Has anybody tried Flex Seal spray in place of caulking?

[camaraderie]

If you are compressing two pieces and want an easy waterproof, long lasting seal then good quality Butyl Rubber Tape would be my choice. Works for years at sea in very wet and baking sun conditions. It is NOT however an adhesive...and if you need adhesive properties for the caulk I'd use 3M 4200.
https://www.mcmaster.com/butyl-rubber-tape

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXlqAU_RB4o

[buffalohunter]

Used it once and will never use it again. It failed just like others have reported.

[Luke Moseley]

I watched a detailer on YouTube do this. He mixed a mild soapy solution in a spray bottle and sprayed the area to be caulked. Then he ran the bead of caulk and smoothed it with his finger. He did not apply a heavy bead. The less the better. The caulk wiped up nicely and once the soap solution dried the caulk adhered just fine. The caulk wont stick to that soapy surface but goes in the crack you want sealed. Worked for me. You might give it a try on a small run and see how that works.

[windowman]

Don't know that this stuff has been tested for UV stability, sealants is an exact science that has changed dramatically in the last 10-20 years. Some sealants require primers, some have a high modulus of elasticity, others low. Most RV sealants have been tested to adhere to the surfaces on exterior of RV. High TV visibility doesn't necessarily mean high quality. Do some research.

[windowman]

Butyl tape is fine when zero vapor transmission is desired BUT it has Zero capability to keep the two surfaces bonded and water tight if there is any differential movement. State of the art 1970+/-. Closed foam tapes, urethane's, many others are far more desirable.

[cruisinhwy66]

I've used their clear flex seal spray on a crack in our sky light that was leaking rain water, with success. First on the outside then on the inside, worked great and cheaper then replacing the dome.

cruisin

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by 5picker

So you are saying it does work... but only for 40 days?
What good is that?

This reminded me of my ex-wife. She decided to get a MBA from the University of Washington. After working to pay for her degree, she took a job for exactly ONE year and decided it was too much work. Never worked a day after that until she got the title "EX" to go along with her MBA.


It's not whether or not things "work", but how long?

[CGK]

Originally Posted by Semperfi24

X2 on what Bill and Gail said. In my experience, Lexel is awesome.

X3 - Lexel works great!

[cm-gibson]

I tried using the spray, it powdered after about two months. And the tape did not stick at all.

[Tiggerdad]

I don't use any of the caulking from the paint aisle of the big box stores. Go to the roofing section and find a caulk for your purpose that are used by roofers and window installers.

I try to use Dicor for all my needs but if I don't have any I use the elastomerics or poly urethane.

[Philkaty]

Originally Posted by Bill and Gail

I had trouble with the siding on my s&b last year, I tried a clear product called Lexel, found it in Lowes by the caulk. It is still clear.

That seems to be great stuff. I got some but haven't used it yet.

[Jeff95814]

I'm surprised by all the negative posts about Flex Seal. I've used it for years with very satisfactory results. Maybe just lucky. I've never tried Lexel. Thanks for the tip.

[Cowracer]

Flex-seal is only handy if you want to install a screen door in a john boat, and only long enough to film it on the water.

Tim

[cavie]

Originally Posted by jeff95814

i'm surprised by all the negative posts about flex seal. I've used it for years with very satisfactory results. Maybe just lucky. I've never tried lexel. Thanks for the tip.

[hillsvillehokie]

The stuff is junk. I used the spray can white on a roof seam and it made the leak worse. It dried up and flaked away. Appeared that it also ate away at the underlying caulking. Also at the same time, I used the white to spray around every flipping window and of course a few months later it was all yellow!!!!!!!!!!! Hate that stuff!!!!!!

[cavie]

Originally Posted by hillsvillehokie

The stuff is junk. I used the spray can white on a roof seam and it made the leak worse. It dried up and flaked away. Appeared that it also ate away at the underlying caulking. Also at the same time, I used the white to spray around every flipping window and of course a few months later it was all yellow!!!!!!!!!!! Hate that stuff!!!!!!

[windowman]

If a sealant or tape does not list what industry standards it meets or compatibility (or not) with various sub-surfaces,UV stability or not , buy it just because it is advertised on TV, "yeh, that's the ticket". adhesive technology is a pretty exact science. There is no universal caulking or tape, some work well for a specific purpose , some for others.

[BehindBars]

Maybe using a better caulk might solve your caulking frustrations. I suggest not using caulk from home improvement or hardware stores. Order some clear Geocel ProFlex RV sealant. I don’t know what it’s made of, but I found it way better than silicone or latex caulk. I find it easier to apply neatly, and it stays put, flexible, and doesn’t discolor. I’ve even applied it in freezing weather and it works fine.

I think most caulk messes come from applying too much, and trying to work it too much. Apply as little as possible for the job, and tool it very little or not at all. Ideally you would apply a thin, even, neat bead and walk away. The more you mess with it the worse it gets.

https://www.geocelusa.com/product/pr...xible-sealant/

[Studog]

Flex Seal , great commercials , wouldn’t use on anything, it’s a joke

[Philkaty]

Originally Posted by BehindBars

Maybe using a better caulk might solve your caulking frustrations. I suggest not using caulk from home improvement or hardware stores. Order some clear Geocel ProFlex RV sealant. I don’t know what it’s made of, but I found it way better than silicone or latex caulk. I find it easier to apply neatly, and it stays put, flexible, and doesn’t discolor. I’ve even applied it in freezing weather and it works fine.

I think most caulk messes come from applying too much, and trying to work it too much. Apply as little as possible for the job, and tool it very little or not at all. Ideally you would apply a thin, even, neat bead and walk away. The more you mess with it the worse it gets.

https://www.geocelusa.com/product/pr...xible-sealant/

here is geocell on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Geocel-GC2810.../dp/B001FC98X2

There is also Lexel 10.5-fl oz Clear Paintable Solvent Caulk.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lexel-10-5-...-Caulk/4714985