Skinned Sponge Strip (Expanded Neoprene)
Manufactured from expanded neoprene, our skinned sponge strip has a smooth skin on all four sides. As expanded neoprene is a closed-cell sponge it does not absorb water or moisture allowing for the creation of truly watertight seals on lockers, car boots, enclosures and cabinets. Skinned sponge strip is also suitable for sealing plastic and aluminium port lights and vents on boats and other marine vessels.
As the external skin makes these products slighter firmer than standard sponge strip, these products are manufactured with central holes to aid compression. We recommend compressing sponge seals by approximately 30% to create a long-lasting watertight seal and reduce the chance of compression set. Compressing the section by a third will help reduce damage to the seal with excessive and prolonged force.
As the skinned sponge strip has a flat base, it can be bonded onto most clean flat surfaces. We recommend using a good-quality contact adhesive if there is a large amount of moisture or water present.
All Sponge SealsFrequently Asked Questions
What is skinned expanded neoprene sponge strip used for?
Skinned expanded neoprene sponge strip is primarily used for creating watertight, weatherproof and dust-tight seals in a wide range of applications. Its smooth skin on all four sides provides enhanced durability and a professional finish, allowing it to be used for sealing lockers, car boots, access panels, cabinets and general enclosures.
Because it is made from closed-cell neoprene, it performs well in environments where a reliable moisture barrier is essential. The material is also commonly used in marine applications, automotive settings and industrial equipment where a robust and long-lasting seal is required.
How does skinned sponge strip differ from standard neoprene sponge strip?
The main difference is that skinned sponge strip has a smooth tougher outer skin on all four sides. This provides added durability and slightly increases firmness compared to standard expanded neoprene. This skin enhances water resistance, reduces wear from friction, and makes the strip easier to clean.
To compensate for the increased firmness, skinned sponge strips are manufactured with a central hole that allows the material to compress more easily and maintain the correct sealing pressure. The result is a product that offers the durability of a skinned surface while still delivering excellent compressibility and sealing performance.
Is this material suitable for creating watertight seals?
Yes. Expanded neoprene is a closed-cell sponge material, which means it does not absorb water or moisture. When compressed correctly, a skinned sponge strip creates a reliable and long-lasting watertight barrier, making it suitable for areas exposed to rain, spray or general moisture.
This makes it an excellent choice for sealing marine lockers, car boots, outdoor cabinets, portlights, enclosures and other environments where preventing water ingress is essential.
Can it be used on boats, portlights, and marine vents?
Absolutely. Skinned neoprene sponge strip is well-suited for marine environments due to its closed-cell structure, water resistance and durability. It is commonly used to seal plastic and aluminium portlights, deck hatches, vents and other marine fittings that require dependable watertight performance.
The smooth skinned surface also provides better resistance to weathering and saltwater exposure, helping the seal maintain its integrity over time.
How much should the sponge strip be compressed for best performance?
We recommend compressing the skinned neoprene sponge strip by approximately 30% of its original height. This level of compression creates an effective long-term seal while avoiding over-compression, which can lead to reduced material recovery and premature wear.
Compressing by roughly a third ensures the seal remains flexible and durable, preventing damage from continuous pressure or closing forces.
Does expanded neoprene absorb water or moisture?
No. Expanded neoprene is a closed-cell material, meaning the internal cells are sealed and do not allow water to enter. As a result, the material remains buoyant and does not swell or degrade when exposed to moisture.
This characteristic is one of the reasons it is widely used for watertight sealing, especially on boats, outdoor enclosures and areas regularly exposed to damp conditions.
What adhesive should I use to bond the skinned sponge strip?
For installations where moisture or water exposure is likely, a good-quality contact adhesive is recommended. Contact adhesive forms a strong, flexible bond and adheres well to the flat skinned base of the strip when applied to clean dry surfaces.
If the application is indoors or less demanding, other rubber-compatible adhesives may be suitable, but contact adhesive provides the most reliable performance in high-moisture or outdoor environments.