year and used CT1 to bond them, baby wipes are definitely my clean up solution of choice. Cheap as Chips from Lidl or similar.

 

[FlyingGoose]

Big Paul has the answer, panel wipe, is great, from an apprentice spray painter , panel beater , (family business)
Just to put my environment hat on , baby wipes or any wipes are land fill , I know we all care about the environment here

 

[Little Dorrit]

Having done this so many times I am now very economical and only get the smallest amount squeezing out. Trouble is, I can't stop it going hard in the tube!

Try putting it in the freezer. I've got a tube about 12 months old which I've used a few times without problem defrosting and ref freezing after use.

 

[lenten]

thanks for all replies----used wet wipes-----(sorry flying-goose)-----surprised at how good they were