Filling screw holes in plywood decking

[Bill Thompson]

Good evening,
I was hoping to get some guidance on what to use to fill #8 slotted flat head holes in ½ inch Aquatech plywood used as replacement decking on my 1946 Monk. The intent is to cover the plywood with fabric and epoxy and paint. The hole depth above the screw head is about an 1/8 th inch deep.
A recent message string was pretty convincing about not using thickened epoxy to fill the screw holes. In an even older string (which, of course, I can’t find) there was mention of some other products that seal and fair well but aren’t as difficult to remove as epoxy and adhesive caulks. Dolfinite ??
Thanks
Bill

[Graham Knight]

If you're going to glass over it then thickened epoxy should be fine, use microballoons to make an easy sand filler.
My concern with epoxy filler for screw holes is that it doesn't expand and contract with the timber, so it often cracks around the edge and lets water in, but with glass sheathing this won't be a problem.

[formerlyknownasprince]

Ditto. BTW - why do you want to remove the filler? If you ever replace the ply it will be a rip and fair up job, with new ply.

[capt jake]

And, if you have a sharp, very fine awl (and a 'little' time) the epoxy can be dug out. But then again, the 'rip and tear' method would seem to be in order if you have to replace it again. ;)

[Thad Van Gilder]

I agree, i wouldn't worry about removing the screws. you aren't gonna be refastening a deck!!!

-Thad

[Bill Thompson]

Thanks, gents, I understand now the differnece between the planking and decking situations..thickened epoxy it is.
Bill