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Surface Preparation – Cracks
I've learned a ton in your course and had a great time making my own sanding blocks (some larger, some more flexible, etc.). I'm really enjoying the Merka Abranet abrasive and have already started prepping the surface.
Given that the boat is located in South Florida, I plan to use Semco teak sealant instead of varnish. From what I've read, Semco offers good UV protection and is easier to apply and maintain.
For surface preparation, would you recommend filling the cracks (shown in the pictures) with WS G-Flex 655 or 105/207 (or a mix of both), adding 405 filler to match the color? Or, should I go with a mixture of 220-grit wet-sanded teak dust and teak (or tung) oil?
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Hi Marco
That is great to hear! If I could get you to head to the course page and drop a review on there I would greatly appreciate it: https://danleeboatbuilding.co.uk/courses/varnishing-course-10-day-yacht-varnisher/ 🙏
I think G-flex would probably be my preference for filling the cracks. Perhaps look at putting a spline in there if any of them are too large but they don't seem to be looking at your pictures. You could add some 405 and a bit of teak dust to give a close colour.
Thank you, Dan. I went ahead and wrote the review.
You're right; a spline would be a bit too large. I purchased some 405 and plan to match the teak by mixing it with some fine teak dust I bought a few months ago. My only concern is that G-Flex might yellow over time, as it’s not formulated for surface exposure. I believe that applying coats of varnish (or, in my case, Semco) will help prevent this issue.
Yes it is likely that it will yellow, a spline would reduce the volume of epoxy that it on show to a small glue joint rather than a large fill which would help with this. Varnish over the top will help to add UV resistance but it is likely that in that exposed environment it will discolour even with this.