A warning about Plumber's Putty

[maa. melee]

Helped a friend reinstall Sampson post, which was originally installed this past spring using plumber's putty...he didn't spring for bedding compound. Without going into too much detail, we removed the post this past weekend to find the cause of a leak and noticed the plumber's putty has turned to dust, losing all of its flexibility and putty characteristics. It basically came off like circular piece of manilla carboard with 2 holes in it, before crumbling into dust. The deck underneath was fine, save for a little yellowing, and luckily no rot was found. Point being that plumber's putty has its place, and it's not here, on the deck of a salt water boat.

[formerlyknownasprince]

Makes a damn fine below waterline seam compound though in the abscence of red lead. Just mix in some grey primer and away you go.

[maa. melee]

could it be the salt water and air? completely failed after only a few months.

[Concordia..41]

I've used it on wood and FRP boats as a temporary fix - i.e. anytime we remove a stanchion or other fitting to prevent water ingress in the outside chance that we don't get the piece reinstalled as quickly as we plan :rolleyes: , but I haven't considered it to be a permanent bedding compound.

- M

[maa. melee]

Sure for temporary stuff its excellent, cleans up soo easily. What's your mix for the seam compound you use and does it hold up?

[ 11-15-2005, 01:00 AM: Message edited by: maa. melee ]

[Phoenix]

Hi igatenby what type of grey primer do you mix with the putty, I assume it must be an oil based one?

Chuck :confused:

[capt jake]

I used 'putty tape' around my mast (covered with rigging tape) a few years ago. It has held up fine so far. 'Putty tape' comes in ribbons or 'dowels' on a sheet (kinda like tape). Used to be a able to get it at auto stores and body repair shops. I have had this in the shop for years and it was still pliable.

Just a thought. ;)

[ 11-15-2005, 09:57 AM: Message edited by: capt jake ]

[formerlyknownasprince]

Hi igatenby what type of grey primer do you mix with the putty, I assume it must be an oil based one?
Sorry for the delaid response - I wanted to check the label on a part can I have - which is unfortunately faded (cause I left it outside) - but it is International Primocon grey primer - the stuff that is used to prime spots before antifouling.

Ian

[neptoon]

sounds okay for seam compound as long as it true linseed oil based...hard to find...most of the puttys don't use linseed oils anymore