If you ever went online or turned on a TV back in 2017, you've almost certainly seen the infamous Flex Tape infomercials. You know, the one where Flex Seal spokesman Phil Swift cuts an aluminum boat hull in half, seals the pieces back together with waterproof tape, and then takes it out on the water.
We're not going to lie to you, it's a pretty cool commercial. And it makes Flex Tape seem like a powerful sealant product that can do practically anything.
But is it really the best sealant tape option out there?
Or is it just another overly hyped "as seen on TV" product that looks great until you buy it and find out it's just another run-of-the-mill adhesive?
Below, we take a good, hard look at Flex Tape, what it has to offer (and where it falls short), as well as a handful of other Flex Tape alternatives that might be worth buying instead, which include Gorilla Tape, Eternabond, and TitanPatch Pro sealant tapes.
The Flex Tape - The Promise Vs. Reality
Like many other sealant tapes, Flex Tape's claim to fame is that it provides a super-strong, waterproof seal that can be applied to any surface, in any shape, and anywhere.
In the infamous commercial, the brand's spokesperson can be seen applying Flex Tape to a large tank that's gushing water, leaking pipes, shingled roofs, a truck bumper, a pool liner, and various other surfaces.
And of course, there's the famous scene where he saws a boat hull in half to repair it with Flex Tape, which, in our opinion, is just a bit over-the-top and unrealistic.
The commercial does a good job of framing Flex Tape as a super-strong, waterproof sealant tape that adheres to almost anything.
But we tried Flex Seal for ourselves, and were disappointed with its durability. We found it was a super sticky adhesive. But when we left a repair we made with Flex Tape outside in the sun for a few weeks, the sealant started drying, cracking and coming apart.
So it isn't an ideal sealant tape for outdoor applications.
We're not saying that liquid rubber products like Flex Seal or Flex Tape are entirely bogus. Flex Tape does work. It just has its limitations. So we don't recommend it unless you need a sealant tape for a temporary, indoor, quick fix.
Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal: The Rugged Hardware Store Favorite
The Gorilla Glue Company was started back in 1994. When the company was first founded, it had only a single product, Gorilla Glue. However, it has since expanded to include a range of other adhesives and sealants, including Gorilla Tape, Gorilla Super Glue, Gorilla Spray, and, of course, Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal.
The brand's waterproof tape offers strong adhesion and functions as a multipurpose sealant tape. We found it to be a solid waterproof tape that's ideal for a range of both indoor and outdoor applications. And if you ask us, it's a step above Flex Tape.
Similar to Flex Tape, Gorilla's Waterproof Patch & Seal tape is not meant to be used on seams under pressure or for automotive engine applications.
It's still a decent sealant tape that can be applied to a wide range of surfaces. But it doesn't hold up under pressure and can't be used in extreme temperatures.
And, despite being rated for both indoor and outdoor applications, we've found that this tape doesn't last when exposed to UV rays for long periods of time. So we don't recommend using it on RV roofs, seams, or edges, or for other long-term outdoor applications.
Ultimately, Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal tape is a good sealant product; however, there are better options available.
Eternabond Tape: The RV Roof Specialist
Eternabond is yet another tried-and-true sealant tape that has been around for over 25 years. The brand is owned and operated by H.B. Fuller, an American multinational corporation that produces a wide range of adhesives and sealant products.
Now, Eternabond's primary claim to fame is that it is an excellent sealant tape for RV use. It's a well-known and trusted product that's been used by the nation's RV community for decades. It's a good product. But it has a few shortcomings.
For starters, Eternabond comes with premium pricing. You'll usually find it for anywhere between $3.80 and $4.60/foot. But as we explain below, you'll also need to purchase a can of primer as well, which adds to the cost.
It's also not designed for underwater applications. And unlike TitanPatch Pro, which can be applied anywhere and at any temperature without a primer, Eternabond requires the purchase of a can of EternaClean (cleaner) or EternaPrime (primer) to ensure a watertight seal.
Overall, Eternabond may be suitable for use on RV roofs. However, it is a less versatile sealant product outside of RV roofing applications.
We've actually written another blog post about Eternabond Vs. TitanPatch Pro, which may be of interest to you. Feel free to check it out, or read through our other guides on maintaining and repairing RV roofs.
TitanPatch Pro: The All-Weather Upgrade
TitanPatch Pro is our response to the shortcomings of the other sealant tapes we've listed so far.
It's meant to be a rugged sealant tape, specially formulated to be UV-resistant and used in all-weather temperatures, ranging from -40°F to 190°F. You can apply it without a primer, and it'll stay put for up to 15 years.
TitanPatch Pro utilizes a special, industrial-grade adhesive formula that adheres to almost any surface, including tents, trailers, boats, gutters, roofs, or anywhere else you need a reliable, watertight seal.
Thanks to its special UV-resistant backing, it's designed specifically for RVers and homeowners who need something to help them complete outdoor repairs that last. It won't deteriorate in the sun, heat, or cold, and it bonds instantly to virtually any material, including fiberglass, plastic, EPDM, TPO, wood, ceramic, and more.
Additionally, TitanPatch Pro features an easy-to-peel liner, making measurement, cutting, and application of the product extremely simple. And thanks to our special packaging, it has a longer shelf life than other similar sealant tapes.
Now, TitanPatch Pro may not be perfect. But unlike gimmicky "as seen on TV" products, we genuinely believe in our waterproof tape, which is why it's backed by Tool Troopers' Trust Your Gear guarantee.
Check out TitanPatch Pro for yourself in the Tool Troopers' web store, or you can find TitanPatch Pro sealant tape on Amazon for just $16.99.
Comparison Table: Which Sealant Tape Is Best?
Which Flex Tape Alternative Should You Choose?
All four sealant tapes we've covered stick to various surfaces as expected. But they all have their own benefits and disadvantages. So the Flex Tape alternative you choose really depends on what you need a sealant tape for.
When you break it down, however, if you're looking for a decent quality waterproof adhesive for everyday quick fixes and emergency repairs, you'll do fine by choosing Flex Tape or Gorilla Tape.
They are decent sealant products that allow you to slap a waterproof seal on almost anything. But their shortfall is that they're not the best choice if you're looking to complete a long-term or permanent repair, especially if it's outdoors, where the sealant will be exposed to the sun or extreme temperatures.
On the other hand, Eternabond Tape is an excellent choice for completing outdoor repairs, especially on RV roofs, where the sealant tape will be exposed to UV rays. Eternabond's shortfall, however, is that it's not designed for all-weather use.
It's also more expensive than other sealant tapes, in addition to requiring the purchase of a can of EternaClean and EternaPrime to ensure the product adheres properly.
TitanPatch Pro, however, was designed by examining the shortcomings of all these other sealant tapes and ensuring that it's stronger, stickier, and longer-lasting than anything else on the market, even when exposed to harsh UV rays, extreme cold, or scorching heat.
Whether you need a household sealant solution that lasts or an even stronger industrial-grade sealant for the job site, TitanPatch Pro should be your go-to sealant tape. It's the heavy-duty, all-weather, multipurpose sealant tape, designed to help you tackle virtually any waterproofing repair you might encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions - Flex Tape Alternatives
Now that we've covered the most popular Flex Tape alternatives, let's wrap up by addressing a few frequently asked questions we hear from our readers.
What is stronger than Flex Tape?
Flex Tape is designed to be super strong. However, the issue we've encountered with it is that it's not ideal for outdoor or long-term repairs. TitanPatch Pro, on the other hand, is designed to provide industrial-strength adhesion that lasts and remains strong in virtually all-weather, from bone-chilling sub-zero days to scorching hot heat waves.
How long does Eternabond last compared to Flex Tape?
Both Flex Tape and Eternabond can last for years in ideal environments. And that's actually why Eternabond is such a popular product for RVers. However, even though it claims to be a UV-resistant sealant tape, we've found that both Flex Tape and Eternabond may only last a few months if exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations.
Can TitanPatch Pro be used on wet surfaces?
TitanPatch Pro is designed to provide strong, durable adhesion that lasts even in rain, snow, ice, and other extreme heat or cold temperatures. However, for the best results, it should not be applied to a wet surface. Users should always clean and dry the surface as much as possible before applying TitanPatch Pro.
Which tape works best for RV roofs and leaks?
For decades, Eternabond has been the go-to sealant tape for RV roof leaks. However, TitanPatch Pro is a newer industry competitor that's designed to shine where Eternabond falls short. For example, Eternabond is best applied after using both a cleaner and primer. TitanPatch Pro, on the other hand, can be applied directly to dry surfaces without the need for additional cleaners or primer products.
What's the longest-lasting waterproof tape?
TitanPatch Pro is designed to be the longest-lasting waterproof tape on the market. You can use it for sealing RV roof leaks, patching house roofs, decks, or anywhere else you want a waterproof seal. The product's special packaging and UV-resistant back ensure that repairs made with TitanPatch Pro last for 15 years or longer.