I saw an online ad last week about a product called Flex Seal. This product caught my eye and stirred both my interest and curiosity. I ended up purchasing this 14-ounce aerosol can at a Target store near my house on the afternoon of Jan. 21. The purchase price was $12.99 plus tax, the total cost was $13.93.Flex Seal is a rubberized leak sealing product that is supposed to seep into cracks and holes in order to seal out air and moisture. Reading the directions on the can, it did not state what drying time would be required to be ready for use, so I went back to the website to clarify it. I found out that it depends on the temperature, humidity and thickness of the coating. The site also made mention of the fact that it will usually dry to the touch within two to three hours and in 24 hours fully cure and that it gets stronger over time. I wanted to try a simple task to see if this item actually works the way it’s advertised. I proceeded to try my test, while carefully making the application according to the instructions on the can.
My test involved using a wire mesh drain strain that I have installed in two bathrooms. Going by the instructions, I shook the can well for one minute. Then using an even sweeping motion from a distance of about 12 inches sprayed and covered the 2 and 3/8 inch diameter of the test piece. Coming out of the can and onto the target area, it looked like black spray paint, and I thought to myself, “If this didn’t work, where could I go for some neat graffiti art?” Next up on the agenda was waiting for it to dry, so I decided to check back on the process in a little over three hours.
Even before my test results were in, I could make one recommendation to you on this product. Wear protective gloves, and do not get it on your skin, as it is difficult to remove. This I can tell you based on my sloppy work habits. Another thing I can tell you is this, I had to spray the mesh several times to cover the tiny holes and not see daylight, and this for an area slightly over two inches in diameter.
To me, this was a thing that already had me thinking about returning it.
The potential did not seem to be too good at that point, but I was willing to wait and let it run its course.
After an overnight drying period of over nine hours, I decided to go ahead and begin the test. I placed the Flex Seal covered drain strain in the drain opening.
I then unleashed about two inches of water to sit in the sink, and watched with curiosity as it unfolded before my eyes.
With absolutely no surprise to me, the water began going down, but at a slower pace.
All this product managed to do was slow it down somewhat, but nothing more.
Just a few seconds longer to dissipate and it was now time to put it all back in the Target bag with the receipt and seek my refund.
My letter grade on this sham of a product is a capital “B” for bogus.
Kimberly B • Jun 17, 2021 at 7:32 am
You did not use it correctly. Do something like that you need multiple coats. I got the flex seal off my hands with dish soap and paper towel. I have a water fountain that had a leak that could not be found. I bought a quart of liquid flex seal. I dumped the entire can into the bottom I rolled the water fountain around slowly to let gravity coat the fountain. So it’s a thick coat! I left it for 5 days. It needed the full 5 days on some areas. I filled up the fountain and no leaks since .
Anonymous • Jun 10, 2021 at 4:03 am
Flex Seal is a real Rip Off. Donot buy. Don’t waste your money.
Candace Seaton • Apr 2, 2021 at 12:54 pm
I used the light gray paint on my rusty holey porch roof and it worked like a charm.
Ontario guy • Feb 14, 2021 at 6:18 pm
used the black spray on wood and stainless steel and its still sticky after a couple days. I hope it is better after a month.
Sandra Torres • Nov 1, 2020 at 4:02 pm
We had a major leaking issue in the basement of my house, right where the foundation wall meets the floor. We put pvc pipe as molding along the wall, securing the molding to the floor using flex paste. The, used Flex Seal Liquid Extreme and poured it between the wall and the molding, Today was the first rainstorm test and my floor is dry as a bone. You cannot simply spray something with a light coat and expect it to work. I love the flex seal products and highly recommend them. They come in multiple forms (paste, liquid, caulk, etc.) Use the right product for the job and use enough. Water will not get through.
Mike • Oct 10, 2020 at 10:07 am
We needed something better than roof cement or tar to seal the crack / gap between the driveway and the basement foundation. Ordinarily, silicone caulk or roofing cement or crack filler needs to be redone each year if not twice a year. Applied FlexSeal in October 2018 and it is still holding up very well. Used FlexSeal on our 3-Season porch roof. Had a very small leak before applying it but none now and it’s been since May 2020. I’ve been pleased with it.
MightyMike • Sep 23, 2020 at 2:45 am
Flex seal works fine. 1sr you stated you waited 3hrs. Then it changed to 9 hrs over night. 2 Nd something like a strainer would need two coats not just one! 2nd Coat put one 24-48 hrs after 1st so you really didn’t read the can too well. #Flexseal Matters
Joel Phipps • Sep 17, 2020 at 6:18 pm
I used the flex seal over cement blocks to help stop the water from coming in to my crawlspace. Well it did not work , now what to do to c Kim dean up this poor quality produce.
I would need to sand blast it off and start over. All I know what ever I do it is going to cost a lot of money. Thanks for nothing flex seal and I would like the 190 dollars back for the bad product you sell
Dan Schnepel • May 21, 2020 at 10:04 pm
I have a steel water tank that leaked at the seam. I bought two cans of flex seal spray put two coats on all the seams after cleaning it thoroughly! Let it dry for at least 20 hours filled it with water. Still leaked like it did before! So after all the work and 12.99 plus tax times two I obviously should have put that money towards a new tank!
So my experience with this so called fool proof product completely unimpressed!
If Phil swift covers a screen with this and gets it to hold water, I would like to be present to see it! I hope he is a good swimmer cause there is no way in hell I believe that it works at all after my own experience!
What a joke and complete waste of money and my precious time to learn the hard way!
Sure would like a refund for the product cause it’s a joke and my time worth nothing!
Sincerely, Dan Schnepel
Ken • May 12, 2020 at 10:25 am
Why didn’t you wait until the recommended 24 hour cure time? It seems like you wanted it to fail!
Jeremy • Apr 29, 2020 at 7:25 am
well perhaps you should have let it cure for 24 hours, as the directions stated…also the directions state to apply multiple coats until ALL cracks are sealed. I hope you didnt get your money back. I give your test a capital B for bogus
Joshua Davidson • Apr 28, 2020 at 9:45 pm
I forgot to mention, the hole I repaired, was under water.
Joshua Davidson • Apr 28, 2020 at 9:44 pm
I’ve used the flexseal glue and tape on sump for my aquarium, worked excellent, underwater as well. There was a good 6 inch long by 1/4 inch thick hole. I put tape to cover the hole, filled the hole with flexseal glue then tape on the other side. Worked flawlessly. Also, have usedflexseal on other things suck as leaking pipes. Has worked for everything I’ve needed it for. I went and bought 1 of each of there items just to keep on hand for backup.
Peter • Apr 25, 2020 at 10:14 am
I use the liquid version to patch material splits on a flat roof. It does work as advertised. Originally use spray, but that did not work too well.
Thanks for the information on the 24 hour cure period
Anonymous • Apr 23, 2020 at 11:09 am
If it is the lightest spray, it takes 24 hours. If it is a Thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch, it can take up to nine days to dry before you can use it. Thicker sprays does not take appropriate train times before you can test it. You did not give the product long enough to seal and dry.
As for the rubber coating on the koi pond, it does say that there are some few products that will not adhere to. Sometimes you need to test.
Laura • Apr 14, 2020 at 3:57 pm
I sprayed flex seal o two 100 gal rubbermaid water tanks that had cracked from horses kicking at them. I put two separate coats, 24 hours apart (on the outside of the tanks and bottoms. The 3rd day I filled them with water and they haven’t leaked in years. Love the flex seal products
Fred Kramer • Apr 2, 2020 at 10:32 am
I bought a used bullfrog spa not knowing It is 14 years old and it is leaking at the coupling removed the insulation can I use your product on the large pvc coupling Right where the hose goes in let me know thanks. Fred
Juan Esteban • Jun 28, 2019 at 4:18 pm
I applied properly, and allowed to cure for a full 24 hours, flex seal does a wonderful job sealing leaks!
Stephen • Mar 23, 2018 at 1:04 pm
I used it for kitchen sink leaks and it still drips like the Amazon rainforest
Bryan Robbins • Feb 23, 2018 at 11:11 am
If you do get flex seal on your skin use OrangeGlo furniture clean and polish to take it off.
Amanda • Sep 25, 2013 at 6:14 pm
With the size object you had, you held the can too far away from what you were spraying. The can doesn’t say how far away to hold the can. However, the closer you hold it to the object your spraying, the thicker it will be. It is not spray paint and therefore there is no need to hold it that far away. I would try it again.
Erick T • Aug 29, 2012 at 2:51 pm
I used flex seal and it work perfect!, this is an amazing product.
ted v • Sep 16, 2016 at 5:31 pm
I HAVE A KOI FISH POND THAT HAS A 40 MIL RUBBER LINER OVER CONCRETE WALLS. A ROCK PILLAR FELL AND PUT A TINY HOLE IN THE LINER. I DRAINED THE POND AND LET IT DRY. SPRAYED FLEX SEAL ON IT AND LET IT DRY 24 HOURS. FILLED THE POND AND THE NEXT DAY THE FLEX SEAL LIFTED AND FELL OFF. USER BEWARE. I ALSO SPRAYED SOME PVC PIPE AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. HOWEVER, IT WILL STICK TO YOUR SKIN FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WILL NOT USE AGAIN.
Jerry Myers • Jul 4, 2017 at 8:30 am
I would have just used a pond patch OR gorilla tape have used both on ponds and they are both still sealing after 4 years