EternaBond Primer Substitutes: Do You Need a Primer For It?
Water leaks are known for their silent destruction. Often you do not know if you have a leak because the damage is done somewhere in the interior of your RV or trailer. To stop leaks, you need to apply the right preventive medicine to make sure there are no holes for water to find.
Do you need a primer for EternaBond? This is not a mandatory application. Some people use it and others just follow the instructions and use either acetone or lacquer thinner as their cleaning agent. Whatever you do, do not use mineral spirits as it is an oil-based cleaner and EternaBond doesn't adhere that well to that product.
To learn more about using EternBond in the right manner, just continue to read our article. It has the information you need to know about so you can do a good job sealing your RV or trailer keeping the water away and stopping its silent destruction.
Do You Need a Primer For EternaBond?
We have looked at two sets of instructions on how to apply this product to the roof of your RV or trailer. They both say two different things when it comes to applying the primer. The first set of instructions says to use it.
The reason they say to use it is that the primer helps create a strong bond with the tape. However, when we checked the instructions given by EternaBond company, they do not mention using the primer.
Their instructions simply say to use the following products EternaClean, Lacquer Thinner, Acetone, Denatured Alcohol, and similar ones when doing the cleaning step. There is no recommendation by the company to use mineral spirits and these instructions clearly state that the tape does not adhere to silicone.
Since EternaBond makes a primer, it certainly will not hurt to use it, especially if you want a very tight seal.
Do I Need EternaBond Primer?
It is not mandatory but as we just mentioned, since the company does make this primer, it may be a great idea to use it. You should get a better adhering power that makes sure the tape stays where you put it.
To help the adhering process, the company does recommend that you use a steel roofer’s roller and make sure the tape has 100% contact with the surface. Also, if you do not have a lot of time to do this task, press as firm as possible. the more pressure the faster the bond.
One owner used acetone fist to clean his roof area, then used the EternaBond primer which is just acetone in an expensive spray can. But the hold is what you are looking for and certainly, the primer helps create that strong bond.
EternaBond Primer Substitute
The company has and does recommend that you use acetone or lacquer thinner to clean the area before applying the tape. What you use is really up to you as many RV and trailer owners have mentioned that they use different products instead of the primer.
One owner claims to have used normal liquid dish soap for years without a problem. Another went with mineral spirits and then an acetone cleaner, while a third used the EternaBond cleaner and primer. A fourth just used mineral spirits and all had no complaints so far.
Whether all their claims are true or not is another matter not to be discussed here. In other words, there are a lot of commercial cleaners you can use instead of the primer as long as those commercial cleaners are not oil-based.
The instructions for which cleaner you cause said etc., which means you have a large selection of cleaners as long as they will not damage your roof or hinder the tape from adhering to your roofing materials.
Can You Use Denatured Alcohol on a Rubber Roof?
All things in moderation. Rubber roofs are tricky and you do have to be careful about which cleaners you use when you are getting ready to apply the EternaBond tape. Both acetone and denatured alcohol can do some damage to the rubber roof.
However, acetone is the more aggressive cleaner and does a lot more damage than alcohol will. In either case, you will have to watch how much of these two products get on the rubber roof. Acetone can cause damage quite quickly if you apply too much at one time.
The alcohol will not be so quick nor cause as much damage but the potential is there. Again, you would have to monitor how much of this product you put on your rubber roof to ensure that you do not damage it.
Keep the application moderate so you can clean off the dirt and then avoid causing any damage. You might see some ripples form in the rubber material but that is about it.
How To Apply EternaBond
The application process is quite simple to do and there are very few steps you need to follow. The key to the application will be the cleaning step. The roof needs to be thoroughly clean and one set of instructions says that you have to rid the roof of micro-dust first before making any application of the tape.
Then the cleaning step must also remove all oils, dust, and contaminates for secure application. You already know the cleaning fluids or solutions you can use and it may be a good idea to apply the primer so that you get a great bond.
It is recommended to use an abrasive pad but not too abrasive. Then use a clean rag to make sure all the dirt and oil, etc., are gone. Also, it is recommended that you use the prime in certain situations as the primer helps coat any dust, etc., that did not get removed.
You just need a medium coat of primer before applying the tape. Let it dry first then put the tape into position. This is not a long waiting time as the primer should dry within 30 seconds or so.
EternaBond Tape Instructions
The instructions are not as hard as the instructions are for cleaning your roof area that needs the tape. There are a few simple steps to take with cleaning being the longest, hardest, and most important step of all.
Step 1: Locate the area that needs the help of EternaBond. Some people do preventive sealing and cover all their seams, etc. at this time.
Step 2: Clean the area thoroughly using the products we already mentioned earlier. If the area has rust spots you should scrape or sand the rust off, then clean up that dust. Wait for the area to dry first before proceeding to the next steps.
Step 3: Remove the release liner but only remove as much as is needed for the area you are sealing. Make sure to keep the adhesive side nice and clean. Put the tape on the surface.
Step 4: Use a steel roofer’s roller to apply the pressure to the tape. Make sure to get 100% contact for a better seal.
Application tips
1. Any air bubbles need to be lanced and have the air squeezed out. The tape will reseal the cut.
2. When two ends of the tape come together, pinch the two ends so that they seal, then apply a small bit of EternaBond over the joint to seal it.
3. Cut any corner pockets that may take place. The tape must lay flat at all times. After cutting the tape apply a second smaller piece to cover the cut section.
Removing EternaBond tape
There are several steps involved in this process:
1. Heat the tape with a hairdryer or heat gun. This will soften it up.
2. Once heated and softer, pull the outer coating of the tape. This will create adhesive strings which need to be cut with a utility knife.
3. Heat any remaining adhesive material with a hairdryer or heat gun.
4. Then use a plastic scraper to remove as much of the adhesive as you can. Be careful not to put a hole in your roof.
5. Use Turpentine to help remove the remaining adhesive. Put the turpentine on a clean rag and wipe the adhesive away.
One tip: you do not need to remove the old sticky adhesive if you are re-applying the area with EternaBond tape again. The new tape will stick to the old adhesive just fine.
If you do not have turpentine handy you can use one of the following products: mineral spirits, gasoline, WD40, 3M Contact Adhesive Remover Spray, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), and rubbing alcohol.
Some Final Words
When you want to protect your RV or trailer, sealing the seams is essential. Eternabond is a top product that performs as expected. Just make sure you clean your seams well before applying the tape. Then let it dry first.
