If applying Eternabond over existing sealant, should you clean the existing sealant with acetone or just the roof to each side where the tape will also adhere?
I've already washed the existing sealant/roof with dish soap and water so wondering if it's necessary or even harmful to clean the existing sealant with acetone.
Thanks!
Howard
Howard, Acetone does an enhanced cleaning. But it will can remove paint also.
I contact manufactures for the real scoop on stuff - Eternabond was very willing to share information and you can send them pictures/give them specific info (at least could several years ago).
If the Eternabond tape covers 1" minimum on each side of the seam, it should be OK.
After washing the roof with soap and water, I wipe the seam area with acetone to remove any remaining debris, I would not skip this step! The surface must be immaculate for the long-term survival of the tape.
Larry
If the Eternabond tape covers 1" minimum on each side of the seam, it should be OK.
After washing the roof with soap and water, I wipe the seam area with acetone to remove any remaining debris, I would not skip this step! The surface must be immaculate for the long-term survival of the tape.
Larry
So wiping the sealant with acetone is okay?
Hi Howard. Reading the fine print on 3M 5200 sealant, Isopropyl Alcohol inhibits curing of that sealant. But alcohol can be used as long as it evaporates. I don't think it affects EternaBond anyway. Acetone as a quick wipe is ok, but it will soften the paint and wipe it away. So just use Acetone as a quick cleanup after using alcohol.
I pulled out some rusted screw heads and replaced them with stainless steel Amazon.com: 50pcs #10x1-1/2 inch Truss Head Self Tapping Phillips Screws 304... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QM7YTNC/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?pd_rd_i=B07QM7YTNC&pd_rd_w=alHBC&content-id=amzn1.sym.999c0877-3704-4f0f-9726-eebf80846a35&pf_rd_p=999c0877-3704-4f0f-9726-eebf80846a35&pf_rd_r=15083107D41MT16AQNSP&pd_rd_wg=2fggx&pd_rd_r=96a8ed85-e1ae-4c91-b990-ead227b2f4a9&s=industrial&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzSTFJOUlWTFVLTFk2JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTY5NTI2MlZZQjhQQ0xFNVpWNSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjgxNjcyVVNMRlVITUpSREQwJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1) screws that wouldn't rust. I put a little sealant in the hole first. The truss heads don't stick up as high. The sealant was Fast Cure 3M5200 when I could get it. I left some right at the head and then covered over it with EternaBond tape. RonB
Ron, I posted this information before, but I ordered 5200 fast cure online from West Marine in Santa Cruz a few months ago. At the time, there was no problem shipping it to me “over the hill” in San Jose. You might check with West Marine to see if that is still the case.
Thanks Joan. It is no longer available in San Diego county. Maybe the SCAQMD is the issue. I have a friend flying in tomorrow from Florida who supplies me. RonB
So wiping the sealant with acetone is okay?
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I have resealed several dozen LD roofs using acetone or lacquer thinner for the final wipe, before taping. Both solvents are safe to use.
I do use an organic filter mask when doing large amounts of solvent, along with gloves.
Larry
Hi Howard. Reading the fine print on 3M 5200 sealant, Isopropyl Alcohol inhibits curing of that sealant. But alcohol can be used as long as it evaporates. I don't think it affects EternaBond anyway. RonB
Hi Ron, I suspect the existing roof sealant is some kind of Dicor self leveling sealant. I was just wondering if I can wipe it with acetone before applying the eternabond as I was concerned the acetone might degrade the sealant and make the eternabond not stick to it.
Larry answered this question above. Believe him
When I resealed our roof I followed Larry's advice to the tee and all has been good. Acetone wipe is not a problem and essential. I had a couple areas with what I thought was dicor. I couldn't convence myself that eternabond would stick to it so I removed it and resealed the area with FC 5200 and then the eternabond. You only get one chance to do it right.
Jon
A note on acetone/alcohol - acetone first. This is because acetone removes organics, but may leave a residue. Alcohol cleans that residue, and everything else. Standard final steps in cleanroom protocol.
Steve
My 1986 LD in AUSTRALIA has been sealed for 7 yrs and still looks like yesterday's seal. I used ACETONE on both; sealant and overlay. No problem. Eternabond sticks more than one can imagine. Put it on right because you do not want to unstuck it.
Last year I ETERNABONDED my 2000 LD, 23FT RB. ACETONED the entire width and it sealed great and, I expect it to last at least 15 years! Longer than me.
I am currently in CHICAGO visiting Family. LD ran GREAT ALL THE WAY. HONEST 9.7- 10.2 MPG WITH AC ON RUNNING 65-70. BEST MILEAGE WITH SHELL PETRO.(gas).
The original owner kept the mechanicals in great Nik every time it SNEEZED he took it to the shop. I have ALL the BILLS since NEW. THE COUCH PICTURE LOOKS BAD AS LIGHTING IN PIC ETC. HOWEVER THE COUCH HAS 20 YEARS WEAR BY ONE OWNER. HECK A DROP IN PRICE OF A GRAND OR TWO WOULD BUY A LOT OF COUCH !
Should return to VEGAS mid AUG. THIS COACH MECHANICALLY IS LIKE NEW...I LOVE IT, BUT I HAVE AGE AND MED PROBLEMS.
Cheers
Hank Hannigan
Also USE THE WOODEN ROLLER WITHOUT EXCEPTION ..... BY COST ME $35 AT THE ETERNABOND STORE. USE IT!!
I was using acetone in the roof reseal on our LD roof. Being a slight perfectionist, I noticed the acetone was real aggressive and removed the paint too easily. I switched to mineral spirits. Not as aggressive and did the same job with no residue. The acetone evaporated very quickly leaving little working time and using more. Not so with the mineral spirits. (I would love to hear comments about the mineral spirits as I see no comments on it).
When using 5200, remember to freeze the leftovers so you can resume the job in a few days, otherwise an open tube will turn very quickly.
I noticed the acetone was real aggressive and removed the paint too easily. I switched to mineral spirits. Not as aggressive and did the same job with no residue. The acetone evaporated very quickly leaving little working time and using more. Not so with the mineral spirits. (I would love to hear comments about the mineral spirits as I see no comments on it).
Removing a tiny bit of paint is a good thing, it opens up the surface for better adhesion.
Totally removing the paint isn't bad either and is necessary if silicone has ever been used on a surface.
The roof is aluminum and will not rust if the paint is removed.
I don't use mineral spirits, it doesn't clean or dry well, IMO. Today's paint thinner is not the same as what I used in my youth.
Acetone or lacquer thinner will work fine for your application.
Larry
I think the best solvent is MEK. You will not get it in California, but it may be available in your state. I wear gloves when using it.
I used ACETONE on both; sealant and overlay.
Thanks, this is the specific clarification I was looking for. I'm a bit obsessive.
We cleaned both, and its worked out well.
Hi Joan; A followup on reply#6 and procuring 3M 5200 Fast Cure. My wife ordered a 3 oz. tube, and it arrived the other day. Postage from JB tools in Livonia Michigan. They may be unaware of it being a 'prohibited' item in San Diego. I suspect it is about polluting the water when used on boats, under the water line, in fresh water (also known as reservoirs).
Oddly it was marked by Fed Ex as ground transport only. In as much as San Diego is a pretty large place, I wasn't aware that this stuff was particularly likely to burst into flame, or otherwise endanger an airplane's cargo hold. Especially just one 3 oz. tube. RonB