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SHRED's avatar
SHRED
Explorer
Apr 18, 2021

3M 5200 fast cure

Anyone know what the shelf life is after opening the small tube?

The bigger gun tube needs to be used fairly soon in my experience.

Great stuff.
  • I have a 4 year old tube I used a little from that is still pliable in the tube. Can't get cap off tho!
  • Seon's avatar
    Seon
    Explorer II
    As JSP mentioned, store it in a freezer. I have all my sealant stored in my "bait" freeze, some as old as 5 yrs. Never a problem unscrewing the cap. Might have to prick the tip with a nail but then it'll flow after squeezing the tube.
  • Before you put the cap back on, smear a little grease of some kind on the threads to make removing the cap easier
  • 3M recommends a 3 oz tube of 3M 4000UV be used within 24 hours of opening. I've found it stays somewhat pliable for almost a week as long as you seal it tightly. 5200FC cures in similar time as 4000. Standard 5200 takes much longer. FWIW (in terms of RV use), 4000 is much more UV resistant than 5200.

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