Sale of Sealants for Boats
Are you looking for a reliable sealant for repairing or building a boat? We offer a catalog with prices of marine sealants for boats from manufacturers who produce the most popular sealants for yachts for high-quality repairs and construction of small vessels.
Our consultants are only practicing seafarers, they have already tested sealants for boats, which are presented in the marketplace. Their professional and free feedback is available to you right now through the website's Contacts section, phone call or email ([email protected]).
Sealants are multifunctional assistants: they isolate surfaces from water, glue parts made of dissimilar materials, seal and strengthen joints. Some are suitable for protection against vibration, noise, and electrolysis. For the treatment of boats, boats and yachts, special sealants are used, which differ from those used in repairs for sealing tile seams and joints. topRik marketplace specialists will help you understand the types of sealants.
Functions and Benefits of Specialized Sealants
Sealants are viscous substances that harden when applied to a surface when exposed to air and water. The resulting coating is durable, yet elastic. Other compounds that serve similar purposes do not cope with all the tasks below at once.
- Marine sealants glue two elements or two planes together. Adhesion strength is moderate to very strong.
- You can choose a composition that has very good adhesion, without priming, to various materials - wood, glass, anodized aluminum, painted metal, polyester, tiles, plastics.
- Waterproof sealant reliably seals surfaces, joints and seams. The main function of yacht sealants is waterproofing.
- Seal connections. Sealing is important when parts are adjacent to each other.
- Marine sealant is vibration resistant, elastic, does not corrode and compensates for permissible deviations in seams.
- Evens out uneven bases and tolerances, dampens vibration and noise, and withstands strong dynamic loads.
- Boat sealants are resistant to UV radiation - they do not crack from prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- Many types of boat sealants can also be used as adhesives.
- Suitable for final sanding and application of deck varnish.
- It is characterized by long-term resistance to aging.
Unlike adhesives, which typically cure to a relatively brittle solid, sealants cure to a rigid but flexible consistency. At the same time, they tightly adhere to surfaces and prevent the penetration of water or air.
Unlike adhesives, paints and primers, the elasticity of sealants allows them to withstand slight movement of the surfaces to which they are glued without losing their adhesive properties. The adhesion strength to the surface varies from moderate to very strong. This property is very important for yachts and boats, which are constantly in a state of vibration when moving.
The only property of sealants for yachts and boats that some impatient sailors consider to be a disadvantage is the curing time of the composition. It can last from several hours to a week or more. But this is required by design - violation of this practice will lead to dangerous results at sea. In addition, the curing speed of marine sealant can be increased by moistening the coating - carefully read the instructions for each product and strictly follow them. Only under such conditions can one ultimately ensure all the benefits of specialized marine sealants during the repair or construction of yachts and boats.
Types of Marine Sealants
The topRik marketplace presents all the most popular types of sealants, which are intended for the repair or construction of small fleet vessels. topRik experts explain some of the properties of each type to help you choose the right product.
Polysulfide Sealant
Polysulfide-based sealants are the most common. They are versatile, accessible, inexpensive. Although polysulfides do not bond well, they harden without shrinkage and form a durable, elastic surface.
Polysulfide sealants are made from synthetic rubber. They are great for wood, metal, glass, tiles, but are incompatible with plastic. The disadvantage of polysulfides is that they take a long time to dry. The complete curing process may take several weeks.
Use polysulfide sealants on stainless steel parts or wood trim where structural strength is not needed. We do not recommend using them on plastics - polysulfide will melt PVC and ABS plastic.
Resinous wood must first be primed before applying the polysulfide composition.
Polyurethane Sealant
Polyurethane sealants are the superheroes of the category. They have enormous adhesive strength; it is more of an adhesive with sealing properties than a classic sealant. Polyurethanes will create a strong coating or connection of moving parts: fittings, anchor rollers, chain plates. They can be used wherever a reliable waterproof seal is required.
Unlike polysulfide, polyurethane compounds are compatible with plastics. Polyurethane and silicone are a good way to get around the compatibility issues between polysulfide sealant and plastic. They are also easy to work with and can be cleaned without the use of solvents. The disadvantage of polyurethanes is their poor resistance to technical oils and acids.
In this section of the topRik marketplace, polyurethane sealants from the universally recognized supplier of shipbuilding products, the transnational company Sika, are widely represented. Sikaflex products of the so-called “blue” marine series are widely used in the construction of various marine craft, from yachts to passenger liners. They were developed specifically for shipbuilding, have international certificates from the Veritas and Lloyd registers, and are one- and two-component polyurethanes that harden when exposed to air moisture.
Silicone Sealant
Silicone is a versatile, quick-drying, easy-to-use material. Silicone sealant provides a highly elastic, chemical-resistant coating. It is great for insulating metals and plastics, but it is not as strong in
adhesive strength as polysulfide or polyurethane.
Silicone will be the best option for connections that are subject to periodic disassembly. Its high insulating properties are useful when installing elements made of dissimilar metals, for example, stainless steel fittings on an aluminum mast. And most importantly, this is the only marine sealant on which you can install plastic without any fear.
However, silicone should not be used below the waterline. And since the waterproofness of a connection with silicone largely depends on the degree of its compression by fasteners, it is not suitable for installing practical things on a deck of a sandwich (three-layer) structure.
How to Choose a Sealant
The choice of sealant depends on the material of the boat and its operating conditions, the material of the surfaces being treated, as well as where the product will be used - outside the yacht or in the interior.
Sealant for Wooden Boats
Wooden decks and elements quickly wear out due to movement on them, from the harmful effects of water, wind, sea salt, and ultraviolet radiation. The wood cracks, fades, and rots. Using a high quality deck sealant can reduce such damage.
The ideal sealant for wood decks does three things: repels water, protects against mold, and protects against sun damage. Some products are only waterproof, and for full protection, all three functions must be indicated on the label.
A good deck sealer is a clear coating that penetrates deep into the wood and forms a clear film on the surface while maintaining the natural finish of the wood. It creates a protective layer and minimizes water penetration.
Depending on the tasks, certain types of sealants are selected for wooden deck structures. For example, polyurethane is suitable for joints between the hull and deck, and polysulfides are often used to seal the surface of the deck, handrails, and stairs.
Fiberglass Sealant
The main task of such a sealant is to ensure a reliable connection between various surfaces and prevent water from seeping through the seams. Therefore, the same marine sealants are suitable for a fiberglass boat as for a wooden yacht. The main thing is to make the right choice for each connection and waterproofing.
You need to pay attention to what kind of work the composition is intended for - above the waterline, below the waterline, inside or outside the yacht.
It is better to apply a transparent composition to wood, but for plastic and metal it can be selected by color.
The more durable and durable the coating the sealant forms, the longer it takes to polymerize. Curing time ranges from one to several weeks, which may force the boat owner to reconsider plans for use while the sealant is drying.
If the surfaces being treated are made of dissimilar materials, before use you need to make sure that the sealant works with both of them.
You can ask your questions about the selection and use of sealants to the experts of the topRik marketplace - we will offer a suitable solution specifically for your yacht.
Preparation and Application
To obtain a long-lasting, strong and leak-tight connection, proper preparation of the parts to be bonded is crucial. The method of surface preparation depends on the type of substrate (metal, plastic, wood, paint, etc.), operating conditions, surface condition, and application features.
Before starting the main work, it is worth carrying out a trial application to check the compatibility of the materials, as well as the sufficient adhesion of the products on the substrates.
In general, surface preparation consists of mechanical cleaning, dust removal and degreasing. Most substrates are additionally primed before applying the sealant. The primer modifies the surfaces to be joined, ensuring proper adhesion of the adhesive.
Fiberglass. A heavily contaminated surface must be treated with a solvent, the surface must be sanded and dust removed. Wipe the surface with cleaner using lint-free cloths, which are recommended to be changed frequently. Let it dry for 10 minutes to 2 hours, after which you can apply the sealant after drying.
Deck board or plywood. Wood moisture content should not exceed 12%. Sand the surface with sandpaper and carefully remove dust. Apply a thin layer of primer with a brush or applicator.
Steel and light alloys. The surface must be cleaned of uneven surfaces and degreased with special means. Then primer is applied to the cleaned surface using a brush or roller.
The sealant is applied in strict accordance with the instructions - the application technology and curing time depend on the type and brand of marine sealant.
FAQ
What sealant to use to repair the topside of a boat?
To repair the topside of a boat, you should use marine sealants that are resistant to ultraviolet radiation and sea water of varying degrees of salinity.
Can silicone sealant be used on a boat?
Silicone sealant is best used as a reliable insulator.
Do I need to use a mold to apply sealant?
Modern marine sealants do not require the use of molds; they are contained in special tubes and are tightly placed in the seam or distributed over the surface.
How long does it take for the sealant to dry completely?
This depends on the type of marine sealant and is specifically stated in the instructions for use.
Can the sealant be painted?
Almost all types of specialized sealants can be painted. The main thing is that the coloring agent was compatible with the type of sealant.
How to remove old sealant before applying new one?
There are two ways to remove old sealant: mechanical and chemical. Usually you have to use both of them: first, the sealant layer is cut off or cleaned off. Then special compounds are then used to completely clean the surfaces from the remnants of the old sealant.