Rapid-Set Marine-Tex FAQ-

What color is the Rapid-Set Marine-Tex?

Gray.

Is the Rapid-Set Marine-Tex as strong as regular Marine-Tex?

Although this 1:1 epoxy paste is not as strong as 5:1 Marine-Tex putty, it does provide a good bond to fill cracks and voids in fiberglass, steel, aluminum, wood, cast iron and many hard plastics.

How long can I work with Rapid-Set before it starts to harden?

Only about 5-10 minutes working time at 72°F.

How quick does Rapid-Set Marine-Tex set up?

Full cure in a one hour at 72°F.

TE-KA FAQ-

Besides teak, can TE-KA be used on any other type of wood?

It is not recommended for other types of wood (because it is an aggressive cleaner), but can be used if both parts are diluted equally (by half) with water.  Try a small test area first.

What should I do if the TE-KA spills on fiberglass or vinyl?

Always keep water on hand, clean the surface with a clean, wet rag.  If the TE-KA has sat on the surface for a period of time, take toothpaste and TE-KA Part B (mix together well) and scrub the surface well.

What should I do if I have black marks apparent after I finish cleaning w/ the TE-KA?

The TE-KA has been sitting on the deck too long, or has dried to the surface.  Be sure that the deck is not saturated with water (i.e., let dry if just finishing an application of TE-KA.)   Wet the deck, wash it again with Part A and water, scrub well (more than normal) and finish washing with Part B.

PENETRATING EPOXY FAQ-

How deep will the Penetrating Epoxy seep into a porous surface?

What is the volume of each size kit?

How is Penetrating Epoxy different than Gluvit Epoxy Sealer?

Gluvit FAQ-

Why is the resin can of Gluvit only partially full?

Materials are packaged in our facility by weight (ex. 2 lb or 8 lb.) All Gluvit containers are slack-filled (they are not full.) This leaves enough room for a power mixer to blend the resin and hardener entirely in one can.

Yes, any type of epoxy-friendly pigment is recommended.  It will be tinted, no dark color will be achieved.  (Fibre-Glass Evercoat's pigments work well.)
 

Any type: Latex, Urethane, Epoxy, or Alkyd.

What will happen if the Gluvit is not overcoated?

UV rays can deteriorate the epoxy, it will chalk (get cloudy) and possible crack over time.  If there is no exposure to sunlight (ex. bottom of boat), there is no problem.

What is Gluvit’s pot life?

Depends on temperature 75-90 minutes at 72°F.

Can Gluvit be thinned?

Yes, Toluene, Xylene, Xylol, or Lacquer thinner in small amounts (no more than 5%.)

Can I use Gluvit to coat the inside of my gas tank?

No, Gluvit is not resistant to gasoline. Use Liquid Marine-Tex for interior gas tank applications.

Gluvit can be used to protect the outside of an aluminum gas tank.  Gluvit is an excellent barrier coat system that encapsulates the metal to protect against corrosion and pitting.

FLEX-SET FAQ-

What does FlexSet adhere to?
FlexSet will stick to plastics (like PVC, Hypalon©, Lexan©, vinyl, acrylic, rubber and ABS), metals (especially soft metals like copper and aluminum), glass, wood and fiberglass.

What does FlexSet NOT adhere to?
FlexSet will not stick to surfaces that are greasy or oily. Also, any surface that contains Teflon, silicone, polypropylene or polyethylene.

How do I repair a tear or puncture in an inflatable boat?
FlexSet easily repairs Hypalon® material when used with a patch. Clean the repair surface with MEK and lightly sand to create a profile. Apply the mixed FlexSet to the clean patch and smooth over the damaged Hypalon®.

Can I apply FlexSet to a repair that is submerged in water?
Yes. FlexSet has an amazing ability to almost push the water aside so that it bonds directly to the repair surface. The attraction of the FlexSet to the repair area increases as the material reaches full cure (24 hours in 72°F)

What temperatures can FlexSet withstand?
Once fully cured, FlexSet can withstand temperatures from -40°F to 100°F.

Can I pigment FlexSet?
Yes. We recommend epoxy-friendly coloring agents, like Fibre-Glass Evercoat's.
 

POLYDURA FAQ-

Why is PolyDura the best product for bonding Starboard® or Marine Lumber?

Both Starboard® and Marine Lumber are types of polyethylene plastic.  PolyDura is one of only a few adhesives that can achieve a bond to polyethylene plastic.  Please keep in mind that it is necessary to flame-treat the Starboard® or Marine Lumber to prep it correctly.

How much material is dispensed from this 57 gram tube?

PolyDura will yield twelve feet of a 3/16" bead of mixed epoxy.  (We recommend discarding the first 3" of material ejected from the static nozzle.)

Why is a Caulking Gun Adaptor or a Dispensing Gun required?

In order to pass both the epoxy resin and hardener through the static mixing tube a large amount of pressure is required.  A caulking gun, when used with our adaptor, gives the advantage of increased pressure required to push the materials through the static mixer.

Does PolyDura create water-tight repairs?

PolyDura can be applied in a wet or dry environment and is exterior rated to achieve waterproof repairs.

Will PolyDura flex with my Starboard/polyethylene surface?

PolyDura is a tough, resilient epoxy that flexes with the substrate.

Is PolyDura certified for fresh (potable) water applications?

No, PolyDura is not certified for potable water repairs.

Why is polyethylene plastic difficult to adhere to?

Polyethylene is designed to be a non-stick, easy-to-clean surface.  It's chemical make-up is designed to reject anything from adhering to the surface.  PolyDura conquers this problem, creating a chemical bond to the surface, when used with the flame-treatment method.

How does the flame-treatment assist PolyDura in bonding to polyethylene?

The flame-treatment  changes the polarity of the surface, making it ready for a strong adhesive (PolyDura.)

How do I know when the polyethylene is ready for bonding?

Once the area is flame-treated (per the directions) you will notice the polyethylene has lost its glossy look.  A quick test to be sure the area is prepared correctly is to run a small amount of water over the surface.  If the polyethylene was treated properly the water will "sheet" and run off the surface slowly.  If the water beads up and runs off normally the flame-treatment was not successful.

How quickly must I apply PolyDura to the flame-treated surface?

We recommend bonding within one hour after surface treatment.

Can PolyDura create structural bonds to polyethylene?

PolyDura will create a chemical bond to the surface, but mechanical fasteners will still be required in high stress areas.

Can I use PolyDura to fix my polyethylene gas tank?

We do not recommend flame-treating any project that may be associated with flammable materials.  Flame-treating of items such as fuel tanks, chemical tanks, pipelines or other flammable containers is not recommended due to the danger of explosion or fire.

Yes.

How high of a temperature can Marine-Tex withstand?

Depends on pressure and conditions.  Up to 250°F constant temperature in a dry environment, with spikes up to 300-325°F.

What does Marine-Tex adhere to?

Metal, fiberglass, glass, masonry, ceramic, wood, most plastics.

What does Marine-Tex NOT adhere to?

Plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene, and also any unclean, oily, greasy, or otherwise contaminated surface.

Can I pigment Marine-Tex?

Only the White Marine-Tex can be pigmented.  No pure color will be achieved by adding pigments.  (We recommend epoxy-friendly pigments, like Fibre-Glass Evercoat's.)

Gray.  The Gray Marine-Tex is stiffer in contrast to the White Marine-Tex which is better for fiberglass repairs.

Are there metal fillers in Gray Marine-Tex?

No, Gray Marine-Tex contains no metal fillers.

Two years in a closed container at moderate temperatures.

Depends on temperature, half an hour at 72°F.

No, it will change the physical properties of the Marine-Tex.

Yes, but the Marine-Tex is likely to wash away in moving water while it is trying to cure.  The FlexSet is better for underwater applications because it is of a denser consistency. If you would like to try an underwater application, mix the epoxy above the water, then deposit it on wax paper or plastic wrap. Slide the wax paper or plastic wrap onto the palm of your hand with epoxy facing up. Take it below the water line and apply to surface. Be careful not to smack or pancake the product onto the surface, this will trap water under the epoxy. Instead, roll the epoxy onto the repair to push water out of the way. Leave wax paper/plastic wrap on the repair while full cure takes place for best results.

Can I apply Marine-Tex in dry conditions on a below-the-water-line application?

Yes, the Marine-Tex is an excellent choice for repairing gouges or holes that are located below the water-line.  Once cured, Marine-Tex is impervious to water and many chemicals.  Since putties will go only where they are placed, be sure that the Marine Tex has completely encapsulated the problem area.  It is a good idea to sand the perimeter of the repair so that the Marine-Tex achieves a grip on the solid surface around the repair. 

Epoxies need heat in order to cure.  If your application temperature is not at least 60°F you must apply heat to the area before, during, and after the application in order for it to cure.  We recommend you place a shop lamp approximately one foot in front of the application.  The lamp will provide heat at a constant rate, so that the material's temperature is always constant.  Do not apply a heat gun or hair dryer to the area, these types of heat will heat the area too much.