Caulk question

JakesRinker300

Hey guys. I’ve just installed my extended swim platform and when I was caulking everything I ran out. They provided a tube of Sikaflex 295uv in white. My local marine store doesn’t have any white in stock. They recommended 3m 3000 which I tried but it’s waaay to gummy. Any suggestions for any alternative to the sikaflex?

aero3113

 Try 3M 4000 UV, I use it on all of my above the waterline projects.

JakesRinker300

Aero what’s the consistency of the 4000 like?  The tube of 3000 I tried tonight was really gummy/stringy. When I laid down a bead and tried to smooth it out with a damp finger tip, it was really sticky/gummy. Made a real mess. 

aero3113 said:

 Try 3M 4000 UV, I use it on all of my above the waterline projects.

YYZRC

I use soap when smoothing 4000.

GMSLITHO

Swim platforms direct ? How did it line up to the back or the recessed platform 

aero3113

@JakesRinker300 4000 isn’t gummy. When I seal, I tape off both sides of where I’m sealing then use my finger to smooth it out. Perfect line when the tape is peeled off.

JakesRinker300

Swim platform ultra located here in Canada. I’m not gun lie. I had to do a lot of fitting. The curved profile across the back of the boat was close but where the platform fits against the profile of the factory platform, I spent likely 6 hours just on that. 

GMSLITHO said:

Swim platforms direct ? How did it line up to the back or the recessed platform 

JakesRinker300

Black_Diamond

That 4000 / UV4000 will get moldy. 

aero3113

Black_Diamond said:

That 4000 / UV4000 will get moldy. 

I never had an issue with mold?

TonyG13

aero3113 said:

Black_Diamond said:

That 4000 / UV4000 will get moldy. 

I never had an issue with mold?

I've not had a mold problem, but mine has been yellowing. Has not stayed a bright white.

YYZRC

Mine has gone all discolored and really collects dirt.  

JakesRinker300

Oooookay so the 4000 is out? Lol

Cableguy Greg

4200 is not UV protected and will yellow. 4000 is. I have areas that I used 4000 on and it has not yellowed. It has been in the sun for 6 years. 

JakesRinker300

Greg in your experience with the 4000, is it gummy?  

Cableguy Greg said:

4200 is not UV protected and will yellow. 4000 is. I have areas that I used 4000 on and it has not yellowed. It has been in the sun for 6 years. 

Cableguy Greg

I didn’t think it was gummy. I taped everything off, placed the caulk, smoothed with a wet finger, then removed the tape. Since it is a sealant, it is sticky. 

Black_Diamond

The 4200/4000 is really not meant to be a caulk.  Made that error caulking/resetting the u-channel for my canvas.  Should have used the BoatLife caulk, it won’t yellow or mold.  

JakesRinker300

I managed to get the platform manufacturer to overnight me a tube of the 295uv white. I got the caulking finished and we’re in the water now. Thanks for all the feedback!!

JakesRinker300