If you have been looking for a type of adhesive tape for boat surfaces, butyl tape is the product you’re looking for. What exactly is butyl tape?
Butyl tape is a rubber, synthetic, pressure-sensitive adhesive tape manufactured in the laboratory. It is not crafted from the resins of a natural rubber tree. Aside from boat surfaces, it can also be applied to automobile, home, and RV surfaces.
Read on to learn more about butyl tape, its uses, and recommended butyl tapes.
Also, take a look at our recommended butyl tape, the SUNLL Adhesive Butyl Tape, on Amazon, to see its great price and reviews:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Butyl Tape Features
Butyl seal tape refers to a synthetic, rubber, pressure-sensitive adhesive tape produced in the laboratory. It is not crafted from the resins of a natural rubber tree. Aside from boat surfaces, it may also be applied to automobile, home, and RV surfaces.
Butyl rubber sealant tape is heavy-duty and very reliable. It can do quick repairs in a flash and a mess-free manner. Butyl tapes are proven to be flexible and strong. They provide air-tight sealing for various surfaces. These include glass, windows, and even ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber roof patching.
The features of different butyl tape brands may vary. But they share common features, which include the following:
- Professional finish
- Resistance to chemical and physical degradation
- Built to last for a long time
- Versatility of applications
1. Professional Finish
By the end of your DIY project, you will be amazed by how neat, and mess-free everything is after using butyl tape. It is guaranteed to be watertight. Your DIY project will surely be leak-free against water, vapor, or any other corrosive chemicals.
2. Resistance to Chemical and Physical Degradation
Butyl tape features properties that make it anti-corrosive and temperature resistant. You can store it over a long period of time at any room temperature without worrying that its quality will deteriorate.
However, you can make it more convenient to use by storing your butyl tape roll inside the refrigerator for a few hours. This process is expected to produce better results.
3. Built to Last for a Long Time
Most butyl tapes, if not all, undergo the high-temperature butyl tape tempering process. This is important to ensure that the tape can withstand various conditions. These include cold winter drafts, heavy rainfall, sunlight, ultraviolet light, and extreme weather conditions.
4. Versatile
Butyl tape is the tape of choice among boaters. But, of course, its uses are not limited to boating applications. Aside from boat surfaces, it is also ideal for automobile, home, and RV surfaces, among many others.
Many people consider butyl tape as an all-in-one solution because it can be used for numerous applications. Butyl tape can be used on many different surfaces, including the following:
- Galvanized Metal
- Aluminum
- Plastic
- Wood
- Glass
- Rubber Roofing
Butyl Tape Uses
Butyl tape can be used for the following:
- Household
- Window Sealing
- Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
- Boats and Other Types of Vehicles
Let’s briefly discuss each one of these:
1. Household
Butyl tape has waterproof and advanced adhesive properties. It is a reliable product to apply to areas where leakage and corrosion from humidity commonly occur. These include underground pipes and joints.
This tape is also ideal for dust removal equipment, roofing repairs, water pipe insulation, and ventilation systems, among many others. In case of leakage, butyl tape is capable of sealing it in a matter of minutes.
2. Window Sealing
Several types of sealants are ideal for doors and windows. But some people prefer to use butyl tape for the door- or window-sealing projects.
Butyl tapes are very convenient to use. They are easier to work with, which means that they are also easy to manage. This tape is conformable. It is convenient to install on window surfaces, even those with irregular curves.
3. Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
If you have butyl tape and own an RV, you will surely do DIY projects. The regular putty tape is rather more affordable compared to the RV butyl tape. But the cost of the latter is definitely all worth it.
Using butyl tape for your RV is recommended. It doesn’t dry out messily, and it is way more pliable. In essence, it is easier to work with butyl tape than any other tape, for that matter.
4. Boats and Other Types of Vehicles
If you have a boat or other type of vehicle, you know that leaks can occur. That’s why it is advisable to always keep a roll of butyl tape inside your boat or vehicle. You’ll never know when you’ll need it.
Butyl tape definitely comes in handy for emergency repairs. It is helpful if you need to fill gaps on a car firewall. Also, it is useful as a gasket between vibrating panels.
How to Install Butyl Tape
To effectively utilize butyl tape, it has to be properly installed. Below are 8 steps to properly install and apply butyl tape:
- Chill the Butyl Tape
- Ensure the Cleanliness of the Surface
- Peel a Strip from the Butyl Tape Roll
- Conform the Tape with the Texture of the Surface
- Make the Butyl Patch Thick and Strong
- Trim the Adhesive
- Smooth out the Butyl Rubber
- Allow the Butyl Tape to Set
1. Chill the Butyl Tape
You can use butyl tape anytime you want to. But if you want it to become more manageable, I recommend you to leave it inside the refrigerator for approximately 3 hours. It will amazingly make it more convenient to apply it.
The process of chilling it, however, is only optional. Again, you can use it even if it is not chilled. It’s just that doing so will make it more manageable and conformable.
2. Ensure the Cleanliness of the Surface
The surface where you will apply the butyl tape must be free of dust, clean, and dry. So, even if it already looks clean initially, it is still best to double-check it.
Dust the area thoroughly with a clean cloth. If possible, use alcohol to ensure that you get to wipe off the dirt. Also, let it dry completely before you start putting a strip of butyl tape on it.
3. Peel a Strip from the Butyl Tape Roll
It is easy to peel and tear a strip of butyl tape from the roll. So, you are not expected to encounter any problem doing this.
You have to make sure, though, not to touch the adhesive too much. Foreign materials and even the oils from our hands might stick on it. These can contaminate the adhesive and decrease its bonding strength.
4. Conform the Tape with the Texture of the Surface
Make sure that the tape conforms with the texture of the surface. Conforming it will eliminate gaps between the surface and the tape.
Do this by carefully molding and pressing the tape against the surface. Not all surfaces are flawlessly smooth and flat. You will notice several curves, bumps, and even empty areas. These, and all other possible holes, must be covered efficiently and effectively.
5. Make the Butyl Patch Thick and Strong
For sure, you would want to make a strong butyl patch. Besides, that is the very reason you are using this adhesive.
Butyl tape, as we all know, is guaranteed to be strong and durable. But to ensure that you are making a solid butyl patch, you can roll many layers to make the patch thick. This is expected to make it stronger and more stable. Also, it will increase its air- and water-tight properties.
Make sure to apply pressure on all areas when installing it. That way, you will be able to eliminate air bubbles.
6. Trim the Adhesive
Once installed, trim the adhesive out of the unnecessary areas. You may use a plastic knife or a plastic card to do this.
If adhesive is present in areas where it is not required, it might attract dirt or other unnecessary materials. These might cause damage and inconvenience in the long run.
7. Smooth Out the Butyl Rubber
You have to ensure that the butyl tape you installed doesn’t look untidy. Of course, you want it to appear as if it was installed by a professional.
This may be done by wetting your fingers with soapy water. Then, rub your fingers on the surface of the tape. This is expected to smoothen the butyl rubber. It will effectively minimize or eliminate bumps or lumps.
8. Allow the Butyl Tape to Set
After installing the butyl tape, let it sit for about 3 to 4 hours. But if it is possible to cure, dry, and acclimatize it for 24 hours, please do so before exposing it to harsh conditions.
Best Butyl Tape
There are several brands of butyl tape available in the market today. Here are three of the best butyl tapes:
- SUNLL Adhesive Butyl Tape
- GSSI Sealants Butyl Tape
- Pro Tapes Pro Flex Butyl Tape
1. SUNLL Adhesive Butyl Tape
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The SUNLL Adhesive Butyl Tape is waterproof and measures 1.58 milli-inch in thickness x 6 inches in width x 33 ft in length. It contains a PET aluminum film with non-woven fabric, anti-aging film, and corrosion resistance features.
Aside from being an effective butyl tape for a metal roof, it can be applied to other surfaces as well. These include sprinkler systems, plumbing pipes, outdoor equipment, watercraft, and gutters, among many others.
Its adhesive strength is impressive. Also, there is no need to apply the extra waterproof coating. As long as it is properly installed, you can expect it to last for years.
2. GSSI Sealants Butyl Tape
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The GSSI Sealants Butyl Tape has an impressively superior cohesive and adhesive strength. It is guaranteed to withstand extreme roof temperatures.
This brand of butyl tape has excellent low-temperature compressibility. It is resistant to cold flow and ultraviolet (UV) light.
The GSSI Sealants Butyl Tape is designed to meet the complex requirements of metal buildings. It is also a perfect product for issues involving refrigeration, air conditioning, and window glazing, among many others.
This product comes in an off-white color and is made of rubber. It weighs 41.2 pounds and measures 22 inches x 11.5 inches x 7.4 inches.
Several boat owners have used this product to reseal boat windows. They can attest to how easy it is to apply.
3. Pro Tapes Pro Flex Butyl Tape
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The Pro Tapes Pro-Flex Butyl Tape is an impressively effective all-weather, flexible butyl patch and shield repair tape. It is ideal for below-grade concrete wall penetrations for water. The tape remains in its stable form from -70 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
This product measures 12.72 inches x 12.28 inches x 12.2 inches and weighs 33.29 lbs. It comes in either black or white color.
You have to be careful when sticking it. The adhesive is so strong that it seems to be 100 percent permanent. In case you install it incorrectly, you might have a difficult time removing it. Suffice it to say that the Pro Tapes Pro-Flex Butyl Tape is undoubtedly a durable product aside from the strong adhesive.
Conclusion – Butyl Seal Tape
Butyl tape refers to a rubber, synthetic, pressure-sensitive adhesive tape manufactured in the laboratory. It is not crafted directly from the resins of a natural rubber tree. Aside from boat surfaces, it may also be applied to automobile, home, and RV surfaces.
There are many brands of butyl tapes available in stores. Buy the one that has a good track record. If you need to do some research, it is best to ask boat owners. They very well know which brands are guaranteed to last for a long time.
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