Using Sikaflex for gaps in toe rail

alec

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Would appreciate a few tips before starting.

I intend using Sikaflex to bridge the gaps in my mahogany toe rail.

Do I overfill the gaps, let dry and then trim with a knife or do you just use a wet finger.

Thanks in advance.
 

Salty John

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Others may have experience of using a flexible sealant on this application, but I would be more inclined to use West Epoxy with a low density filler, or colloidal silica, to make a paste that will conform to the gaps and can be sanded down when dry.
 

alb40

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I agree with the above, west system and silica works well. You don't even notice the repairs to my wooden toe rails even though they are varnished. The mix gives a wood like colour.
 

VicS

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Sikaflex is a name which embraces a large range of product for various purposes

290DC for deck caulking, 291 for sealing, 292 for bonding and others for plastic or glass glazing, and bonding deck strips or panels.

Look at www.sika.com/cmi-marine-index.htm for details of the marine products.
 

alec

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Many thanks for the responses.

I am using 291 which has been recommended for this type of use although 290 (deck caulking) could also be used.

I don't think epoxy would work as there is likely to be some considerable movement owing to the nature of the toe rail and narrow deck joint.

I have noted that many Hallberg Rassy's and other types of yachts do use this type of sealant for timber toe rail joints. I expect that for some reason a continual jointed length of toe rail is difficult to make before putting it on the boat.

Regards,
 

oldsaltoz

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[ QUOTE ]
Others may have experience of using a flexible sealant on this application, but I would be more inclined to use West Epoxy with a low density filler, or colloidal silica, to make a paste that will conform to the gaps and can be sanded down when dry.

[/ QUOTE ]

G'day John, Sanding epoxy mixed with colloidal silica is very hard work, Micro Balloons or 'Q' Cells are much softer to sand.

Epoxy laminating resin left exposed to UV will break down, if you use an epoxy resin it must be painted or protected in some other way.

Avagoodweekend......
 
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Personally I would not use such a strong product ... I would use an exterior grade silicon from DIY shop ...

Why ? It may fall out / need re-doing a couple of year later etc. - but it doesn't prove so permament as Sika and allows later proper repair ... not such a B to remove etc.
 

boatmike

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Agree its the right stuff to use. The answer to your question is to have plenty of white spirit handy and clean off excess while wet. The white spirit is for getting the damn stuff off you before it dries! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 

kenhick

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Done this to my toerail to begin with I think this is a much better idea as it only going to move eventually, make sure the joint is clean, can use white sprits I use brake cleaner
Make sure the gap to be filled is not to small 1/8” is about the min over fill careful to leave no air pockets leave for a week trim with chisel and sand good luck
 
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