Re-constituting 3M 4200

Tedd

Tedd

.
Jul 25, 2013
790
TES 246 Versus Bowser, BC
I didn't find anything about this in the archives. I have a nearly full tube of 3M 4200 that has started to set or dry out in the tube. Is there a feasible way to reconstitute it so that it's usable? I tried heating it with boiling water but that didn't help.

FWIW, I'm not using it for a marine application, in this case. If I were I'd probably just buy a new tube.
 
thinwater

thinwater

.
Mar 26, 2011
3,746
Corsair F-24 MK I Deale, MD
Nope, done. It is not drying , it is curing.

For future reference, it keeps a lot longer if you seal the end , possibly bag it, and definitely store it in a refrigerator (typically the one in the basement or garage that has sealed cans of beer and drinks, not left overs and veggies). You should be able to get about one-year. Past a year, all bets are off. If it has stiffened much, it will not stick as well.
 
Tedd

Tedd

.
Jul 25, 2013
790
TES 246 Versus Bowser, BC
Thanks, @thinwater . Yes, I'm pretty sure this tube is at least two years old. But when I replace it I'll try to find a better way to store it. I have a drinks-only fridge downstairs that it might be safe to keep it in.

Interestingly, the 5200, which I bought at the same time, still seems usable.
 
sail sfbay

sail sfbay

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Feb 21, 2013
4,638
Hunter 46 Point Richmond, CA
After use, put 3M 4200 in a zip lock bag in the refrigerator ot freezer. It will last a long time in there. That is where I keep mine. Also, buy minimum size quantity tubes, e.g., a 3 ounce tube costs ~$15 and a 10 ounce cartridge gun tube costs ~$25, for the required job at hand.
 
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G

gettinthere

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Nov 26, 2008
1,970
Endeavour 42 Cruisin
I have stored open tubes of 5200, 4200, 4000 for years and still good. I would not use it for 'mission critical' applications, below waterline.
 
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