Leveling Layers of Flex Seal in Stand

[nickkohrn]

I recently picked up a fantastic stand that was made by a local hobbyist and woodworker, @Billdogg. He added a layer of Flex Seal to the bottom of the inside of the stand to help contain possible leaks and spills. Unfortunately, it peeled away in a handful of places when I was situating my sump, which you can see in the photo below.

I picked up a can of Flex Seal and I poured it’s entirety into the stand so that I could create a thicker layer to minimize the possibility of additional damage (peeling) when I put my sump back into the stand. However, I could not get the Flex Seal to be smooth; ripples formed and so did ridges, which I could not smooth out with the tools that I have. You can see the results below.

I’m left wondering whether I should get an additional can of Flex Seal and attempt to better create a leveled layer above this. I thought about adding a layer of foam to rest the sump and ATO reservoir on if adding another layer of Flex Seal is not a good idea. However, I don’t have experience with this type of situation, so I’m. It sure which would be best. This morning, I noticed that the second layer adhered surprisingly well to the initial layer, so I’m not concerned with that.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Katrina71]

Was it cold when you poured it?

 

[Katrina71]

@Brew12 used this in his too. Planning on it in ours. Now I do have concerns.

 

[mrpizzaface]

I would just use a sheet of 1/2” or 3/4 inch polystyrene foam on the bottom.
In general I have never understood the need for this type of drip tray.
Is it just to contain drips when removing equipment from the sump?

 

[nickkohrn]

Was it cold when you poured it?

The room that I poured it in is the first floor of our three-floor townhouse. The temperature is ~63°F there. The fumes that it released were intense, so I moved the stand into the garage, which is in the 30-40°F range. I anticipated issues caused by that, so I’m trying to rectify them now.

My sump and ATO reservoir are acrylic, so I’m not expecting major issues if I rest them on the bottom of the stand, even with the current state of the Flex Seal. I live in an apartment, so the Flex Seal is a nice addition to my leak detectors to minimize and possibly prevent damages to the floor.

 

[Billdogg]

Sorry about that Nick!

It doesn't dry hard like a paint does it? Still just a bit compressable? I don't know that I'd worry too much about it. With that thick of a coat I'd give it at least several days to cure before putting anything on it but I really think it will be fine. I think the directions say 24hrs @70, so even if it's back inside it'll need some time. If you put anything down under the sump at all I'd use something like 1/4 Baltic Birch plywood that has a few layers of paint or poly on it. That will provide a nice smooth surface for the sump to sit on. I might even know a guy that might have some laying around someplace

 

[nickkohrn]

Sorry about that Nick!

It doesn't dry hard like a paint does it? Still just a bit compressable? I don't know that I'd worry too much about it. With that thick of a coat I'd give it at least several days to cure before putting anything on it but I really think it will be fine. If you put anything down under the sump at all I'd use something like 1/4 Baltic Birch plywood that has a few layers of paint or poly on it. That will provide a nice smooth surface for the sump to sit on. I might even know a guy that might have some laying around someplace

There’s no need to apologize! I’m incredibly happy with the stand and cabinet! You performed a lot of work on them, and I wanted to give you a break from my questions, which is why I created this thread.

It doesn’t feel hard, like paint does when it dries, so that’s why I’m not too concerned with placing my stand and ATO reservoir on it. However, I wanted to ask for suggestions since I don’t have experience with Flex Seal.

My only concern is that it’s quite “grippy”, and when the time comes for me to maintenance my sump, which I do on an annual basis, I want to make sure that I don’t damage the Flex Seal again because I won’t have days to allow another layer to cure. I plan to let this layer cure for another few days because the garage is still filled with fumes, even after leaving the garage door opened by ~12” overnight; it’s clear that it’ll need a few days to fully cure.

 

[najer]

@Brew12 used this in his too. Planning on it in ours. Now I do have concerns.

I thought you'd see this, can you not paint it on and build up layers?

 

[Katrina71]

I think your layer may not have been completely cured when you placed your sump on it. It should be dried hard.

 

[Katrina71]

You can pour it, paint it, or spray it.

 

[fermentedhiker]

There’s no need to apologize! I’m incredibly happy with the stand and cabinet! You performed a lot of work on them, and I wanted to give you a break from my questions, which is why I created this thread.

It doesn’t feel hard, like paint does when it dries, so that’s why I’m not too concerned with placing my stand and ATO reservoir on it. However, I wanted to ask for suggestions since I don’t have experience with Flex Seal.

My only concern is that it’s quite “grippy”, and when the time comes for me to maintenance my sump, which I do on an annual basis, I want to make sure that I don’t damage the Flex Seal again because I won’t have days to allow another layer to cure. I plan to let this layer cure for another few days because the garage is still filled with fumes, even after leaving the garage door opened by ~12” overnight; it’s clear that it’ll need a few days to fully cure.

How about putting a yoga mat(or similar foam mat) under the sump? That way the sump itself won't get gripped by the flex seal.

 

[Katrina71]

I plan on a yoga mat between the sump and flex seal layer to protect both.

 

[Brew12]

@Brew12 used this in his too. Planning on it in ours. Now I do have concerns.

I did it the expensive way and used around 5 spray cans.

 

[Silent]

You would need to pour a thick layer all at once to make it smooth so it can level out and fill in the ripples.

 

[TheHarold]

I used two part epoxy, which worked excellent. Self leveling and has a glass like finish.

 

[Brew12]

I thought you'd see this, can you not paint it on and build up layers?

I don't know. I've only used the spray can stuff. That layered well.