BoatLIFE Life-Calk is a long lasting, permanently flexible marine polysulfide sealant that can be sanded, painted and used above and below the waterline. Tack-free in 1 to 3 days, curing in 7-10 days (weather dependent). This sealant exhibits excellent resistance to teak oils, gasoline and diesel fuel.
Note: 1/12 gl sizes fit a standard caulking gun.
| Joint Depth | 1/8" Joint Width | 1/4" JW | 3/8" JW | 1/2" JW | 3/4" JW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 60 lineal ft/cartridge | 29 | 18 | 15 | 10 |
| 3/8" | 37 | 18 | 15 | 10 | 7 |
| 1/2" | 29 | 15 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| 3/4" | 18 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3.5 |
- JOINT EXPANSION It is recommended that dimensions be established for each joint in conformance with service conditions. Width of joint may be determined by calculating expansion and contraction of limits of the structure during temperature extremes and multiplying by a factor of 4. For example, if a joint will open and close 1/4" under temperature extremes, the joint should be designed 1/4" times 4, or 1" wide. No joint should be less than 1/4" wide.
INSTALLATION
PREPARATORY WORK The sealant bonding surfaces should be sound, clean and free of contamination such as release agents, water repellent treatment or other surface contaminants. Where adverse conditions are suspected, sanding is advisable.
METHOD OF APPLICATION Life-Calk can be applied directly from cartridges or bulk pails.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
1. Clean joints and wash with Life-Calk Solvent and Cleaner.
2. Apply bond breaker.
3. Apply BoatLIFE Life-Calk Primer.
4. Apply Life-Calk with a hand or air operated caulking gun, putty knife or trowel, pushing cartridge away from you.
5. Tool seam.
CAUTION: DO NOT OPEN CONTAINER UNTIL READY TO USE
NOTE: It is important that the sealant be tooled to assure complete wetting of the bonding surface in order to obtain maximum adhesion. Care should be taken not to disturb the seal until completely cured.
CURE: Since Life-Calk sealant is a moisture/temperature cure and requires the absorption of moisture from the surrounding atmosphere, an increase in the relative humidity or submersion in water will result in a shorter tack free time and faster cure.
CLEANING OF EQUIPMENT: Wash equipment and tools with BoatLIFE Life-Calk Solvent and Cleaner or Release before material cures. TESTING IS RECOMMENDED.
Life-Calk is also paintable and sandable after complete curing occurs. Since curing time varies with the environment test a small area of the caulking. If the paint does not dry in a reasonable amount of time, a latex primer can be used. Do a second test of a small area.
*Note: Curing time will vary based on temperature, relative humidity, and age of product.
Tips:
To speed cure time, spray a little water onto one-part LIFE-CALK. To clean up tools, equipment and uncured LIFE-CALK use LIFE-CALK SOLVENT AND CLEANER or RELEASE. Push the caulking gun, do not pull it. In cold areas, warm tubes and cartridges before use. Fill in small cracks with LIQUID LIFE-CALK. Use LIFE-CALK PRIMER if there is any question about whether or not wood is oily (except with LIFE-CALK 2-part type P). Remove cured sealants with RELEASE by spraying edge of sealant. Work bonded area between surface and sealant with a scraping tool and RELEASE until sealant is weakened.
Technical Information
- Base Compound: Polysulfide
- Colors: White, Black, Mahogany, Teak Brown
- Consistency: Gun Grade
- Nonvolatile content: 96-98%
- Tack Free Time: 24 hrs @ 75 F, 50% Relative Humidity
- Cure Time: 1/8" thickness 10 days @ 75 F, 50% Relative Humidity
- Cure Time: 1/4" thickness 20 days @ 75 F, 50% Relative Humidity
- Hardness, Shore Durometer 26
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Reviews for BoatLIFE Life-Calk
Verified Purchase
I bought life calk to use as bedding for a keel on a canoe. It says sandable and paintable. Well, I am having trouble. The sanding wasn't all that good and the painting isn't working either. The paint over the calk stayed sticky and never cured. I've wiped it with thinner and am waiting to see what happens when I give it more time to cure. The caulk itself may not have cured in the area and caused the oil based marine enamel to not cure either? Not sure. I've used it before and varnished over it without trouble, so we'll see. Use your own judgement. But be aware there may be a problem
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Verified Purchase
The product is poor in terms of staying in place in verticle applications. Expensive product.
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Verified Purchase
Life Caulk performed exactly as described. For those professionals that need quality materials, Life Caulk is essential. No BS, does the job the first time!
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Verified Purchase
This product is a little too fluid for caulking bottom of boat upside down.
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Not compatible with traditional alkyd-enamel based paint such as Kirby Paint! Painting over the fully cured Life Caulk, including the Kirby Paint Primer, would not dry and the surface remained "wet". Given my observation, it appears that the paint and caulk are having an adverse reaction where the caulk is softened or slightly dissolved. Only option was to remove all traces of the caulk and start over. In my opinion the root cause is a chemical incompatibility and not a surface contamination issue as some have suggested. Other than this compatibility issue, the caulk seals and sands fine.
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Verified Purchase
I have an older (1977) sailboat that came to me with multiple small leaks. The life caulk has been my salvation by giving me a strong caulk that is easy to use. I am on my second tube and would highly recommend it.
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Verified Purchase
I was getting small leaks in my sailboat. I suspected the stanchion and stay fittings. I bought Boat Life caulk to address the issue. It was easy to use and worked like a gem.
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This is the only product that will patch a small leak underwater on your hull. I don't know if it works from the inside with pressure behind the leak but definitely works with pressure against the leak underwater. Buy a tube and keep it onboard.
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Verified Purchase
This is the best all round sealant for boats (and cars) Jamestown the only distributor that carries certain colors
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Verified Purchase
Fittings can be removed with ease, Jamestown did not include feed-tube with product!!!
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