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I bought a tube of 3M 5200, 4200 and 4200 Fast Cure for my boat projext. And a few weeks ago I used the 4200 FC and then put the cap back on the tube. If the opened tube is sealed up after a few minutes of use how long would you keep that product on the shelf before you buy a new tube? I'm of the mindset to keep using it as long as the product is still viscous but if its effectiveness has been compromised by being opened and stored on the shelf for a few weeks, I'll buy new.

Thanks!

John

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"using it as long as the product is still viscous"

I would agree with that assumption. That's what I do with Butyl Caulking.

I think they list a 12 month shelf life for closed package.

If you pull up the MSDS sheet on 3M web site, they may provide some more direction.

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediaweb...6E666666--



JMHO,
Doug

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Place tubes in the freezer and will keep longer. The two tubes of 4200 fc and 5200 that I have, have been opened and in the freezer for over a year and still good. Stuff's too expensive to waste and when you only need a dab...., no point in buying a new tube every time.

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Thanks Doug and Whalerman. The freezer eh? I would not have thought about that one. Do you let it thaw for a couple hours or does it flow right after taking it out of the icebox?

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I've found that various sealers and caulks last a long time, but they do tend to cure where you've opened them. I usually just stab the tube elsewhere with a nail and squeeze the stuff out that way.

Tim

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I use adhesives quite a bit. Not familiar with 5200 and 4200 viscosity. You cannot use adhesives immediately out of the freezer. Must bring them up to warm temperature. Little trick is running the truck heater (one that heats your feet) and putting the tube by the hot air. Place on paper, sometimes oozes. I generally store mine in a cool place (basement) and let the sun to heat as I prepare to use. I try not to use them on cold days because the adhesives do not stick well in the sealing area.

Garris

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Thanks folks. Appreciate the advice! Not sure I can win the I'm going to put sealant in the freezer next to the frozen corn debate but will remember it should I get a shop fridge one of these days. :)

Garris, what sealer did you use on your fish locker deck and the drain tube?

Thanks

John

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John, wrong "tense". The sealant I will be using when I do the drain tube (have not been by the machinist to pick up my tool) is Boat Life. Sticking with a sealant if I have to go in there again. Not an adhesive.

Garris

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You may like that 4 pages article about boat sealants (there's a well-made chart on page 2): http://www.boatus.com/magazine/2013/A...ealant.asp

About 5200, I found out by accident that it didn't cure with air but with water instead (well, the one in the air). Usually, I use it for various work on the boats in spring or summer and it set in 24 hours and is fully cured in 48 hours. Three years ago, I bring my Whaler in the garage during the winter for a few projects and, after using 5200, it still was viscous more than a week later. Puzzled, I search on it and Google told me it cure with the humidity contained in the ambient air, so my combination of dry cold winter and blowed hot air from the garage heater was enough to keep it tacky forever. I also learn that, in desert climate, they spray it with water mist to make it cure.

So, to keep it useable as long as possible (minimizing the humidity), I put it in a ziplock then in the fridge. When I need it, I dip the bag in a bowl of hot water for an hour or so before. Work great, 1 1/2 year tube still useable.

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Thanks Garris and Saumon. Appreciate the link to the article. I will check it out.

Garris, are you going with the clear version for your deck and tubes? The FO of my boat used clear and its pretty cloudy now but thats to be expected after so many years.

Thanks again

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I am stocked with white. I would prefer to use clear but not on my shelf. When I do seal my fish locker deck cover I am going to seal exactly how it was done by the factory. Not all the backing support was sealed in place. Tough enough for me to remove without "overbuilding" it.

Garris