Bedding hardware on varnished surface

[Peter McShane]

I am ready to put all of the hardware back on the newly varnished deck and cabin trunk of my 1939 Chris Craft 36' DCEB cruiser. Question: What should I use to bed the hardware and trim if my intention is to take it off each year to re-varnish? Should I use a bedding compound at all?

[John Di Dio]

I would say absolutely yes you should bed the hardware. I've used Interlux boatyard bedding compound for a lot of stuff. Seals good, the excess is easy to clean up, the parts come off easy when it's time to disassemble, and it's relatively inexpensive. I imagine there are some people who would recommend a polysulfide bedding compound like Boatlife caulk. It's stickier and more expensive but is available in several colors (white, tan & brown I believe). The Boatyard bedding compound is sort of a seasick green--smells kind of fishy too, which is why I think it must be good stuff to use on a boat. You don't notice the color when everything is assembled and cleaned up.

[Nicholas Carey]

Originally posted by Peter McShane:
I am ready to put all of the hardware back on the newly varnished deck and cabin trunk of my 1939 Chris Craft 36' DCEB cruiser. Question: What should I use to bed the hardware and trim if my intention is to take it off each year to re-varnish? Should I use a bedding compound at all?What we did on our International 6m was to barely bed it at all. With the expectation that the hardware would be pulled each year for the annual Renewal of the Brightwork, the hardware on the boom (cleats, track, etc) was simply bedded with a small -- and I do mean small! -- ring of white polysulfide (Sika, boatlife, 3M 101, etc.) around each fastener hole in the hardware.

This was done just to gasket the fastener hole in the wood so that water couldn't gain entry into the wood via the fastener hole.

[ 06-12-2002, 07:26 PM: Message edited by: Nicholas Carey ]

[Scott Rosen]

Like John, I use Interlux Boatyard Bedding compound for hardware to varnish and hardware to paint. It's the right stuff to use.

[Art Read]

Hmmm... I'd planned on just using the "Dolphinite" I already have on hand. My "goop and googe" shelf is already groaning... Any reason NOT to use the "Dolphinite", or am I gonna have to run back to Fisheries Supply again for the Interlux stuff before mounting my hardware?

[Paul H. Morris]

Hi Guys-In our shop we use the Boatyard bedding compound regularly and to match the mahogany color of bright finish varnish , put a small amount of stain in it to get close to the backgroung color. Did this just last nite on a 1963 Carver lap-strake we are finishing up. Easy to take apart and clean up the next time refinishing or replacement is necessary. Keep the wet edge!!!! Paul

[Bob Cleek]

The industry standard is Dolphinite. It can be slathered on thick across the entire faying surface and the excess will squeeze out when the fitting is fastened down. The excess is then very easily wiped clean with ordinary paint thinner.

I wouldn't bother with the expense or "overkill" of polysulfide compounds. They are murder to remove, often. Certainly, I wouldn't advise just a little dab around the screws, although I suppose it could work in some instances. The purpose of a BEDDING compound isn't simply to seal screw holes, but also to BED the fitting flush against the surface. Often, the faying surfaces aren't perfect and the bedding takes up that slack. It shouldn't be rubbery, but rather should be fairly hard, although with some flexibility. Dolphinite is very squishy when applied, but fairly hard when dried. Prior to Dolphinite, white lead paste was favored. It is excellent, but does have a tendency to crack when it ages. A fitting that takes a lot of strain, like a cleat, does better with Dolphinite, which is the best compromise between the white lead, which would crumble when it got old and strains stressed it, and the rubbery stuff, which leaves too much wobble in the fitting if it isn't a good fit.

I can't imagine why there would be any need to try to match the bedding compound color to the mahogany deck, or whatever. Properly applied and cleaned up, the bedding compound should not be visible at all.

Just my 37 cents worth, which is what a stamp is going to cost come June 30.

[Scott Rosen]

I think the Dolphinite and the Interlux products are essentially the same thing--a linseed oil-based compound.

White lead has the tendency to adhere extremely well to any painted or varnished surface. When you remove the fitting for repainting, you will probably end up peeling off some paint in the process. Interlux won't do that, which is what makes it good for bedding hardware to paint an varnish.