What is a Flex Seal – Is It Paintable?

Flex Seal is typically a liquid rubber sealant that’s ideal for any DIY project inside or outside your home.

The key reason why the range of products from Flex Seal is so popular among consumers is that it can be used on a wide variety of porous as well as non-porous surfaces such as wood, concrete, masonry, fabric, porcelain, tile, drywall, rubber, cement, vinyl, plastic, glass, metal, aluminum, etc.

When it comes to painting over, it’s important to know that not all Flex Seal family of products can be painted over.

Flex Seal Spray and Flex Glue, for example, can be successfully painted over. On the other hand, Flex Seal Liquid and Flex Shot cannot be painted over due to their different composition.

In the article below, let’s take a plunge into a few more details regarding flex seal products, the different versions available, what they can be used for, and whether they can be painted or not.

So let’s answer various questions related to Flex Seal products:

What is Flex Seal?

Flex Seal is a rubberized coating that’s sprayed in liquid form. Once applied, it seeps into cracks and holes to form a watertight, flexible seal.

It can be used on various surfaces, both indoors and outdoors. It can be used on gutters, roofs, windows, doors, pipes, hoses, ductwork, foundations, basements, concrete walls or floors, boats, RVs, autos, etc.

It works great as a sealant as well as a protective coating.

Different Types of Flex Seal Products

Flex Seal is available in three different versions:

1- Flex Seal Liquid

This is the original version of Flex Seal.

It comes in a liquid form and can be applied directly on the surface even if the surface already has an existing layer of Flex Seal Liquid.

You can add multiple coats of this liquid, but when doing that, ensure that the previous liquid layer is already dry before adding a new one.

2- Flex Seal Spray

This is an aerosol version of Flex Seal that’s pre-mixed and ready to use.

This Flex Seal product comes in an aerosol can and has to be shaken well before use. It can be sprayed directly on the surface that needs to be sealed or repaired.

3- Flex Glue

This is a super strong adhesive that can be used on various surfaces. You can also use it as a sealer for sealing the cracks and holes in the doors and windows.

Besides the above most common Flex Seal products, there are also Flex Tape and Flex Shot.

Flex Tape is a super-strong, waterproof tape that can be used on various surfaces. Flex Shot, on the other hand, is a caulk in a tube that can be used to fill cracks and holes.

Both these products come in a few different colors, like white, black, clear, black, and gray. So choose the one that best suits your project.

Can You Paint Over Flex Seal to Change the Color?

Well, if you want to paint Flex Seal to change its color and make it look better, it will depend on which Flex Seal product you’re using.

So, let’s take a closer look at which one you can paint over and which one you can’t.

Flex Glue:	This can be painted over with any commercially available paint, and the paint will adhere to the surface.
Flex Seal Spray:	This can be painted over after the coating is dried completely. Use any polyurethane-based paint and finishes for the best results.
Flex Seal Liquid:	This cannot be painted over or mixed with other liquid formulas.
Flex Tape:	Paint cannot be applied over it. But if you want to, apply some Flex Glue over it and apply the preferred paint.
Flex Shot:	This also cannot be painted over, as the paint or stain will not adhere to the surface well.

How Can You Make Flex Sealant Paintable (Best Tips & Practices)

Flex Seal Spray takes about 24 to 48 hours to dry and cure completely.

So, before you proceed with the painting, ensure that you allow the required time for the product to dry and cure. Once the surface is dry, you are ready to paint.

To begin painting over the Flex Seal area, you need to follow some important tips and best practices so that the paint adheres well without showing signs of chipping or flaking:

1- Surface Preparation:

The very first step is to make sure that the surface you’re going to paint is clean and free of any dirt, grease, or oil.

You can use a cleaner or degreaser for this purpose. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner/degreaser can.

After cleaning the surface, let it dry completely before moving to the next step.

2- Applying Primer:

After the surface is clean and dry, the next step is to apply a primer. This is an important step as it will help the paint to adhere to the surface better.

You can use any water or oil-based primer for this purpose. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the primer can.

3- Painting over Flex Seal:

Now, you can start painting the surface. For best results, use a paintbrush or a roller.

Start by painting the edges and then move on to painting the rest of the surface.

4- Letting the Paint Dry:

After you’re done painting, let the paint dry completely. This will usually take around 24 hours.

5- Applying a Topcoat:

After the paint is dry, you can apply a topcoat. This will help to protect the paint and make it last longer.

If it’s a wood surface that you’re painting, you can use a polyurethane-based topcoat. or a clear sealer to get a protective coating.

Tips and Warnings

• If you do not want the hassle of coating the surface with primer, you can use a 2-in-1 primer and paint combo. This will make your project easy and fast.
• If you are working on an outdoor project, ensure it’s a clear day with low humidity and the right temperature conditions.
• Before you apply the paint over the Flex Seal coating, ensure that it is completely dry and free from any dust or grime.
• If the surface is smooth and shiny, use sandpaper or a scouring pad to roughen up the surface slightly. This will help the paint to adhere better.
• Apply several thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat. This will help to avoid any paint drips or sagging.

The Bottom Line

Whether you want to protect your Flex Seal coating or change its color and make it look better will depend on which Flex Seal product you’re using.

Flex Glue and Flex Seal Spray can be painted over with any commercially available paints. However, if you’re using Flex Seal Liquid or Flex Shot, then painting is not possible as the paint will not adhere to the surface well.

It is always best to follow the tips mentioned above to get the best results when painting over Flex Seal.