Boatlife Life Caulk Vs. Life Seal – any difference?
Boat Life Caulk is perfect for bedding hardware and windows, while Boat Life Sealant is better suited for general caulking joints, as well as around windows and doors where the caulking is visible. Please note that Lifecalk is not recommended for use in hull repairs or in high-pressure areas of boats, as it is not designed to withstand the stresses and pressures experienced in those applications.
- Boatlife Life Caulk Vs. Life Seal: Specs&Uses
- What’s BoatLife Sealant Lifecalk
- What’s BoatLife Life Seal
Boatlife Life Caulk Vs. Life Seal: Specs&Uses
🌡️Service Temperature Range
Boatlife Life Caulk: -40°F to 200°F
Life Seal: Can apply down to 10°F if the surface is clean/dry
🆚Cure Time
Boatlife Life Caulk: 10-20 days depending on thickness
Life Seal: The Skin is over in 20 mins; 1/4″ depth cures in 24-36 hrs
🛠️Common Uses
Boatlife Life Caulk withstands prolonged exposure to saltwater and harsh marine environments; and fiberglass and is ideal for sealing wood planking to fiberglass surfaces.
Life Seal is ideal for bedding hardware and windows on boats; sealing joints in fiberglass, glass, metal, or other materials; sealing deck joints in various types of boats.
Technical Info
What’s BoatLife Sealant Lifecalk
✅Curing Underwater
Lifecalk has the advantage of curing underwater, which sets it apart from many other caulks. Whether you’re repairing a leak below the waterline or securing deck fittings, this sealant can handle the most demanding marine environments with ease.
mount transducer block to boat with BoatLife Sealant Lifecalk
The caulk sticks to wood better than anything else I’ve tried and does not shrink and stays elastic. It is not the easiest caulk to work with, but it’s worth it for its superior performance. The directions advise masking anything around the area to be caulked, and planning ahead is crucial since the working time before it begins to skin over is short. Working in my dry garage, the caulk can take a week to cure fully.
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While Lifecalk is not intended as a gasket sealer for adhering metal to rubber gaskets, its highly adhesive properties make it excellent for bonding wood planking and deck items to fiberglass surfaces like cleats and other hardware. The sealant forms a rubbery, flexible seal that can withstand the constant movement and vibrations of a vessel without cracking or separating.
This is the best sealant out there for boats. Don’t use silicone, which disintegrates with weather and time. I’ve written an analysis of Acrylic Vs. Silicone Caulk about its drawbacks.
Acrylic Caulk Vs. Silicone Caulk: A Sticky Situation
One noteworthy aspect is Lifecalk’s curing time. It may take longer than some products, requiring up to a couple of days to fully cure depending on temperature and humidity conditions. However, the wait is worthwhile as the fully cured sealant delivers an incredibly durable, watertight seal.
Lifecalk is also a mildew-resistant product, which is crucial for marine applications. As someone who has battled mold and mildew on boats, I appreciate using sealants that resist these growths to keep seals clean and intact in damp environments.
Lifecalk will not change color from sun exposure, maintaining its consistent white appearance even after prolonged UV exposure on deck surfaces. This color stability is a nice perk for preserving your boat’s aesthetic.
💬 FAQ of BoatLife Sealant Lifecalk
Q: Would prolonged exposure to saltwater affect the product?
A: LifeCaulk is designed to withstand prolonged exposure to saltwater, making it an ideal choice for marine applications. It is specially formulated to resist the corrosive effects of saltwater and other harsh marine environments.
Q: Can LifeCaulk be painted over?
A: Yes, it can be painted over once it has fully cured. However, it is recommended that you wait at least 24 hours before painting to ensure that the caulk has fully dried and cured. It’s also a good idea to test a small area first to ensure that the paint adheres properly.
Q: Can LifeCaulk be used to seal leaks in a boat hull?
A: LifeCaulk is not recommended for use in hull repairs, as it is not designed to withstand the high pressures and stresses that hulls are subjected to. It works as an adhesive for fiberglass and is best used for sealing wood planking and deck items to fiberglasses, such as cleats and deck hardware.
What’s BoatLife Life Seal
Firstly, let’s talk about the pros of LIFESEAL. One of the standout features is that it is approved for above and below the waterline, ensuring versatile usage.
Additionally, it cures in 24 hours, although it may have some issues in colder climates. The ease of cleanup is impressive, as you can easily remove it from your hands. Another advantage is that it attaches to most plastics, which is often a challenge for other sealants.
Furthermore, it comes in black, white, and clear options, providing flexibility to match various applications. The UV resistance of LIFESEAL is exceptional, ensuring that it stays white and does not crack for quite a few years.
The flexibility it offers is another benefit, making it suitable for various sealing needs. Moreover, it can be used as a caulk, and the fact that you can use the same bottle later just by capping it is highly convenient. Lastly, it excels in bedding deck hardware, giving you peace of mind.
On the flip side, there are a few cons to consider. Firstly, it may not be the strongest adhesive, which is something you might have to compromise on. Consequently, it may not be the best choice for applications involving screws.
Despite these drawbacks, I feel that LIFESEAL is the easiest sealant to use for the most applications. Its versatility and user-friendly nature make it a top choice for boat owners.
💬 FAQ of BoatLife Life Seal
Q: What are the differences between Boat Life Sealant and Boat Life Caulk?
A: In my experience, I use both of them for different purposes. Boat Life Caulk is perfect for bedding hardware and windows, while Boat Life Sealant is better suited for general caulking joints, as well as around windows and doors where the caulking is visible.
Q: How can I clean up residue from the sealant?
A: If you don’t allow it to dry, you can easily clean up residue with mineral spirits.
Q: Is it suitable for sealing the bolt hole from an old motor on my aluminum boat’s transom?
A: It’s not recommended for filling empty holes as it is too flexible. However, you can fill the holes with nuts, bolts, and washers, and then bed them with Lifeseal.
I’m Ronald Stevens, a Mechanical Engineer obsessed with adhesives, glue, and all things sticky! My passion began in childhood when I’d always be the one playing with glue during arts and crafts. And I’d spend hours researching and experimenting. Happy reading, and remember: stick with the best, and you’ll never be stuck in a mess!
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