Sikaflex. Cheaper alternatives?

[charisma]

Has anyone had any experiences with the cheaper sealer/adhesives? I need to re-seal a skin fitting. Any reccomendations? I'm too tight for Sikaflex!

 

[paulrossall]

I have used other sealants for above the waterline but below it I always use Sikaflex as the cost is not significant compared to a possible leaking skin fitting during the season. I have bought the other sealants fron a big car spares wholesaler and on the tube it states "made by Siko".

 

[BarryH]

Sikoflex is the brand name. If its a good quality polurethane sealent, then I can't see the problem. I've been using PU Flex by Grenville for years. At 8quid a tube it won't break the bank. The other one that I use now and then is Tiger Seal made by U-Pol, states on the label "for proffesional use only", can't see why! They come in a couple of colours, white, black and grey.

Siko also supply the windscreen industry with sealents for sticking in the "bonded" screens. Most of these products are all the same and as usual the 'marine' one comes at a premium price.

 

[tillergirl]

Have a look at Robbins web site - robbins.co.uk. They have got a special offer on it at the moment albeit in large quantities. I have used it, last time for sealing the new keel bolts.

 

[tillergirl]

I'll try again - Try Puraflex.

 

[jimboaw]

Stick with Sika. just had 3 hatches done (new acrylic) by so-called pro's.. They used 5200. lasted 1 month. Now they have ordered Sika to redo the job. Not generally available in the States.

 

[VMALLOWS]

I buy polyurethane adhesive (that's what SikaFlex is) from a small outfit on a nearby industrial estate (Trade Sealants, Waterlooville, Hants). It's even called 'MarineFlex' (used to be Marineflex 221!). It was £10 for THREE 310ml cartridges last time I got some.

I particularly like the fact that it comes in a proper hard plastic tube, WITH an expiry date. IMHO, all adhesives and sealants should have an expiry date by law. In many chandlers the tube you buy could be rock hard for all you know.

 

[PaulJ]

I agree with Tillergirl, during my fitting out project I have been using vast quantities of Purflex and am quite happy to use it for skin fittings, hatches... and it is also an excellent glue in the right applications. I get it from "Marine and Industrial" at £46.92p +VAT for 12 tubes, I am not sure if they would supply one tube at a pro rata price but you could give em a ring on 01692 406822.

 

[colvic]

Acrylic is nothing like Sika flex. Neither is silicone. The same product is out there and if after large quantaties get onto the industrial suppliers and you'll save money, but for just a tube or so perhaps not worth all the running around etc.

In France and Spain it retails in the marinas at approx 70% UK cost, but in the industrial paint supplies shops its down to about half UK price. Yet again we pay more...but not for electronics..so swings and roundabouts.


Phil

 

[gjeffery]

Just a thought

NASA specify silicone for their plastic skin fittings. Apparantly there is a concern that other types of sealant will erode the plastic of their fitting.

I would willingly have paid more for a broinze fitting so that I could use sikaflex!

 

[30boat]

I have used a Sika made poliurethane sealant called 11 FC.In Portugal it costs the equivalent of £3 a tube and it works very well indeed.Look for it at DIY/construction stores.
For bonding acrylic to hatch frames I used Wurth windshield adhesive that comes with a primer.It is available from auto merchants and is a lot better than,for instance,5200.

 

[Paul_on_a_Nic]

Re: Sikaflex. Does not work on acrylic

Sikaflex does not work on acrylic (Perspex) I have used a silicone type sealant by Dow Corning, 781 I think. Get it from builders merchants for a fraction of the price of Sikaflex. It even sealed my chainplates which is more than Sika. ever did.