[ Ref. Larry Broadmoore in 160608 MMDigest ]

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Pelseal 2077

The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the recently discussed
sealant "Pelseal" can be found at
  http://bhdistributors.com/Images/Interior/pelseal%202077%20(01-08).pdf 

The MSDS for its "active ingredient", methyl ethyl ketone (MEK),
which should also be its solvent or thinner, can be found at
  http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927358 

Other ingredients in Pelseal include zinc oxide and carbon black, ref.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc_oxide 
  http://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics0208.htm 
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_black 
  http://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics0471.htm 

Caveat: I am not a chemist.  That said, my conjecture is that the zinc
oxide and carbon black, both easily obtainable, are "thickening" agents
and the "stuff" that actually does the sealing of the pores in the
leather.  The MEK (on the shelves at Home Depot and elsewhere) is the
vehicle that carries these into the pores, then evaporates.

I'll wager that after experimenting to see what proportions of each
material make a solution of satisfactory viscosity, the home chemist
could likely concoct a quart of WannabePelseal for less than $10.

Caution: The MSDS lists only "hazardous" ingredients, so there may be
other non-hazardous proprietary ingredients that are important in the
formulation.  Your mileage may vary.

John Grant

P.S.: After doing a bit more Googling, I see that there are at least
seven "fluoroelastomer" formulations (2077, 2078, 2112, 2690, 3159,
3169, and 6080) which carry the name "Pelseal", and each has its own
MSDS and ingredient list.  I guess it would be helpful to know which
of these, or some other formulation if identified on the packaging,
is being sold at $200/quart.

 [ At https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-78792560.html --
 [ "Formulated from DuPont Dow Elastomers' Viton, a fluorine-containing
 [ synthetic rubber, Pelseal 2077 combines ease of use with exceptional
 [ heat- and chemical-resistance properties, which make it ideal for
 [ use in harsh environments, according to the literature."
 [
 [ Hmmm... Viton, the fluoroelastomer (rubber) liquid, might be the
 [ expensive ingredient.  -- Robbie