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.