RTV application

[MarkW]

I am working on the baffles and after paint I will be RTV'in the gaps. I think I will use black as my engine is black and I am painting the baffles black.
My question is there a trick to make the RTV look good? I have seen some pretty bad RTV jobs. I assume it would be difficult to use a tape line so I am thinking that something on the finger that will not stick would be best. In the archives I found someone mention putting water on your finger. Is there anything that works better to keep it from sticking. Maybe I should be using a glove with oil or some solvent?
Permatex talks about the Black RTV being oil resistent so it seems a little oil on the glove would help as long as you can keep it off the mating surface.

What are the secrets to a profesional looking RTV job?

[Mel]

Bare finger works fine as long as you clean the finger after each swipe.

Be sure to use "hi-temp" RTV.

[F1R]

A disposable plastic spoon works well and does not care about sharp edges of the AL that may slice a finger tip. Also a tape line about 3/16" from the lap joint or corner then bead then fillet with spoon then let skin for a few minutes before pulling tape works very well for a very neat and tidy job.

[mburch]

For applying RTV in hard-to-reach areas, I use horse syringes from the farm store. The 6 mL size is a perfect fit for the end of an RTV tube:



For clean-looking RTV application, I use masking tape to make little "dams", then clean up with an Xacto knife later if required.

mcb

[bret]

Ultra black is good to 550 F. and the high temp 650 F. I was planning on using the ultra black also for looks.

[MarkW]

Thanks I guess I was overthinking it. I haven't worked RTV since my car days and I pictured Proseal sticky. Which is too much for a finger filet. I have used quite a few syringes during the build, this sounds like another good place for one. A spoon or popcycle stick sounds good too.
I guess the more assessable spots like the ramps would be good for tape.

[GLPalinkas]

Originally Posted by Mel

Bare finger works fine as long as you clean the finger after each swipe.

Be sure to use "hi-temp" RTV.

Mel, every time you "speak" in this forum I learn something new. Thanks.

I don't know why I just didn't use a finger for the RTV around my baffles. I guess I had the "proseal" stickiness in mind like Mark did.

[gasman]

Try a test fillet with RTV and then mist the fillet with water.... then use your finger. wipe finger often with paper towel.

[Weasel]

I used the black stuff worked great. I got it in the big cauk gun tubes and the after cutting the end of the tube, I hoseclamped a piece of aprox 3/8" I.d.hose about 10" long to the end. By doing this I made all of the gap runs without wiping to produce more of the look of a weld bead.

Hope this helps.

[Flyguytki]

I agree with Mel, the key to the finger method tho is spit! Suck on your finger and then smooth out the RTV, your finger will come out clean.