Bövik Marin AB • Official Standard Operating Procedure

Neoprene Gaskets, Non-Stick Treatment Procedure

Applicable to Freeman Marine deck hatches and doors fitted with neoprene and polychloroprene seals

OEM Document Control

ISO 755-02-49

Revision: 03-FEB-2014

The Sticky-Gasket Phenomenon: Freeman Marine’s Neoprene Gaskets for hatches and doors can occasionally exhibit “sticky-like” characteristics depending on several factors – including environmental exposure, being sealed for extended periods of time under compression without regular cycling, etc. An effective treatment to correct and prevent a sticky gasket is to apply a thin coat of natural carnauba-based wax or marine silicone conditioner.

Polymer Science Background: Neoprene Chemistry & Peptization

Neoprene, classified as a synthetic elastomer (synthetic rubber) or polychloroprene (CR), possesses good chemical inertness, resists degradation from solar UV radiation, ozone, and harsh marine weather, making it well-suited for hatch sealing profiles.

“Stickiness” and “easily deformed”, well-known properties of natural rubber, are also found in synthetic rubbers. Stickiness is an attribute of elastomeric breakdown, i.e., peptization (softening) associated with chemical and/or mechanical shear during its initial manufacture in order to modify viscosity for profile extrusions.

The Solution: By using curatives in the vulcanization process and applying a barrier of high-grade natural carnauba wax or marine silicone, an ultra-slick boundary layer is established that prevents rubber adherence to aluminum coaming knife-edges.

Maintenance Schedule & Required Supplies

Typical Maintenance Period: Every 6 months or annually apply as required (essential during winterization fitting-out).

Shipboard Equipment:

Applicator: medium cloth or soft sponge
Buffer: dry, soft lint-free microfiber cloth or shop towel
Freshwater rinse supply

Chemistry (Available from Bövik Marin):

High quality, high content Carnauba-based paste or cream wax
CRC Silicone Stick for Gaskets (50 ml) (clean, foam-dab precision conditioner)
CRC Silicone Spray for Gaskets (250 ml)
Environmentally green yacht cleaner or neutral wash (pH 6–8)
Hall Miba Lint-Free Polishing Towels

Step-by-Step Procedure

Gasket Preparation & Cleaning

Keeping the gasket clean and protected extends seal performance and lifespan. Prior to any treatment, ensure the Neoprene gasket is CLEAN. Remove surface grime, salt residues, and oxidation using a quality “Environmentally Green” yacht cleaner and fresh water. Dry thoroughly.

AVOID HARSH CLEANERS: Never use cleaners containing strong oxidizing acids, ketones (such as acetone or MEK), esters, or chlorinated nitro/aromatic hydrocarbons. These chemicals break down polychloroprene elastomers, causing permanent degradation.

Apply Carnauba Wax / Silicone Barrier

Apply a light, uniform coating of high-quality, high-content carnauba wax paste/cream or CRC Silicone Stick to the sealing surface using an applicator cloth or sponge.

Drying Time

Allow the wax coating to dry for approximately 10 minutes until a light haze forms over the elastomer surface.

Buff to a Non-Stick Finish

Buff the gasket with a dry, lint-free cloth to remove residual haze. The gasket surface will feel slick, dry, and completely non-stick.

* Repeat procedure if desired for heavily weathered seals or ahead of severe winter freezing conditions.

Print-Ready PDF • A4 Double-Sided

Download Non-Stick Procedure as PDF

Official shipboard document (DOC BM-2400-G02) featuring Swedish and English instructions. Tailored for shipboard Planned Maintenance Systems (PMS) and seasonal winterization.

📄 Download PDF (EN/SV) ↓

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