• Two-part thixotropic epoxy adhesive
• Extra tolerant to dynamic stresses from contraction, expansion, vibration, and shock
• Bonds fiberglass, metals, wood, ceramics, and some plastics
• Each cartridge comes with two static mixing tips
• Can be used above or below the waterline
• Comes in a 250 ml cartridge that fits most standard caulk guns

TotalBoat Thixo Flex flexible epoxy adhesive forms permanent, flexible, waterproof bonds that withstand movement caused by changes in humidity, temperature, and load stresses. An essential part of any boat building or repair toolkit, this high-strength, sag-resistant epoxy adhesive bonds many different materials, including damp wood, fiberglass, metal, and most plastics.

Product Information

Cleaner / Surface Preparation

Acetone, denatured alcohol.

Cleanup

Denatured alcohol or acetone. Once cured, it must be removed mechanically.

Thinner / Reducer

Do not thin Thixo Flex.

Mold Release Agents

Mold release paste wax, aerosol mold release agents.

Primer

No primers are necessary; etching with TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Etch Wash is highly recommended on bare aluminum substrates, and TotalBoat Rust Primer is recommended on ferrous steel applications.

Applications

Bonding, structural epoxy adhesive, filleting, small gap filling, bonds where dynamic stresses are present, and adhesive for substrates that are generally tough to bond.

Acceptable Substrates

Fiberglass, wood, properly prepared metals, block, brick, concrete, glass, slate, tile, and stone.

Caulk Gun (Required for Use)

250 ml cartridges fit most standard caulk guns that allow for an offset nozzle. Guns that only have a small, centered hole for the nozzle will not work. An 8:1 mechanical advantage, or higher, is strongly recommended.

Safety & Personal Protective Equipment

Always use proper safety equipment, clothing, and PPE in accordance with the Safety Data Sheet for Thixo Flex.

Exothermic Reaction: The cure of TotalBoat Thixo Flex is an exothermic reaction and will generate heat. Though Thixo Flex is generally applied in thin films or smaller applications, it is not uncommon for a larger mass of mixed Thixo Flex to reach 200°F or higher during the cure cycle.

Surface Preparation

All surfaces need to be free of any potential contaminants. Surface contamination will reduce or compromise Thixo Flex’s bond strength to any substrate. If any surfaces are to be sanded before applying Thixo Flex, always remove all surface contaminants prior to sanding or abrading the surface. Contaminants can include dust, dirt, grease, moisture / water, oil, or wax. Though Thixo Flex will bond under high humidity conditions, and to damp materials, the strongest bonds occur when the humidity level is low and all substrates are dry, with low moisture content.

Important: Only use clean cotton rags for surface preparation. Synthetic rags can leave a film of contamination if they come in contact with some solvents.

Fiberglass

• Fiberglass substrates may have wax or amine blush on the surface, depending on the resin system used and application methods.
• Any amine blush needs to be removed with fresh, warm water and a mild soap.
• Dry the surface completely. Any waxes need to be completely removed with a dewaxing product.
• After the surface has been cleaned of all potential surface contamination, grind the surface or abrade it with 80-grit or coarser sandpaper and remove all sanding residue.
• Then wipe with a clean cotton rag dampened with one of the specified surface preparation solvents.
• This will provide a rough surface for Thixo Flex to achieve the best mechanical bond.
• Allow the surface to dry completely before applying Thixo Flex.

Epoxy

• The cure of epoxy materials can create an amine blush on the surface of the cured material, even if the epoxy being used is considered “non-blushing.”
• Remove any potential amine blush by washing the surface with fresh, warm water, and a mild soap. Dry the surface completely.
• Wipe the surface with a clean, dry cotton rag dampened with one of the specified surface preparation solvents.
• After the surface has been cleaned of all potential surface contamination, grind the surface or abrade it with 80-grit or coarser sandpaper and remove all sanding residue.
• Then wipe with a clean cotton rag dampened with one of the specified surface preparation solvents.
• This will provide a rough surface for Thixo Flex to achieve the best mechanical bond.
• Allow the surface to dry completely before applying Thixo Flex.

Wood

• Remove all surface contamination by wiping the surface with a clean rag dampened with one of the surface preparation solvents.
• Oily hardwoods and white oak should be wiped with acetone, if possible, during the surface preparation steps.
• Allow any solvents to evaporate completely.
• Abrade the area of the wood that is to be bonded with 80-grit or coarser sandpaper.
• Remove all sanding residue and wipe the surface clean using one of the specified solvent wipes.

Metals

Steel / Iron

• Remove all surface contamination by wiping the surface with a clean rag dampened with one of the surface preparation solvents.
• Grind or sand the surface with 80-grit or coarser sandpaper, leaving it shiny and rough.
• Remove all sanding residue and wipe the surface again with a clean cotton rag dampened with the surface preparation solvent.
• Applying TotalBoat Rust Primer, as directed, is recommended, but not required. It will help to prevent further development of rust and optimize the bond.
• Allow the surface to dry completely before applying Thixo Flex.

Stainless Steel

• Remove all surface contamination by wiping the surface with a clean cotton rag dampened with one of the surface preparation solvents. Allow the surface to dry completely.
• Grinding or sanding with 80-grit or coarser sandpaper the surface that will be bonded with Thixo Flex can help maximize the bond strength.
• If the surface is abraded, remove all sanding residue and wipe the surface with a clean cotton rag dampened with the surface preparation solvent.
• Allow the surface to dry completely before applying Thixo Flex.

Aluminum

• Remove all surface contamination by wiping the surface with a clean cotton rag dampened with one of the surface preparation solvents. Allow the surface to dry completely.
• The aluminum surface should either be abraded with 80-grit sandpaper or a grinder immediately before bonding, or etched with TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Etch Wash, as directed.
• If the surface is abraded, remove all sanding residue and wipe the surface clean with one of the specified solvent wipes, then allow to dry before bonding.
• If the surface is to be etched, ensure that the surface has dried completely before applying Thixo Flex.
• Apply Thixo Flex within 1 hour of the surface preparation.

Lead

Safety Alert: Always take extreme care and use the required PPE when working with lead.

• Remove all surface contamination by wiping the surface with a clean rag dampened with one of the surface preparation solvents.
• Grind or sand the surface with 80-grit or coarser sandpaper, leaving it shiny and rough.
• Work quickly, and only do a small area at a time, because lead oxidizes very quickly and will turn dull in just minutes, leaving a poor surface for bonding.
• Remove any sanding residue and wipe the surface clean again with the surface prep solvent.
• Allow the solvent to evaporate and apply Thixo Flex immediately. If Thixo Flex is not applied within a few minutes, repeat the surface preparation.

Other Metals

• Remove all surface contamination by wiping the surface with a rag dampened with one of the surface preparation solvents.
• Grind or sand the surface with 80-grit or coarser sandpaper, leaving it shiny and rough.
• Remove all sanding residue and wipe the surface again with a clean cotton rag dampened with the surface preparation solvent.
• Allow the surface to dry completely.
• Within 1 hour, apply Thixo Flex to the prepared surface.

Stone

• Stone materials should always be dry and free of any dirt, dust, or other residue.
• Do not attempt to bond stone that has recently been submerged in water for a long duration, if possible.
• Clean the stone by wiping with one of the appropriate surface prep solvents.
• Allow the stone to dry completely before applying Thixo Flex.

Masonry

• Masonry can be bonded with Thixo Flex, but for best results, ensure that the masonry has been left to dry for an extended period before applying.
• Masonry can trap a lot of moisture, which can impact bond strength during pressure changes or freeze / thaw cycles.
• Clean the surface of any dust, debris, or loose material.
• Sand or abrade the surface where the masonry is to be bonded. Remove sanding residue and wipe with recommended surface prep solvents.
• Allow solvents to evaporate completely, then apply Thixo Flex.

Concrete

• Remove any loose dust or debris from the surface that is to be bonded, as well as any other surface contamination.
• Do not attempt to bond new concrete, or concrete that is sweating / emitting moisture.
• Sandblasting or abrading the bonding area will help provide a great base for mechanical bond.
• Etching the concrete with a concrete etch material, as directed, will also prepare the surface to accept epoxy and generate a strong bond.
• If etched, ensure that the surface is completely dry before applying Thixo Flex.

Glass

• Remove all surface contamination by wiping the surface with a clean rag dampened with one of the surface preparation solvents — denatured alcohol is preferred for glass surfaces.
• Allow the surface to dry completely before applying Thixo Flex.

Plastic

PVC, Nylon, Polystyrene (not Styrofoam)

• Clean the surface of any dust, debris, grease, oils, waxes, moisture, or other contaminants.
• Heat treat or heavily abrade the surface with coarse sandpaper. Heat treating generally entails quickly heating the surface with a torch for about 1/2 second to 3 seconds. Do not singe or burn the surface.
• Heat treating changes the surface energy of the plastic, allowing it to bond.
• Wiping the surface with acetone can also help to change the surface energy, but use moderation, as too much contact with acetone will permanently damage the plastic.
• Apply Thixo Flex immediately after treating the surface.

ABS, Lexan, Acrylic, Polycarbonate, Plexiglass

• Clean the surface of any dust, debris, grease, oils, waxes, moisture, or other contaminants.
• Abrade the surface that is to be bonded with 80-grit sandpaper and remove sanding residue.
• Do not wipe the surface with acetone or heat treat the surface.
• Apply Thixo Flex to the prepared surface.

LDPE, HDPE, Polyethylene, Polypropylene

• Thixo Flex will not bond to these materials. Do not use Thixo Flex on these materials.
• Vinyl surfaces may not allow Thixo Flex to achieve a good bond.

Applications

Bonding

Thixo Flex’s strength, flexibility, and thixotropic properties make it an extremely dynamic adhesive for a wide variety of bonding applications and substrates. Thixo Flex is safe to use below the waterline, or for structural applications, when the cured physical properties of Thixo Flex are adequate.

Filleting

When bonding two items that are perpendicular or at an angle, apply Thixo Flex between the two items. When they are set in position, run an additional continuous bead roughly 1/8"–1/4" thick in the corner of the joint. Tool the bead with a rounded implement to make a smooth, uniform fillet. This fillet adds extra rigidity and stability by increasing the surface area of the bond.

Gap Filling

Thixo Flex can be used as an epoxy gap-filling material for gaps up to 1/2" in thickness. For gaps wider than 1/2", apply in layers, allowing each coat to become firm but slightly tacky before applying the next, or allow to cure completely, sand, and apply the next coat.

Dispensing & Mixing

Application Conditions

Thixo Flex should only be dispensed when ambient temperature, epoxy temperature, and substrate temperature are above 40°F. For optimal bond strength, relative humidity should not exceed 90% for the first 24 hours. Curing outside these conditions may slow cure or compromise some physical properties.

Warming the Cartridge

In cooler ambient conditions below 65°F, warm the cartridge to 75–90°F before use. In cool conditions, components can become thick and difficult to dispense.

Caulk Gun

Use an appropriate caulk gun that allows the tip to be offset from the center of the cartridge and meets the minimum recommended mechanical advantage.

Mix Ratio

The mix ratio of Thixo Flex is 1:1 resin to hardener. Thixo Flex cartridges are constructed to automatically dispense 1 part resin for every 1 part hardener.

Static Mixing Tips

• Thixo Flex can be dispensed with or without a static mixing tip threaded on the cartridge.
• The static mixing tips blend the two components as they come out, ensuring the dispensed epoxy is completely mixed and ready for use.
• Trim the tip to the desired bead diameter.
• Install a new tip, then dispense 3–4" of bead as waste material — do not use the first few inches, as it may be resin- or hardener-rich.
• Do not attempt to clean or reuse mixing tips.
• Allow epoxy to cure in the tip on the cartridge; replace with a new tip next use.

Dispensing Without a Static Mixing Tip

• Remove the threaded cap.
• Mark the plug orientation if it will be reused later.
• Mix thoroughly by hand until epoxy has an even color and texture.

Curing

Cure rates are dictated by ambient temperature, substrate temperature, and the mass of epoxy applied. Gel time in a thin bead or film is roughly 50 minutes at 77°F; it can be sanded or used for light-duty applications in roughly 24 hours. Full cure is roughly 5–7 days. Warmer conditions shorten cure time while cooler conditions extend it.

Clamping

The recommended clamp time is at least 3–4 hours at 72°F or warmer. Avoid over-clamping, which can squeeze epoxy out of the joint and weaken it. Ensure a thin film of Thixo Flex remains between all items being bonded.

Product Storage

• Store Thixo Flex between 60–90°F, sealed tightly, in a dry place, before and after use.
• Do not store on floors or near windows / doors that may expose cartridges to cooler conditions.
• Cool storage or exposure to dust / humidity increases crystallization risk.
• If reinstalling the original plug, do not swap resin / hardener sides; marking the plug helps prevent this.
• If using a static mixing tip, leave it on after use to act as a seal. Replace with a new tip next use.

Crystallized Epoxy

• Crystallization can appear as grittiness, cloudiness, or thickened consistency.
• Do not use crystallized epoxy until resolved.
• Warming the epoxy to 125–150°F will return it to correct consistency.
• Place cartridge in a sealed plastic bag and warm in a bowl or basin of warm, not boiling, water, changing water as needed.
• Warming may take 30–90 minutes until cartridge contents are at least 125°F and fully clear.
• Proper storage is the best prevention.

Application Data

Physical Data