Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
I'm installing new white Starboard trim on the windows as part of the window replacement project. They are supposed to be install with a bunch of screws, but I'd rather not drill all those holes. The trim isn't structural or critical, and would look better without the screws.
I'd like an adhesive that is not permanent, will work on starboard, and set relatively quickly. Any ideas?
In my experience, virtually nothing really sticks to UHMW (ultra-high-molecular-weight = dense) plastic which is the primary component of starboard. That's one of it's 'features' and why it's popularly used in cutting boards.
If I had to try something on it, I might give 3M 4200 a shot... but be sure to test this somewhere off the boat before going full bore as it surely will be a big mess if it doesn't work.
Looks like you may not have a great deal of success with gluing. Or at least you might have to do a little bit of experimenting. This is what the manufacturer's website says:
"What sealants and adhesives are recommended for King StarBoard
BoatLIFEĀ® LifeCaulkĀ® works well to replace old or worn caulking. Before caulking, the surface should be prepared by abrading it with medium-grit sandpaper, then cleaning it with acetone, toluene or alcohol.
King StarBoard can be welded using special rods. Contact Plastic Welding Technolgies (www.pwtworld.com) for details.
Adhesives have been used with some success, however King Plastic Corporation recommends using mechanical fasteners to ensure reliability."
The plastic welding requires equipment not normally owned by the average C25 sailor.
I just met a young man who lives in the VA Tech area who is doing some research for Dow Chem. He said he has developed an adhesive for the high density PE. I will try to get more info.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.