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What type of sealant
can I use for attaching wood trim to fiberglass? A.D., via e-mail
Of the three types
of sealants used for marine applications—silicone, polysulfide, and
polyurethane—polysulfide-based is probably best for this job. Silicone
is flexible and will usually give if the area takes any kind of hit. It
also does not have the bonding strength of the others. Polyurethane brands
like 3M 5200 and Sikaflex 292 are known for their powerful bonding. If
you’re looking to make a permanent fix, this is the stuff to use,
but remember, once it’s done, it won’t come undone.
Polysulfide sealants
have excellent adhesive qualities and tooling characteristics—the
ability to be easily shaped during application and after curing—for
your application. However, they are not as flexible as silicone sealants.
And if your trim is subject to constant vibration, will be under stress,
or needs to flex, you might want to try one of the weaker polyurethane
products. 3M 4200 comes to mind, as does Boat Life’s Life Seal, which
is a hybrid of silicone and polyurethane. It looks like a typical silicone-based
sealant but has the holding power of the polyurethane products.
Whatever product you
use, follow the directions carefully, paying special attention to ambient
temperature, humidity, and cure times.
Do you have any suggestions
for cleaning teak before oiling it? C.F., via e-mail
Cleaning it
can be as simple as using mild, soapy water and a soft brush, followed
by a freshwater rinse.
If the wood is particularly
dirty—say, with mold and bacteria stains—or is oxidized and
gray, you’ll most likely have to deep clean it with a commercial
solution formulated for this task. If you do, try to do so no more than
once a year, as these acid-based, caustic chemicals will often raise the
grain. If that happens, you’ll have to break out the sander. Wear
rubber gloves, protective eye wear, a long-sleeve shirt, and long pants,
and protect all your gelcoat and painted or varnished surfaces from the
runoff, which can not only damage them but also soften caulking compound
and sealant.
Try powdered household
detergent or a high-phosphate liquid. Sometimes mixing a quart of sudsy
ammonia with a capful or two of the liquid detergent also works. You might
have to use some extra elbow grease and may have to do it twice, but you
just might get the job done without the hassle of harsh chemicals. Star
brite offers a mild product called Sea Safe Teak Cleaner, and I’ve
had good results with it.
Need help with a
maintenance problem? Write to Maintenance Q & A, Power & Motoryacht,
260 Madison Ave., 8th Fl., New York, NY 10016. Fax: (917) 256-2282. e-mail:
ken.kreisler@primedia.com.
No phone calls, please.
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