Using 4200 Sealant

[mgmidget72]

Just bought a small tube of 3M 4200 for a few screws I need to seal. I was going to keep it around to use as needed. Unfortunately, the back of the package says that the entire tube will cure within 48 hours even with the top on.

Is this what really happens???

Thanks,
Scott

 

[skargo]

Re: Using 4200 Sealant

I've reused a tube even after I read that. I just put the cap on super tight. I do not know if the strength is degraded or not though!

 

[dingbat]

Re: Using 4200 Sealant

Both products are moisture cure. The minute the humidity in the air touches the sealant it starts to sure. You can try keeping it in the frig but that only works for so long.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Using 4200 Sealant

My experience with 5200 has been that if I squeeze some out of the end of the tube before I screw or press the cap on it, it will last until the next weekend. That's when I get another day to work on my boat.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Using 4200 Sealant

I just used some 3m 4200 today that has been in the shop for at least 6 months since being opened... I drilled out the opening a couple times and the last few times I used it it was from the bottom of the tube... I have had to cut 1/2" off of the bottom of the tube 3 times now.... I'll probably toss it after 1 or 2 more uses.

 

[lakelover]

Re: Using 4200 Sealant

I had a tube of 5200 that I bought about a year ago. I used it all summer and fall, and it just sat over the winter. I had to cut the middle of the tube open this spring, but was still able to get more than enough out to do a small rivet sealing job. No special storage, it just lasted that long. I would say just don't leave it in extreme heat. I don't know if 4200 will bahave differently.

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: Using 4200 Sealant

I use a sharp stick, like a kabob stick, to open the side of a used tube, then leave the stick in the hol e when I am done. Sometimes the tube looks like a porcupine! LOL

 

[seabob4]

Re: Using 4200 Sealant

5200, 4200, I use what I need, then thread an appropriate sized screw into the tip opening. Yeah, I usually get a small plug that has cured and I have to dig out of there, but it keeps the tube lasting a pretty long time...

 

[Beefer]

Re: Using 4200 Sealant

I have both 4200, 5200, LifeSeal, and something else in my freezer. The 5200 is 4 yrs old, has been used 6 times, and is still good. Throw it in the freezer, and it will last.

 

[mgmidget72]

Re: Using 4200 Sealant

Thanks for sharing your experiences. So it sounds like it's not definite that the whole tube will cure solid like the package says. I'll do the jobs that I need it for now and hope for the best.

Thanks!

 

[Hank496]

Re: Using 4200 Sealant

I'v had the same experience as Beefer. If you put it in the freezer, it will stop curing. Keep this in mind if you try to use either 5200 or 4200 in the early spring while it is still cold!