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Silicone
Adhering / bonding plastic to metal is very difficult, as no adhesive material I know of, is a solvent to both. That is, you can't achieve a chemical bond, only mechanical. Since plastic and aluminim are both quite smooth, it is also hard to get a mechanical bond. The adhesive used, must remain flexible and pliable over it's lfe, or the difference in coefficients in expansion will simply pop the plastic off the aluminum, if there isn't significant "give". For these reasons, one fo the best adhesives to bond plastic to alumimum is silicone rubber. It can be fairly easily peeled off, but it won't pop off.
Adhering / bonding plastic to metal is very difficult, as no adhesive material I know of, is a solvent to both. That is, you can't achieve a chemical bond, only mechanical. Since plastic and aluminim are both quite smooth, it is also hard to get a mechanical bond. The adhesive used, must remain flexible and pliable over it's lfe, or the difference in coefficients in expansion will simply pop the plastic off the aluminum, if there isn't significant "give". For these reasons, one fo the best adhesives to bond plastic to alumimum is silicone rubber. It can be fairly easily peeled off, but it won't pop off.
If you go silicone...
If you do decide to go with silicone make sure NOT to use the silicon caulk that gives off an ammonia odor (i.e. the bathroom type). This type of caulk will destroy even the very best paints and attack the metal under it. There are some products out there, forget the name, that will bond to at least the acrylic better and provide a better flex. Fisheries Supply here in Seattle stocks them. Silicone however comes off much easier but will leak sooner.
If you do decide to go with silicone make sure NOT to use the silicon caulk that gives off an ammonia odor (i.e. the bathroom type). This type of caulk will destroy even the very best paints and attack the metal under it. There are some products out there, forget the name, that will bond to at least the acrylic better and provide a better flex. Fisheries Supply here in Seattle stocks them. Silicone however comes off much easier but will leak sooner.
If you call Bomar, they will tell you what to use.
Three years ago they told me to use GE Ultraglaze #SSG4000AC (AC for accelerated cure) If I did the job again I would use standard cure. I bought two tubes for 4 hatches on my H34. I only used part of one tube and then used some more on my cabin fixed windows. Still have some in that tube. Just checked it. Hard now.
Three years ago they told me to use GE Ultraglaze #SSG4000AC (AC for accelerated cure) If I did the job again I would use standard cure. I bought two tubes for 4 hatches on my H34. I only used part of one tube and then used some more on my cabin fixed windows. Still have some in that tube. Just checked it. Hard now.
Dow Corning 795
It's a silicone glazing product that comes in a caulking tube. It's used to fasten windows in high-rise buildings. The best! It can be hard to find some places. Try the link below if you can't find it anywhere else.
It's a silicone glazing product that comes in a caulking tube. It's used to fasten windows in high-rise buildings. The best! It can be hard to find some places. Try the link below if you can't find it anywhere else.
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