Sikaflex tips please

[rollercoaster]

Its great stuff, but I am new to using it,
as many of you have been at it a while..
could anyone share the benefits of experience.

I have no idea what solvent will clean it off where its not wanted.
It seems to cure very well but how save and use a tube over a long while?
What does it not take on top of very well?
It seemed to be fine going straight onto Hydrate 80, maybe I should prime first?
I plan to use Rustoleum with it, any problems?
Anything else to know?

Thanks

[slowcoach]

A woodscrew in the end of the nozzle keeps it airtight and saves it for another day for me. Have you plugged the nozzle with something?

[Oldiebut goodie]

I use meths or cellulose thinners to clean it off.
Wipe the tip of the nozzle off, use a blob of grease or oil on the sealant and wrap with duct tape that works for keeping it a little while but as it cures by moisture in the air any method that prevents air getting to it will work just don't expect to keep it months.
As to overpainting it, the longer that you leave it before painting over the better, too quick and some paints remain tacky as the sealant tends to alter the drying properties.

[Mocki]

I found that cling film over the end of the tube and then refitting the nozzle worked best, but a few days and it will be no good

The best way to clean off the excess is not to put the excess on in the first place !
Cleaning with thinners or similar before using it makes cleaning any off that should not be there easier too
Masking tape works , as long as you remove it before the sikaflex has cured

[ajsimmo]

The best way to clean off the excess is not to put the excess on in the first place !

Brilliant.
I so often want to post advice like this, so I raise my pint to you, Steve

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[Oldiebut goodie]

It isn't the excess it's the mess when you lay the gun down and it oozes out then you pick it up again and drop a trail all over something that shouldn't have it on! I swear that releasing the pressure with the catch always leaves a degree of pressure to catch you out.

[Swebby]

I found that cling film over the end of the tube and then refitting the nozzle worked best, but a few days and it will be no good

The best way to clean off the excess is not to put the excess on in the first place !
Cleaning with thinners or similar before using it makes cleaning any off that should not be there easier too
Masking tape works , as long as you remove it before the sikaflex has cured

Yep I have used the masking tape method, works well.

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[rollercoaster]

So I havent been excessive!

Its used so far for a patch, and when it squashes up,
some squeezes out, if not there wouldnt be enough.
Its a fine line.
I left it too long before trying to clean up,
had no idea it cured so fast and so strongly.

How I try to make tubes last longer is to use them often,
and even if not used, squeeze a little out and reseal.
Its better wasting a little often than all of it gone solid.

It does seem to be amazing stuff.

[rollercoaster]

Another tip I learned today,
its possible to sand it after a good while.

[Oldiebut goodie]

You can plane it as well!

[Fugeh]

Not sure if it works with Sikaflex but this trick works with normal silicon sealant, lay your bead of silicon, spray glass cleaner over the bead, wipe away. Doesn’t stick to the glass cleaner and doesn’t effect your bead.

[rollercoaster]

What glass cleaner, surely there are many kinds.
I use vinegar usually!

[937carrera]

You mean you discovered Sikaflex before Nil-Glass ?


oh, and leave the dispensing nozzle on, next time you use it take the nozzle off and push the solid bit out of the bottom. The stuff in the tube should still be good

[scotttie]

I hate wasting a whole tube of this stuff when you only need to use a small amount!

If you're wearing disposable gloves while using it, when you're done pull the glove over the nozzle and tape it tight. Squeeze a bit of sealant into the glove to create a seal around the nozzle. I find this keeps the tube going for a couple of weeks.

[rollercoaster]

[quote="937carrera"]You mean you discovered Sikaflex before Nil-Glass ?

I did! But thanks for that, I shall try some, what is it made out of?