Alternatives to silicone

[Jane P.]

Quick question. What are some alternatives to silicone for plugging up a small external hole. I am moving my propone tanks and there will be a couple of holes in the fiberglass where the PO had attached plates for the tanks.

I have a bad head cold and just don't have the energy to search this site.

Thanks for your help and suggestions.

[cpaharley2008]

Take 2 aspirin, drink plenty of liquid and get plenty of bed rest, then search when you are feeling better.

[cpaharley2008]

here is a thread with some alternates
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...fan-39901.html

[Raz]

I am a big fan of PC 11 epoxy paste. I used it to fill the old screw holes when I had to reset the hinges on my door. It has held up well. It can be shaved when partially cured, sanded when dry, and dries off white. Hope you feel better soon. Raz

[freddo411]

Bondo. Following others' examples on this site for belly band repairs, I am in the process of filling depressions with bondo. Needs sanding and painting though.

[Donna D.]

There is "bondo" and then there is "bondo." Some will swell and flake and fall off/out with moisture, other melds well with fiberglass. For small holes, I have had good luck with Marine epoxy. It comes as a two part epoxy, that you cut off what you need and the knead the two parts together. Rub the parts together to form a "sausage" that you cram into the hole. It's waterproof and sandable. When I took the "stinky slinky" off the front of my Scamp, I used this stuff to fill the rivet holes.

YMMV

[Jane P.]

Thanks all!
I went with Rax and Donna's suggestion and bought some Marine epoxy at West Marine. They did not have the PC brand that Donna and Rax use, but the staff assured me that their brand would do the same thing. Also, they confirmed that it would be perfect for my needs.

Thanks again.

[WildBirder]

Originally Posted by Jane P.

Thanks all!
I went with Rax and Donna's suggestion and bought some Marine epoxy at West Marine. They did not have the PC brand that Donna and Rax use, but the staff assured me that their brand would do the same thing. Also, they confirmed that it would be perfect for my needs.

Thanks again.

I'm following the thread and doing the same repair. I didn't find the same brand and all they had was epoxy in a dual syringe. Did you get the two part putty Donna posted? Either way let us know the results.

Cheers,
Mark

[DavidSo]

Here is another product from my box of goo. It's Goop Supermend. It's a white epoxy paste about the consistentcy of Bondo. It sets in 15 minutes. It adheres to wet or dry surfaces, and cures in low temperatures. I use it alot. It's very versatile. You can find it at Ace hardware, Sears, and most home improvement / lumber places.

Amazon.com: ECLECTIC PRODUCTS INC 5330031 Amazing Goop Super Mend Epoxy, 4-Ounce Tube: Home Improvement

David

[Jane P.]

Originally Posted by WildBirder

I'm following the thread and doing the same repair. I didn't find the same brand and all they had was epoxy in a dual syringe. Did you get the two part putty Donna posted? Either way let us know the results.

Cheers,
Mark

That is correct. It appears to be the same product, but different name/manufacturer. As I said, I got it at West Marine which is a marine supply chain.

I'll let you know how it works.

[Raz]

The stuff Donna used is like modeling clay. You take the two parts, mix them with your fingers and apply. The stuff I used is a paste. You take two plastic spoons (one for each part to avoid cross contamination) and mix equal parts to form a paste about the consistency of peanut butter and apply it with a putty knife. It is very sticky stuff. They both will do the job. I chose the paste because it can be put in a syringe and injected. I had deep holes I wanted to fill. Raz

[Jane P.]

I got the modeling clay-like stuff. It comes in 2 different tubes, but the directions match Donna's post. It apparently hardens to the point it is structurally supportive.

I'm not sure how deep the screw holes are, but this product should work. The West Marine folks suggested that I leave enough room to add gel coat.

I appreciate your post as I did not realize you were talking about 2 different products. I'll keep your's on my "list", as I am sure a need will arise.

This thread has been incredibly helpful for me. I now have several non silicone products to put in my tool case.

I particularly liked Jim's suggestions for taking care of my head cold (5 days down, 2.5 weeks to go!). I'm finally feeling good enough to take the dogs to the park (they sure were restless!).

[Ralefan46]

That stuff Donna is talking about almost sounds like what we use at work to repair fuel leaks on aircraft,,,,,hmmmmmm

[Jane P.]

Originally Posted by Ralefan46

That stuff Donna is talking about almost sounds like what we use at work to repair fuel leaks on aircraft,,,,,hmmmmmm

Here is a link to the product: TRAVACO Putty at West Marine

Hmmm, when I asked about the color, the West Marine people told me it was an off white ... the package said nothing about grey. Not too late to bring it back.

But it does look like Donna's description.

[Siris]

Ever thought of using urathane
Pro-form has black and gray
AUTOBODY uses this to glue your cars together
Works like a silicone but it's paintable and very strong

[Fran L]

Donna,
Would this be the right thing to use as a seal when replacing the porch light?
Fran

[john warren]

i would use an epoxy to fill the hole, sand it carefully then seal it with gelcoat finish repair that you can get at any boat store, it comes in white, and a multitude of colors and you should be able to make a nearly invisible repair.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Fran L

Donna,
Would this be the right thing to use as a seal when replacing the porch light?
Fran

Fran, I'm not sure if I'm the Donna you're asking... but, no you don't use marine epoxy when replacing a vent, window, light, etc. It's for permanently filling holes... or filling holes that will be redrilled. If you're removing an exterior light and replacing with the same thing, use Butyl putty for a leak-free seal.

I hope this help.

[Fran L]

Thanks Donna,
After reading through ALL the posts I sort of figured the butyl putty tape would be the better product. We got some yesterday and may try the porch light replacement this weekend.
Thanks!!
Fran

[Pam Garlow]

The PO of my trailer had to take the old regulator out of commission when they replaced to new style LP tanks. They simply left the old regulator where it was, firmly mounted to the shell (thus, all holes stay plugged). Maybe I'll take it off some day and plug the holes, but for now, I'm leaving it alone.