Use of Gluvit at lower temperatures

[terrysandlin]

I am new to the forum this year. I have prepped my aluminum 14 ft 4 in Lonestar for the use of Gluvit. I am concerned about the temperature of applying Gluvit.
When I took this ?new for me? old boat out on a small lake for about an hour, I noticed some leaks around a couple of seams. The water accumulation in those areas is about 1 inch.
I live in Topeka, Kansas and would like advice on whether I should wait to apply to Gluvit. Our forecast for the weekend is to have a weekend temperatures in the upper 60?s.
Is it advisable to apply the Gluvit at these temperatures with the expectation that the temperatures will be in the evening at the low 40?s or upper 30?s? Should I just wait until spring?

Thanks for your help

 

[matt167]

Re: Use of Gluvit at lower temperatures

Gluvit is an epoxy and as a 2 part, if it freezes or just gets too cold before it hardens/ activates, it will never cure correctly. Air/ Ambient temp does not matter however. Surface temp is key. 5-700W Halogen work lights are most likely enough to keep the surface temps in the range you need

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Use of Gluvit at lower temperatures

.....from the Gluvit site:

4. Apply Gluvit with a brush or roller at 6-8 mils film thickness. Lightly drag a foam brush in long even strokes over the freshly applied coating to smooth the surface. After the first coat cures for 12 hours at 72?F, a second coat can be applied for optimum performance.

5. Gluvit hardens overnight. Allow 48 hours at 72?F for maximum strength. Working time and cure will be longer at lower temperatures, shorter at higher temperatures. Note: If ambient temperature is below 50?F, pre-condition Gluvit and work area to at least 55?F.

Gluvit offers an open time of about 60 minutes at 72?F to provide adequate working time for larger jobs, such as an entire deck or hull. Gluvit cures in 24-30 hours at 72?F. Apply heat to speed cure if necessary or if the temperature will be below 55?F.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Use of Gluvit at lower temperatures

If you have the ability to WAIT until there is good weather ........ I would strongly suggest that. Keep an eye on your weather reports.......

I will move this to the Restoration Section.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Use of Gluvit at lower temperatures

+

Get two of these and you'll be set. Use a tarp to "Tent" the boat. Use the lamps to Heat the boat seams about an hour in the afternoon under the tent. This should get the temp of the aluminum up where it needs to be. Mix the Gluvit in the house so it will be acclimated to 70*?. Run out and get under the tent and apply the Gluvit and leave the lamps on till bedtime. The most important thing to remember is that the resin and the substrate should be very close to the same temp and maintain that temp for several hours. You don't want fresh glass to Freeze ever. OR...

Wait till spring.

 

[tanuki]

Re: Use of Gluvit at lower temperatures

I was in the same situation as you with my 14' tinny last year. I waited for spring and left the aluminum boat in the sun to warm up the day I applied the Gluvit. Took my time and did all the seams and rivets (there were 18 leaks in my 1965 tinny before I "Gluvited"). Worked great as now not a drop of water in boat. With all the work in the prep of the boat that you did, hate to see the sealer have temperature problems with proper curing, which would mean that you probably have to "reprep" the boat again and reseal again. Just my 2cents, but I would wait for spring if you can .

 

[64osby]

Re: Use of Gluvit at lower temperatures

Check with some of your friends, ask if you could borrow the garage for a couple days.

Offer a case of beer or a Gift card so they could take the wife to dinner.

If you wait you will have to re prep the boat IMO