How To Properly Prepare & Re-Caulk a Teak Deck Seam Part 1 of 2

Hello, welcome to Teakdecking System’s YouTube channel. My name is Eric, and this is Rocky. Today we are here to show you just how our professionals tackle seam preparation for caulk repairs and re-seam projects.

First, you have to remove the old caulking. You can do this by using manual tools such as the TDS reefing hook and seam sander, or if you are a skilled carpenter, you can use a router or a saw. Today we’re going to demonstrate how to properly remove the caulking manually.

Start by using a sharp razor knife; cut along the edge of the caulk seam as close to the teak as you can on both sides.

Next, using the TDS reefing hook, plunge the tip of the hook into the seam and begin to pull the caulking out. Once you get it started, use your hand to pull on the caulk strip, as you run the hook behind to detach it from the bottom of the seam.

Once you remove the strip of caulk that you cut, next, use the reefing hook at an angle to scrape any remaining caulking fragments from the sides of the teak. Your main objective here is to remove as much of the caulking as you can with the reefing hook.

Next, you’re ready to seam sand. Start by adjusting the seam sander blade to the depth of your seam by using the screws on the backside. Now, place the blade down into the seam and use a back-and-forth motion to sand both sides. This accomplishes two important steps; 1st, removes any of the remaining residue from the old caulking. 2nd, it gives the teak a fresh bonding surface.

Next, you are ready to remove any of the loose debris. This can be accomplished by brushing, vacuuming, or by the use of compressed air.

The next step is critical to the bonding of your new caulking. Using acetone and a lint-free rag, saturate the rag with acetone and wipe the seam thoroughly. Do this by stretching your rag over something comparable to the width of your seam, such as a seam sander blade or a putty knife. Now use the back-and-forth motion again to remove any remaining substances. The acetone de-oils the teak and prepares the wood for good caulk adhesion.

Next, you are ready to apply the bond breaker or fine line tape. This tape is always required for seams with a depth of ¼” or deeper. To apply the tape, simply push the tape down to the bottom of the seam using something such as a previous roll or a piece of door skin. You want to make sure it sticks to the bottom. This tape will act as a breaker to prevent the caulking from bonding to the bottom of the seam. This, in turn, allows the caulking to expand and contract more freely with the constant movement of your boat deck.

Once you’ve applied the tape, you are now ready to shoot your new caulking. Please join us next time, as we demonstrate just how this is accomplished. On behalf of Teakdecking Systems, we’d like to wish you the best of luck with all of your caulk projects.
Join us next time as we show YouTube how you can do it like the professionals!

If you would like any additional information, please visit our website at www.teakdecking.com, or check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.