fairing sikaflex

[Paul Silverman]

I'm refastening my carvel planked cedar-on-oak gaffer. The hull has dried out during the process. I've reefed out the old seams and am recaulking with sikaflex, using a caulking gun. The cured sikaflex stands proud of the planks and I have cut it with a razorblade, but much of it is not quite fair with the hull. Any suggestions on how to remove the sikaflex to fair the seams?

[John E Hardiman]

Please tell us that the Sikaflex is over driven cotton calking and you just didn't reef her out and then squirt Sikaflex into the bare seam. BTW, which Sikaflex.

[Noah]

Right...

Every thing John said...

[Mr.O]

Paul: I just recently finished my Haven 12 1/2 with Sikaflex. I think you'll find that it actually sands quite easily; once it has cured. In stubborn places I even used a file to get a smooth surface started. I then painted on the primer and in sanding it smooth; I also smoothed the Sikaflex more. Quite satisfied with the results. Jack

[Scott Rosen]

If you think the seams stand proud now, wait until you get the boat in the water!

I haven't had much success with sanding Sikaflex. Perhaps a Fein Multimaster with 80 grit, used judiciously. Then when you haul her, do it again while the wood is still wet and the planks are swollen.

[Dan McCosh]

Fein makes a scraper attachment that is a sharpened plate that wobbles with the tool action. It works very well for trimming off flexible caulking flush with the surface.

[Paul Silverman]

Thanks much. Yes the sikaflex is covering cotton caulking. I'll try the suggestions you've all made.