Seam Sealer

[Sprint95m]

Does anyone have any opinions on which seam sealer to use for car bodywork?

On the underside of my car I have used Tetrosyl Brushable Seam Sealer.
As per the instructions I have applied two coats (it definitely needs two coats) and,
while the finish is okay, it is not as good as what BL achieved in the 70s .

There does seem to be a plethora of options?
For around windows or door frames on buildings LM (low modulus) silicone is
employed because it adheres well and can safely expand/contract by over a third.
Something similar for car bodywork would be good......
Therefore I am wondering is anyone has any recommendations please,
whether it be for brushing on or applying from a caulking gun. 

 

Thanks,
Ian

 

[Steve 13-60]

I've just seam sealed the underside of my Herald rear tub after fitting new inner and outer arches. I used some stuff off eBay, see attached photo. Deffo only one coat needed as it's real thick snotty stuff but does brush on ok.

It dries off pretty quick too and is, of course, overpaintable.

I then sprayed it with stone chip followed with red rustoleum brush paint.

[Steve 13-60]

Regarding stuff in tubes, al silicon, either Tigerseal or Sikaflex is far better than silicon. Sikaflex is what is used to bond windows into campervans etc. Tiger seal is cheaper on eBay tho.

[Nick Jones]

I’ve used the Tetrosyl brushable stuff. I like it. Sticks like the proverbial (especially to me) is overpaintable, a seems to last ok. I’m also a big Tigerseal fan, amazing stuff - got engine mounts that are mostly Tigerseal.

[Escadrille Ecosse]

Tigerseal gets my vote too. Also used the Tetroseal brushable on the Spitfire. Seems to have lasted well.

Don't use silicone sealers. Paint won't adhere.

[andymcp]

+1 Tigerseal.  Anything that's good enough for Ivan (Shed Racing) is good enough for me...

[mattius]

Another for tiger seal, it also doubles as a pretty decent adhesive 

[Sprint95m]

Thanks for the replies.

Previously, I have used Tigerseal to stick things together but hadn't considered it for a seam sealer ......
man, it is hard to get off your skin! (The disposable gloves tore......)

Würth sell two automotive sealers, one of which looks suitable.
I have a trade account with them, so might try their Dichtfix the next time I place an order.
So far I haven't had any problems with any Würth product.
(Usefully they give free carriage on any size of order)
As a complete aside, Würth sell a really handy four in one ratcheting ring spanner, it has
10, 13, 17 and 19mm sizes.

Bilt Hamber also do a seam sealer but have no stock currently.
I have been impressed with the various products I have bought from them in the past.

 

Thanks
Ian

 

 

[Mark]

Hi All.

I have a tube of tiger seal I bought several years ago. Having some problems with the brushable seam sealer at the moment, so was going to give tiger seal a try. Scratching my head, as i cant work out how to open the tube. It has a metal base, so presume you drop the tube into a caulk gun, but does the base tear out as you apply pressure or are you meant to press cut it off before you insert it into the caulk gun?

No instructions on the tube and can't find anything on google.

Thanks

 

[Escadrille Ecosse]

You need to pierce the centre of the threaded bit where the nozzle screws on, fit the nozzle and then trigger the gun.

The metal base will free up ok with pressure. 

[Mark]

Thanks Collin

I'll give it a try tomorrow. 

[Nick Jones]

As Colin says…. It’s a conventional caulk tube apart from the metal construction.

Hopefully it’s still in usable condition after “several years”. Certainly it doesn’t keep very long once opened.

The PU40 stuff from Toolstation and the like seems pretty similar and is easier to find.

[Mark]

Thanks Nick

PU40 from tool station is definately cheaper, not sure if I can go over it with cellulose, says overpaintable with gloss/emulsion.

Tried two types of brushable seam sealer, Fast Mover and then Grey Stripe, both had hairline cracks along the seams after drying. Not happend on previous restorations, so possible reaction with the Bonda red primer applied about two months ago, but was livened  up by both seam sealers. Also possibly remnants of WD40 in the seams despite degreasing. My faithfull Kew pressure washer of 25+ years finally packed up a couple of months ago so only used a garden hose. Bit the bullet and bought a new petrol pressure washer so will thoroughly degrease again and use either PU40 or tiger seal.

Just to add. I have gone over it with a second coat and have lost the cracks so will leave the floors alone, and use the PU in the boot and on the underside.

 

Edited May 7 by Mark

[Mark]

Purchased a new tube of tiger seal as I think I bought the first tube about ten years ago and never used it. New tube on the left looks like the conventional caulk gun type tube. The old one on the right has a sealed base.

Edited May 8 by Mark

[Hamish]

Should just be able to peel that off once punctured with screw driver

[Nick Jones]

9 hours ago, Hamish said:

Should just be able to peel that off once punctured with screw driver

Agree. And with that extra sealing layer it might still be usable.