Lexel Boats: Are They Worthy Crafts?

Lexel is a synthetic copolymer rubber sealant that can be used for boats and kayaks. It is a tough, elastic sealant that can be applied to wet or dry surfaces and can handle up to 747% joint movement. It is also scrubbable, instantly waterproof, and can be painted over. Lexel is known to be 19 times clearer than silicone and will not yellow or cloud over time. While it is a good sealant option for boats, some people prefer other products such as 3M 5200, butyl rubber, or marine-grade silicone.

Lexel is a good sealant for boats

Lexel is a tough elastic sealant that can be used for a variety of jobs. It is a synthetic copolymer rubber that is highly elastic and has superior adhesion. It can be applied to wet or dry surfaces and is instantly waterproof. This makes it ideal for use on boats, as it can be applied to active leaks and will displace the water to seal. In fact, it can be applied underwater and will still form a waterproof film when it dries.

Lexel is also 19 times clearer than silicone and will not yellow or cloud over time. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, including metals, plastics, and other surfaces such as asphalt, stone, ceramics, and glass. It is also paintable, making it a versatile option for sealing leaks and cracks.

Some boaters and boat builders have expressed their preference for Lexel over silicone. They find that it dries faster, is waterproof, and can be painted over. It is also flexible and can handle a high degree of joint movement without cracking. This makes it ideal for use on boats, where there is constant movement and vibration.

However, it is important to note that Lexel is not recommended for immersion with sea life. Additionally, its high marketing-to-data ratio in its technical specs may make users cautious. While it is a popular choice for sealing leaks above the waterline, some boaters prefer to use other products, such as 3M 5200, for sealing areas below the waterline.

Lexel is better than silicone

Lexel is a synthetic copolymer rubber sealant that is tough, elastic, and adhesive. It is superior to silicone in several ways, making it a better choice for certain applications.

Firstly, Lexel is highly durable and resistant to scratches and damage. It has superior adhesion and can stick to most surfaces, including wet or dry surfaces, both indoors and outdoors. In contrast, silicone may not adhere properly to certain materials, and it is more prone to showing wear and tear over time.

Secondly, Lexel is 19 times clearer than silicone and will not yellow or cloud over time. This makes it ideal for applications where a clear, transparent seal is desired, such as caulking seams on boats or jet intakes.

Thirdly, Lexel is instantly waterproof. It can be applied to active leaks as it will displace water and form a waterproof film when dry. This makes it suitable for use in swimming pools, boats, and other water-related applications. While silicone is also water-resistant, it may not be suitable for prolonged exposure to water or diving.

Additionally, Lexel dries and cures faster than silicone, usually within 24 hours, making it a more convenient option for quick repairs. It also never yellows over time, maintaining its clear appearance.

Lastly, Lexel is paintable, while silicone may not be suitable for painting. This gives Lexel an advantage in applications where a specific colour or finish is desired.

In summary, while both Lexel and silicone are effective sealants, Lexel offers superior durability, adhesion, clarity, and water resistance. It is an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, including boats, and is favoured by many for its convenience and long-lasting performance.

Lexel is not suitable for immersion with sea life

Lexel is a synthetic copolymer rubber sealant that is not suitable for immersion with sea life. This means that while it is a tough, elastic, and adhesive sealant that can be applied to wet or dry surfaces and is instantly waterproof, it should not be used for applications that involve direct and constant contact with seawater and marine life.

Lexel is a versatile sealant that can be used for a wide range of applications, including sealing around tubs, shower stalls, sinks, countertops, window frames, door frames, PVC pipes, and metal drain pipes. It can be used both indoors and outdoors and can handle up to 747% joint movement. It is known for its superior adhesion and can stick to most surfaces, including metals, plastics, asphalt, stone, ceramics, concrete, glass, wood, and more. Lexel is also clear and will not yellow or cloud over time, making it a discreet choice for sealing and caulking.

However, when it comes to marine applications, there are some important considerations. While Lexel has been anecdotally used for sealing leaks in boats, kayaks, and swimming pools, it is not specifically designed or marketed for immersion with sea life. The manufacturer's website states that it is not suitable for this purpose, and there is limited data available on its long-term performance in seawater.

Additionally, some users have expressed concerns about the smell of Lexel, suggesting that it may promote crevice corrosion, similar to non-marine silicone products. This could be a potential issue for boats and other marine equipment that are constantly exposed to seawater. Furthermore, Lexel is challenging to remove once applied, and its high adhesion makes it difficult to separate bonded parts. This could be problematic for marine applications where equipment or components may need to be accessed or replaced over time.

In summary, while Lexel is a highly versatile and effective sealant for a range of applications, it is not suitable for immersion with sea life. For marine applications, it is essential to choose a sealant that is specifically designed and tested for use in seawater, taking into account factors such as corrosion resistance, long-term durability, and the ability to remove or replace the sealant as needed.

Lexel is a synthetic copolymer rubber

Lexel is a great choice for a sealant because it is tough, flexible, and adhesive. It can be applied to wet or dry surfaces and can be used indoors or outdoors. It is also resistant to water and mildew. Lexel is a good choice for anyone looking for a versatile and reliable sealant.

Lexel has excellent adhesion to a wide variety of materials, including metals such as aluminum, brass, steel, and copper, and plastics such as ABC, vinyl, nylon, and PVC. It can also be used on other surfaces such as asphalt, stone, ceramics, concrete, and wood. Lexel is a versatile sealant that can be used for a wide range of applications.

Lexel is also a good choice for sealing leaks. It can be applied directly to active leaks and will displace the water to create a waterproof seal. This makes it a good option for sealing leaks in swimming pools, boats, and kayaks. Lexel is a reliable and effective sealant that can be used in a variety of situations.

Overall, Lexel is a high-performance synthetic copolymer rubber sealant that offers superior adhesion, elasticity, and durability. It is a versatile and reliable choice for a wide range of sealing jobs and can be used on a variety of surfaces. Lexel is a great option for anyone looking for a tough and flexible sealant that can handle a wide range of applications.

Lexel is not easy to remove

Lexel is a tough elastic sealant that can be used for a variety of jobs. It is highly elastic, has superior adhesion, and can be painted over. It can be used on a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and other surfaces such as asphalt, stone, ceramics, and wood. Lexel is also clear, which makes it ideal for applications where a discreet seal is required.

However, one notable disadvantage of Lexel is that it is extremely difficult to remove. In fact, the manufacturer Sashco states that removal is not possible, and that the product is designed specifically to be difficult to remove. If removal is absolutely necessary, a solvent-based caulk remover, a putty knife, and manual labour are required—and even then, it is a challenging task.

The difficulty in removing Lexel is due to its strong adhesion properties. It is designed to stick to most surfaces, including difficult-to-bond materials such as wet surfaces and certain plastics. This makes it an ideal sealant for applications where a strong, durable, and long-lasting bond is required. However, it also means that once Lexel has been applied, it is essentially permanent.

For this reason, it is important to consider the suitability of Lexel for a particular application before use. While it may be ideal for sealing leaks and creating long-lasting bonds, it may not be the best choice for applications where future removal or maintenance is anticipated. In such cases, a different type of sealant or adhesive may be more appropriate.

Overall, while Lexel is a highly effective sealant with strong adhesion properties, its difficulty of removal is a significant factor to consider when deciding whether to use this product.

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