Flex seal is among the most popular leak sealers around. A common question, however, is can you paint over flex seal? Keep reading as I uncover more about this product!
In addition, it manifests a durable layer that, once dry, delivers a watertight coating to surfaces.
If applied correctly, the flex seal can stand the test of time and won’t sag, drip, peel, or crack.
There are myriad options for top coating flex seal. And that takes us back to our question, can you paint over flex seal?
Yes, You can paint over Flex Seal Spray and Flex Glue. However, I advise against painting over Flex Seal Liquid and Flex Shot.
Normally, paint fails to cling to flex seal liquid and flex shot. So it will be a waste of resources to paint these surfaces.
For the paintable flex seal spray and flex glue, ensure that the surfaces dry completely before you paint them.
It takes flex seal 2 to 3 hours to dry to touch and cures fully in 24 hours.
Again, factors like temperature, humidity, and thickness of the coating will affect the drying time of the flex seal.
Many questions about flex seal are highlighted in this article.
So let’s get into more details regarding painting over flex seal in the guide below.
What Paint Will Stick to Flex Seal?
Flex seal is an effective sealant that you can employ to seal out leaks, cover up any cracks, and tie things together.
Using various commercially available paints on sale today, you can paint over flex seal.
However, you can’t just use any of these paints. Remember that using the incorrect paint may negatively impact the primary role of the flex seal.
As a result, the sealant may peel off from the surface over time.
Among the paint options used on flex seal include acrylic latex and acrylic. If necessary, you may also want to use urethanes.
Buy Flex Seal Here
How Long Does Flex Seal Take to Become Waterproof?
The good thing with flex seal is that it becomes waterproof shortly as it cures.
Flex Seal’s drying time is between 2-3 hours, while it cures in 24-48 hours and becomes waterproof.
Since the flex seal boasts a waterproof characteristic, you can utilize this sealant in wet places or apply it in the rain.
Is It Logic to Use Flex Seal Spray Over Flex Tape?
If you decide to use the tape, be sure it occupies a larger area than the problem area.
One of flex tape’s advantages is that you can apply flex seal spray over it. In the process, you will catch a glimpse of color transformation.
So if you intend to attach the tape, it is good to use a rubber roller to squeeze it. Doing this serves to prevent bubbles formation and air pockets.
How Much Pressure Does Flex Seal Withstand?
Flex seal can withstand normal water pressure and rainwater. But, It can’t endure anything intense like mending bike tires since that pressure is overly high.
How Do You Paint Over Flex Seal
Flex seals come in various versions, and you can use them to handle any leak problems.
If you want to paint over a flex seal, I suggest you use the paintable option.
This way, you are sure that the paint will adhere effortlessly. Such options can be painted over and will not gum up.
So for you to paint over your flex seal surface successfully, follow the steps highlighted below.
In the first step, you must ascertain that your flex seal surface is entirely dry.
You can prove it’s dry by lightly touching the flex seal surface with your fingertips. If the surface doesn’t seem pliable, it’s ready for painting.
Next, take your primer and ensure it’s rated for use on flex seal surfaces.
Take your time to shake the primer for nearly 20 seconds so it forms a uniform layer. Then spray it evenly on the surface.
After the first coat, pull back and certify if you are doing a great job.
If there aren’t any imperfections, wait for the previous coat to dry, then proceed to put in the second coat.
Once the primer dries, it’s now the right time to paint. Take your paint and give it a thorough shake before use.
Then, as usual, you will need to maintain a 20cm distance from the target as you spray the paint.
That will be an easy option when spray painting since the bottle releases too much pressure.
While painting, ensure that you avoid dispensing the paint on nearby surfaces. Instead, only focus on the surface sealed with the flex seal.
That will help you avoid cleaning up the nearby surfaces after painting.
After the first coat, check the label on the can to certify the dry time between coats before applying the second coat.
Usually, it’s roughly 30 minutes. After this period, go on with a second coat and leave the paint to dry completely.
Since the painted surface will likely be exposed to wear and tear, you may want to add a clear coat.
How Long Before You Can Paint Over Flex Seal?
Flex seal dries shortly after spraying it on any wet or dry surface.
So it’s recommended that you paint over it after it’s dry to the touch. Usually, the dry time of flex seal is estimated at 2 to 3 hours after application.
Tip: As a general rule, avoid painting on a flex seal before it fully cures. Suppose you paint on a wet flex seal; the paint won’t adhere as expected and might peel off with time.
What Will Flex Seal Not Stick to?
Since flex seal is a flexible product, it can easily hold up to any surface.
Some surfaces that excel well with flex seal include wood, metal, concrete, tile, masonry, porcelain, rubber, drywall, cement, and so much more.
However, flex seal is incompatible with specific rubbers, plastics, and vinyl types.
Note: Flex seal works great on dry surfaces free from grease and dirt. Better still, you can use it on wet surfaces and reap the best results.
Can I Use Flex Seal As a Glue?
Yes, you can use a flex seal as glue. You will find the “flex glue.” This option is a robust adhesive that bonds and repairs just about everything.
Flex glue is relatively easy to use, plus its waterproof ability makes it an instant grab.
As such, it functions as a magnet by locking tight surfaces when locked into place.
Does Flex Seal Need a Primer?
Yes, the flex seal needs a primer to aid in better paint adhesion. Ideally, a 2-in-1 primer is a better pick with a flex seal.
Before applying the primer, ensure that the surface is dry and prepared correctly to accommodate the subsequent layer and for a perfect finish.
How Do You Prepare Surface for Flex Seal?
You can fix any leak problems in your home without breaking the bank. This is made possible by using a flex seal to fix cracks and leaks on any surface.
Ideally, you can use one can of flex seal to mend multiple repairs. And this saves you from wasting your money on professionals that overcharge.
There exist several practical ways that you can use to apply a flex seal. However, what counts most is to utilize it in the right manner.
In the steps below, we look in-depth at how you can use flex seal correctly.
Step 1: Preparation
It’s always pleasing to execute tasks in a clean surrounding. So tidy up your workspace before moving ahead.
Step 2: Clean the Surface
The next thing is to clean the surface you intend to seal. You will want to wipe off the dust and dirt from your surface.
Suppose the dirt is firmly embedded on the surface; you can use a damp rag soaked in a cleaning solution to eliminate the dirt.
Tip: Sand down rust, if any, before proceeding. Sanding down the surface promotes better flex seal adhesion while applying.
The flex seal works great on wet surfaces but is more productive on dry surfaces. So after your surface is entirely clean, use a clean cloth to wipe it dry.
After that, depending on the type of project at hand, you may need a painter’s tape to tape off the nearby surfaces.
Doing this prevents the flex seal from covering the unintended areas while spraying.
Step 3: Apply the Flex Seal
After preparing the surface, you can now get ready to apply the flex seal. Before you start, shake the flex seal thoroughly for nearly 30 seconds.
After that, aim your nozzle towards the problem area and begin to spray in a sweeping motion.
Since the spray bottle releases too much pressure, I suggest you spray the flex seal from a distance of 8 to 12 inches.
This way, the flex seal won’t dispense all over the surface uncontrollably.
While applying the flex seal, focus on the gaps and the cracks encircling the affected area. Then let the initial coat dry before you can put on another coat.
Here’s How to Apply Flex Seal:
Can You Paint Over Flex Seal Liquid?
A Flex seal is ideal for keeping things glued together and mending all cracks on various surfaces. Once dry, you can paint over flex, depending on the product type.
Flex seal liquid is ideal for holding water back; unfortunately, you can’t paint over it.
Even if you decide to paint over flex seal liquid, the result will look funky and virtually peel off with time.
The paint won’t adhere to flex seal liquid due to its silicone nature.
How to Remove Flex Seal
Flex Seal is a good alternative, but it has a few exceptions. It boasts great durability, which makes removing it a daunting task.
Suppose you want to fix the surface with a flex seal; you will need to remove it manually. You have to remove it with pliers or scrape it off, which is difficult.
Tip: it’s better to use a flex seal when you are sure you won’t need to remove it soon.
How to Make Flex Seal Paintable
Painting over flex seal successfully is a straightforward task. However, it would help if you kept in mind that not all flex seal products are paintable.
Some options like flex seal liquid and flex seal shot won’t hold up to paint as expected.
Therefore you will want to employ an alternative trajectory to make it paintable.
For that reason, I have highlighted a few simple steps to illustrate how you can make flex seal paintable. Check out below:
- The surest way to make flex seal paintable is to start by applying it on a clean surface.
Flex seal works great on clean surfaces, which promotes better paint adhesion.
- Next, ensure you choose a primer and paint sanctioned for use on flex seal products.
Choosing the right paint for the job will enhance better paint tolerance while applying.
- For the flex seal to stick to the paint, you will want to begin by painting the surface you intend to flex seal.
Then allow the paint to dry enough before putting in a flex seal. It pays to choose to work with flex seal clear since it will adhere well to the paint.
Also, ensure that you shake the flex seal bottle several times before you apply it. By doing so, the components in the sealant will distribute evenly for better adherence.
- After you have applied several coats of flex seal clear, let the surface dry gradually. This way, you will have successfully painted your flex seal.
How Long Does Flex Seal Last?
Flex seal is among the most durable seals today owing to its great characteristics. If you use it properly, it will endure up to 10 years.
On the other hand, an unused flex seal can go for two years without going bad. But that’s if you store it properly.
How Can I Make Flex Seal Heal Faster?
Flex seal immediately begins to heal after applying it to a surface. Several aspects dictate the healing time for flex seals.
Among them include temperature, humidity, and the thickness of the coats you applied. The presence of warm temp fosters the flex seal to heal rapidly.
You can employ various ways to enhance the healing duration of a flex seal.
But one of the easiest alternatives is to mount a fan or a heat lamp near the flex sealed surface. What’s even better?
You can use a hairdryer, but you have to be careful not to over-dry the surface.
To avoid over-drying the flex seal, you must program the hairdryer to a moderate temperature.
Can I Use a Flex Seal On My Shower Floor?
As spoken of earlier, flex seal works optimally on dry surfaces. But due to its flexibility and durability, you can also use it in wet surroundings.
Once applied, it only takes 30 minutes to dry to the touch. But letting it cure for 72 hours will work better.
How Thick Should I Apply Flex Seal?
You can apply a flex seal with any thickness you want. But that calls for an extended drying time.
Thicker coats are bound to spend much time drying, unlike light coats, which dry shortly. Therefore it’s your choice to decide on the level of thickness you want.
What Color is Flex Seal?
Flex Seal is a sealant product that comes in a variety of colors. You can choose from black, clear, white, gray, red, yellow, blue, green, and the rest.
When the flex seal is completely dry, you can paint over it with any color.
Does Flex Seal Make Wood Waterproof?
Yes, flex seal is a good wood waterproofer. Flex seal forms a waterproof coating once applied on any wood surface.
It makes a good formula, especially for external projects, as it coats, waterproofs, and protects the surface.
What Temperature Will Flex Seal Withstand?
Flex seal is highly flexible; hence it will contract and expand during winter and summer. It can stretch fully and remain flexible to seal your surface.
The good thing with flex seals is that they boast a wide temp range from -80 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Does Flex Seal Stop Water Leaks?
The prime purpose of flex seals is to seep into cracks and holes to seal out air and moisture.
Also, it forms a watertight coating, making it hard for water to pave through the surface. It’s for this reason that flex seal is rated a waterproof sealant.
Will Latex Paint Stick to Flex Seal?
Almost all of today’s paints will adhere to flex seal surfaces. A good example is latex paint.
This type of paint holds up well on flex seal surfaces, provided the surface was left to cure for more than 24 hours.
How to Make a Flex Seal Match Your Paint’s Color
Today, many people rely on the convenience of flex seal to mend minor leaks and cracks on various surfaces.
Despite the flex seal’s convenience, making the sealant match your paint is relatively tricky.
Luckily, there is a proven trajectory you can follow to make it a success. Check out below for more details.
Step 1
The first step is to paint the area you intend to flex seal. It would be best to use a 2 in 1 paint and primer because they are a better pick in this event.
Suppose you are dealing with larger holes; you must put in a filler. The filler will make the surface appear uniform, but this is optional.
Step 2
After painting, let the surface dry for nearly 24 hours before you apply the flex seal.
If the damaged area is on the roof, the drying time should extend to two days before applying the seal.
Step 3
Once the dry time is depleted, go for a flex seal clear and apply it to the painted surface. This way, you will see the paint you applied earlier without any constraints.
Flex Seal Tips
The following tips will make you well-versed with sufficient flex seal product knowledge.
- If you opt to use flex tape, you need to put flex seal spray over it before painting the flex tape.
- You cannot topcoat flex seal shot.
- You should purchase liquid flex seals to match the surface’s color.
- Apply thin coats of flex seal to avoid forming bubbles on the surface.
Is Flex Seal Toxic?
Yes, flex seal is perceived to be toxic, especially to humans. Suppose you are over-exposed to this product; your central nervous system is likely to be compromised.
So it’s better to seek medical attention anytime you feel unwell due to this product.
Is Flex Seal Tape Better Than Gorilla Tape?
Both flex seal tape and gorilla tape are formulated to tolerate harsh conditions and resist water.
Most buyers opt for these two products to help repair temporary leaks and mend leaking problems.
Despite being designed to execute similar functions, they differ slightly in quality and price.
You will note that flex tape works better than gorilla tape. For instance, it features a triple layer adhesive that bonds, repairs, and seals various surfaces.
This feature makes it a better pick over gorilla tape, which doesn’t guarantee demanding outcomes.
The main issue with flex tape is that it loses grip when exposed to high temperatures. Also, you can’t use it in the presence of high pressure.
Can Black Flex Seal be Painted?
Yes, you can paint over a black flex seal, assuming it’s fully dry.
Does Flex Seal Work on Roofs?
Suppose your roof is badly damaged, consider using other alternatives.
It would help if you relied on flex seal as a temporary and cost-effective option but not a solid solution to leaks.
You shouldn’t use a flex seal to mend the entire roof.
Can You Use Flex Seal to Waterproof a Tent?
A Flex seal is ideal for nearly all surfaces. It is naturally designed to block water from paving through any potential leaks, and a ravaged tent is no exception.
Some tents lose their waterproofing ability with time, causing the waterproof coating to rub off.
So if your tent exhibits signs of leakage, a flex seal is the perfect solution. Using a flex seal is very easy, and this will help you come out of trouble.
Tip: Ensure that the inner and outer sides are clean before waterproofing your tent.
Can You Use Flex Seal to waterproof a Basement?
Flex seal products are the best alternatives for combating basement wall leaks.
For the best waterproofing, you will want to apply multiple coats and keep the area highly ventilated; ventilation help improve the drying time.
Can You Apply Flex Seal Liquid With a Roller?
You can apply flex seal liquid using a brush or roller or directly pour the flex liquid onto the surface.
Before adding the next coat, you must ensure that each coat dries as instructed on the label.
Is Flex Seal Safe on Skin?
Flex seal can cause mechanical irritation once it comes into contact with your skin.
Suppose flex seal mistakenly spills on your skin; it’s recommended that you remove it using warm water.
You will need to have warm and soapy water with you. Then dip the affected area in the mixture of water and soap.
Tip: You can also use exfoliating additives to remove the flex seal on your skin.
The other alternative is to utilize a vinegar solution. Vinegar is the best remedy for getting rid of even dry sealant stains.
The guidelines below guide you on using vinegar to wipe down the flex seal.
First, take your vinegar and mix it with water in proportion to 1:1. After mixing the solution, soak your hands in the mixture.
And after that, wash your hands with soap, then rinse with plenty of clean water.
After your hands are free from the flex seal stain, apply a little moistening cream. The essence of the moistening cream is to restore the skin and minimize allergic responses if any.
Does Flex Seal Cover Rust?
Yes, it will cover, but only for a limited duration, given that covering rust is not the default purpose of flex seal.
So if rust has extended to a large area, it’s best to fix it correctly by scuffing it off before putting a flex seal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the most common questions include:
Can You Use a Flex Seal as a Bed Liner?
Yes, you can use it as a bed liner, especially for pickup trucks.
How Many Coats of Flex Seal Should I Apply on Wood?
Wood is a porous surface, so it adheres very well to the flex seal. The coats of flex seals needed to protect the wood depend on your preferences.
Usually, three coats of flex seal are enough. The first coat will run through the wood surface.
Then the next layer bonds with the first coat to seal it, while the final coat gives the wood scratch and water-resistant qualities.
Tip: Wait for each coat to dry before you can add another coat. If the previous coat appears tacky, it will eventually spoil, and you will have to start over again.
Does Flex Seal Have a Bad Smell?
Flex seal has an unpleasant smell that can persist for several hours. The smell is not so outrageous, but it’s good to ventilate the area you are working on.
Can I Use a Flex Seal on Gasoline?
No, it’s not recommended to use flex seal on gasoline. The reason is that gasoline is highly flammable and can start fires with a flex seal.
Other exceptions to flex seal include oil tanks and many other flammable components.
Final Thoughts
We have seen that a flex seal is the best remedy for leaking or cracking problems. This product comes in various types.
Therefore, choosing which option will fix your problems is your role.
The good thing is that these products are rated for use on various surfaces such as wood, glass, metal, concrete, and the rest.
However, the burning question is…
Can You Paint Over Flex Seal?
Yes, you can paint over flex seal, but It depends on which type of flex seal product you use.
Not all flex seal products are paintable. So if you want to paint soon, I recommend you opt for the paintable versions.
Such options include flex seal spray and flex glue.
At this juncture, I want to thank you for spending your time reading this article.
Suppose you are not satisfied with the information in this guide; feel free to allot your concerns in the comment section.