3M5200/4200

Dan Duda · Oct 9, 2008

Greetings:

A couple of weeks ago I was replacing some caulking on my 2520 using the subject 3M product and, once again, found that the job required more than the 3oz. tube but a lot less than the 10oz. tube. This stuff is a great product but, once the tube is opened, any contents remaining will harden, even if the tube spout is capped, taped or otherwise resealed.

In discussing this with a gent at the marina, he stated that he reseals the tube and puts it in the freezer until he needs to use it again. He said that, after removing the tube from the freezer, he lets it stand at room temperature for a couple of hours, uncaps the tube and uses the "leftovers".

I'm curious to know if anyone has tried this and does it really work? Does the adhesive/sealant retain its properties?

Dan

DaleH · Oct 9, 2008

After applying it where I want it, my 1st task is to IMMEDIATELY cap it. Once done with it for the day, I squeeze out an extra 1/2" or more and cap it. I myself store it in the fridge, not the freezer - no issues. I also buy it at Wal*MArt for 1/2-price what the marine stores charge for it.

That said, for all chores, LESS under the waterline (where I do use 3M 5200 exclusively), I have switched to BoatLife Life-Caulk or Life-Seal for light duty uses. Their L-C product is similar to 4200, but the tube lasts and doesn't harden like 3M's tubes do.