The acrylic (?) window fell out of one of our port lights. What type of adhesive is recommended for repair and what solvent, if any, is recommended to remove the old adhesive? Will a solvent damage the gasket and its adhesive? Thanks for any advice you can give me. Ed
Puffin, 26U
I’ve had excellent success with a product called Lexel. Easy to use and won’t dry up in the tube if you don’t use it all. It’s clear but paintable.
Removal of the old stuff can be tricky. Razor blade works well. Depends on what it is. The fact that it fell out suggests not the usual marine goop.
My good friend, yacht broker, and former western Canada Nonsuch dealer recommends Dow Corning 795 caulking. I have used this myself on other boats for resealing plexiglass in deck hatches. It takes about 24 hrs to cure, so don’t be in a rush. It’s used in the construction industry for exterior glazing of buildings. The best thing is it doesn’t say “marine” on it and therefore much cheaper to buy.
Whatever you do, don’t use silicone from big box stores. It will soon fail, and leave you with the new problem of trying to completely remove it.
Cheers, Don
Thanks for these suggestions. I like the concept of a sealant that doesn’t harden in a caulk tube. I suspect this won’t be the last portlight I have to repair.