proseal mixing
 

Ok, I am down to the point where I am going to seal up the trailing edge of the elevators and rudder. I have done a little research on using proseal, but still need help.

I have one 3.5oz tube without dispensing gun and 2 quarts of proseal. I was thinking of attempting to mix the 3.5oz tube and squeeze it out somehow so it won't be wasted.

The syringe method sounds like a good idea. Although, the plastic bag method probably works well too.

Say I have some left over in the tube or in the syringe...... How long will it last once mixed if it is stored in a refrigerator or freezer? I have not read the mixing instructions yet for the quart kits.

- Jake

Proseal
 

You should plan to use any mixed Proseal as soon as possible. The hardening time may be extended a short time by putting it in the fridge, but we're talking hours at most, not days, once it's been mixed.

The quart kit is intended to be mixed in a 10:1 ratio by weight and will provide a two hr working time at room temp once mixed.

The 3.5 oz tube is designed to provide only a 30 min working time at room temp once mixed.

Having said that, the shelf life of unmixed Proseal can be extended by several months if you keep it in the fridge.

Proseal is mixed by weight; I purchased a postal scale at an office store and use a smooth ceramic tile as the mixing surface. Put the tile on the scale, hit the "Tare" button to zero the scale and then add Proseal and hardener per the instructions (normally a 10:1 ratio by weight).

Tongue depressor sticks work well for scooping Proseal out of the can, and ice cream bar-size sticks work well for dispensing the hardener. Lots of disposable gloves!

Cleanup of the tile is easy: just let the Proseal harden, then scrape/peel off with a razorblade scraper. Wipe with MEK and it looks new again.

Good luck,
Mike

Just a quick note, tubes and quarts are both available in B 1/6, B 1/2 and B 2 generally. B1/6=10 min, B1/2=30, B2=2hrs so check to see what you have.

If you have a freezer that will go to -40 you can store mixed sealant for about 30 days.

The tube is the b1/2. I have freezers that are 0 to 10 below, but not 40 below.

What size syringes do I need? I am going to pick some up from the vet today.

I may just trash the tube and use the quart. Just so I will start out on the right foot. I have a good digital postal scale I can use.

So just to clarify.... if I put .10 lb of part A, I would add .01 of part B to make .11 lb?

Mixing
 

I'd keep the tube if the date is still good...they work well for smaller projects.

You've got the right idea regarding the ratio. As a double check: the Proseal will be dark gray when properly mixed. No black or light streaks anywhere...keep mixing until they go away.

Should also mention: loosely wrap your scale in plastic wrap...makes cleanup easy and you can hit the buttons without worrying about Proseal on a fingertip.

I didn't use the syringe technique, just an ice cream stick..so can't advise on sizes.

Good luck,
Mike

Thank you.
 

Great! Thank you for your input. I can't wait to get started this evening. I bet it's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. My wing kit ships out today! :) I need to get practiced up for the fuel tanks.

I will hang on to the tube for small projects.

- Jake

You can mix the tube manually and just use a stick to push the proseal out onto another surface for application. I had the applicator gun, which does make using the tubes a little easier.

For the tail feathers the tubes are nice because you really don't need much proseal. If you get the quart now, it may not be totally effective when it gets time for you tanks. Building the tanks is not a step when you want to gamble if the proseal is still good.

If you watch how you apply the proseal and are really neat, you can probably get by with just a quart. I probably cleaned off more than stayed applied and when through about a quart and half by the time my tanks were done.

You are looking at probably 6-12 months before you build your wings and you'll need proseal again. My advice is to just get enough to finish the tail now and buy a quart when you're ready to start you wings.

Yes, your assumption is correct. While measuring weight is the most accurate method, you'll find that you'll soon become an expert and eyeballing the mixed color to determine the ratios. By the time the tanks are done, you'll be a proseal expert.

bob

It will last 4 days
 

if put directly in 0F freezer after mixing. I am not doing that with my tanks...just mixing it as needed. I will use almost 2 qts PRC proseal from Spruce for both tanks (has different smell, consistency and dries quicker than Flamemaster- same controlled shop conditions/digital gram scale). Tried 60cc syringe...ended up just mixing in non waxed cups/tongue depressors/acid brushes. Thinned with about 5% toluene(by wt, max= 15%) to brush on after ribs were installed. Toluene evaporates fast so it returns to its original thick state after about 20 minutes. I only masked off the splice strip overlap area on outboard end of tanks. Nobody is going to see inside my tanks. Not a place I want to have to reenter to repair leaks once the rear baffles are installed next week. I am also applying PRC Buna-N tank slosh compound PR-1005-L from Spruce to all prosealed areas. Used 150 pairs of gloves between the wife and I. Used scotchbrite/mek for pre cleaning and mek for cleanup of tools. Did not cover work bench...kinda like the proseal splotches. Still wearing off some that got on my arms. Will never get it out of some clothes. Good memories for down the road. Have fun! Glad to see your wings are on the way.

You're right. Speaking about the fuel tanks, it's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. It's worse. ;)