Caulk for teak hatch covers

[sastanley]

I am repairing a set of teak hatch covers. There is caulk between each board in the hatch cover. I am looking for a recommendation for a good caulk for this. I would like to be able to apply the caulk and then sand it flush with the wood before varnishing.

What I used last time was not good. It cured out to rubbery and could not be sanded at all. It was a 3M product of some sort, unfortunately I do not remember exactly what I used.

 

[Poignard]

One of the Sikaflex range sealants is designed for that job. Can't remember which one but it's generally available at chandleries.

 

[Seagreen]

Apparently, the latest thing is "caulking" the seams with epoxy mixed with graphite powder - solid as a rock and sandable. This has been used on an old pal's new teak deck and is vouched for a 20 year lifespan.

 

[Tranona]

Only really suitable if you are using thin teak veneers. It is not flexible enough to be used with thicker teak as differential expansion can crack the edges. Well covered in the Gougeon Brothers book.

 

[sastanley]

Thanks for the information. I'll look for the Sikaflex product and maybe try a few tests with it and the epoxy approach. If the epoxy/graphite approach is not good for thicker applications it may not work for me though.