seam caulking

[sittinduck]

There are several places where a vertical and horizontal come together that I have tried to fair with various products over the years but they seem to keep cracking. I wonder if there is a stretchable caulk that can be painted that covers the weld seems and moves rather than sets up and cracks. Any advice? and thanks. gk

[martindesign]

I don't know if it will work but quad is really good caulk that stays flexible and is paintable..

[collins69s]

5200 or 4200

[Fastjeff]

5200 for sure! Nothing sticks like that stuff--but you have to make the surface perfectly dry, grease less and dust less.

Jeff

[bill]

I do not think you would want to use 5200 as a flairing compound.
I use Interlux Watertite.
http://www.pbsboatstore.com/interprotec ... gQodatcOjg

bill

[jralbert]

Between 5200 and 4200, I'd lean to 4200 because 5200 is very difficult to remove (it is sold as permanent but I once saw an article in the Boat DIY magazine that described the stuff to use to loosen it. Sorry, my brain didn't retain the name of the solvent. Boat US bought the magazine and may have an archive for members.

By the way, if the crack is too wide - say + 1/4" - that may be took wide for any caulks to work.

(

[collins69s]

You can caulk some serious wide gaps with 5200. Even if you had to put some sort of packing material in the gap. But a 1/4 gap would be no prob for 5200 or 4200 alone. Remember it's basically liquid rubber. People use it to make gaskets and othe rubber-y items as well. It's not that big of a deal to remove depending on what you are putting it on, but why would you want to remove it anyway? I prefer the fast dry flavor. Finish the caulked surface smooth with a rag pretty wet with min spirits and you'll be amazed at how good it looks.

[Fastjeff]

One nasty thing about 5200; when you open that tube, plan on using it ALL for it will be hardened up in the tube next time you want to use it. In this, it's a hundred times worse than silicone, and far more expensive.

Jeff (the original Cheapskate)

[sittinduck]

thanks all. I guess I wasn't clear. I am not really sealing anything, just trying to get a inside, rounded fairing in those joints that doesn't crack out over time because it doesn't flex. The 4200 sounds like the best bet. gk