applying brush-on seam sealer

[JHZR2]

Hello,

can anyone suggest the best way to apply brush on seam sealer? With a brush, right? hahahaha...

Using a cheapo natural bristle brush, I cannot have enough control to get it as smooth as OEM. For one run of the brush, it comes out good, but the brush (and likely my technique too) is not good enough to make it consistent across a wider area.

I want to be sure that I dont induce small pores and gaps where water will sit, effectively negating the purpose of seam sealer in the first place. That said, ill be painting over it like OE, so perhaps the paint does away with those issues and the sealer is for closing up the spaces so that what water would seep near would need to take a really tortuous path to get to any metal... is that the case???

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

JMH

 

[mikeg5]

whats the sealer for ?

 

[JHZR2]

you put seam sealer on seams between pieces of metal to keep water out. Water will suck in via capillary action otherwise, causing rust.

Seam sealer fills the gaps and remains somewhat flexible, to take up shock, vibation, etc.

It can be caulked or brushed on, depending upon location and OE manufacturer.

My 85 MB has it brushed on, and I want to brush it into some seams where it appears that the original stuff has dried and shrunk/cracked somewhat, to regain the watertightness.

JMH

 

[Kestas]

I've seen this product at automotive paint stores and auto restoration catalogs (Eastwood?). It's designed to be used in caulking guns.

What about roofing tar or rustproofing material?

 

[JHZR2]

Ive been investigating these materials as well. I may put some roofing tar in the wheelwells when re-installing the plastic liners, to prevent water buildup under them and trasnport through their screw holes. Ill be spraying rustproofing in crevises and holes, and likely overtop of everything else as well...

Thanks,

JMH

 

[Kestas]

You may remember my posts on Texaco Rustproof Compound L. This compound is appropriate for old rusty cars as well. The compound seeps into crevices and rust and seals the surface to keep the elements out and prevent further rust.

 

[surfstar]

I'm glad I live in SoCal

That being said, JMH, you sure keep up on your cars.

 

[JTK]

Brush-on sealers can be a real mess. I had a similar situation years ago with a gallon can of water based undercoat I bought from JC Whitney. If I ever did it again, I'd use one of those stiff tampico (sp?) masonry brushes, or better yet, go to the dollar store & get a few little whisk brooms/brushes. I think you'd have better control applying thick seam sealer with a stiff brush.

Joel

 

[benjamming]

What seam sealer product are you using?

 

[1sttruck]

I had a bit of water making it into the trunk of an older Taurus, from seams around the tailight area. I looked at the seam sealer that is available but ended up using 'gorilla glue' as it sets up with water. I just sprayed and wiped the area down, dribbled the glue on, and after it set up the area with water had more bubbles. Worked fine. I used the same technique, after some light sanding, to fix a slow leak in an alloy wheel, and it too has held up fine.

 

[ted s]

apply it with a body filler spreader

 

[XS650]

Try shortening the brush by cutting how ever much works for you off the bristles to make what's left stiffer. The stiffer brush will give you more control of what you are brushing.

 

[Aldaris]

Quote:

---

you put seam sealer on seams between pieces of metal to keep water out. Water will suck in via capillary action otherwise, causing rust.

Seam sealer fills the gaps and remains somewhat flexible, to take up shock, vibation, etc.

It can be caulked or brushed on, depending upon location and OE manufacturer.

My 85 MB has it brushed on, and I want to brush it into some seams where it appears that the original stuff has dried and shrunk/cracked somewhat, to regain the watertightness.

JMH

---

Indeed, keep that Mercedes rust-free and it'll stay structurally sound and safe
Just like the one in this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw6VUwG9nOo&mode=related&search=

 

[JTK]

Quote:

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apply it with a body filler spreader

---

..as opposed to a 'paint applicator'!

There is a tool for every job! I didn't know there was something called a body filler spreader.

Joel

 

[ted s]

what do you think body filler is applied with?

 

[JTK]

A body filler spreader, or BFS.

 

[JHZR2]

Quote:

---

Indeed, keep that Mercedes rust-free and it'll stay structurally sound and safe
Just like the one in this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw6VUwG9nOo&mode=related&search=

---

You know, my first w123, a beautiful silver example, got cremed like the first car that got hit by the first moving car in that video...

i.e. the first parked car that got smashed by the first moving car in the show.

My w123 MB got hit in the rear quarter at high speed while stopped on the highway. it was a five car pileup overall, my car took the brunt of damage, the other cars in front were nearly fine. My MB saved my life and likely those of the others.

JMH