Hi David,
Sorry for the delayed response! I believe teflon tape probably is what you're talking about -- here's what I found on wikipedia when I did a search for "teflon tape" :
Thread seal tape is wrapped around the threads, lubricating the connection and allowing the two pieces to be screwed deeper together.
Thread seal tape (also known as PTFE tape or plumber's tape) is a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film for use in sealing pipe threads. The tape is sold cut to specific widths and wound on a spool, making it easy to wind around pipe threads. It is also known by the genericized trademark Teflon tape; while Teflon is in fact identical to PTFE, Chemours (the trade-mark holders) consider this usage incorrect, especially as they no longer manufacture Teflon in tape form.[1] Thread seal tape lubricates allowing for a deeper seating of the threads, and it helps prevent the threads from seizing when being unscrewed.[2] The tape also works as a deformable filler and thread lubricant, helping to seal the joint without hardening or making it more difficult to tighten,[3] and instead making it easier to tighten. (
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thread_seal_tape)
I think this would certainly work outside of tropical regions, and that you'd just have to do it during the appropriate season wherever you are. For temperate zones I'd recommend springtime (April and May). Best of luck! Colleen