Adhesive recommendations

[krj]

Hi all.

Posted this already over at the 'Hard-Side' section. Got some good input over there, but seems to be more of a DIY community over here; figured I'd try for more input.
I'm rebuilding the door to my my camper & looking for suggestions on adhesives. I'm reusing the original FRP doorskins. The new interior foam is foil coated. I'm looking for something that will bond the FRP to the foil-backed foam. Don't want a contact style adhesive, as I've got to line up all the existing holes (window & door latches), but would prefer something fast setting. The sooner it's done, the sooner I can use it.
Some suggestions so far are PL brand "construction" adhesives as well as flooring specific adhesives.
I've had good luck with the PL brand stuff in the past for other uses, but have never used it for something like this. Flooring adhesive, in my limited experience, is usually only available in larger than I need quantities, & is a PIA to work with, unless one has the solvents necessary to clean up with.
Any inputs or suggestions?
Kevin

 

[Frosty_1]

I would look into Sika Flex...can be found online and at most marine stores(Defender,West Marine)...

 

[JRhetts]

I would second SikaFlex, esp the #252 formulation. It will give you adjustment time in minutes, but not hours. Terrific holding power with excellent elasticity. We adhered cabinets and exterior locker door frames with it among other things. Excellent product.

 

[mhiscox]

I would second SikaFlex, esp the #252 formulation.

And another vote for Sikaflex 252. Ugly stuff, and hard to get off your skin should you ignore your gloves, but an excellent balance of grip and vibration-resistance. It's THE go-to adhesive for mounting windows into cabin walls.

 

[BillTex]

3M 5200 Marine Adhesive is good stuff...

 

[GCecchetto]

X2 on the 3M 5200. Use the fast cure and it sets in 30 minutes, fully cured in 24 hours, ultra strong bond. Another advantage to the 5200 is it doesn't hold dirt like the Sika products and has better resistance to yellowing from UV exposure, which it sounds like is not a problem in your application. One note of caution for you; you said you are bonding FRP to foil backed foam. Your bond will only be as strong as the substrate you are bonding to, so in you case bonding to foam, you don't need an aggressive adhesive as the foam will fail long before the adhesive. What you do need is an adhesive that can take exposure to moisture so I would still recommend the 3M products as they are rated for marine below waterline use. You can get them at any West Marine. They are pricey though, fast cure 5200 is $26.99 for a 10 ounce tube.

 

[mhiscox]

My recollection is that the Sikaflex 252 is a bit "gripper" and needs less mechanical support while curing than 3M 5200. 5200 is an excellent product, though, and I use a lot of it, but the "keep water out of the yacht hull" quality may be overkill in some camper build applications. No real downside to it, though.

 

[Captm]

5200/sikaflex clean up

Use vegetable oil and paper towels to remove sikaflex and 5200/4200 from your hands.
Cheers

 

[GCecchetto]

Use vegetable oil and paper towels to remove sikaflex and 5200/4200 from your hands.
Cheers

3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner works really well and has proved to be safe on fiberglass gel coat and painted/powder coated surfaces. Veg oil would be easier on the hands though I'm sure.

 

[JasonRedwood]

West System G Flex epoxy is pretty awesome stuff.