Sikaflex Marine Handbook

Instructions forCaulking Teak DecksBefore caulking the deck, ensurethe seam width and depth meetsthe guidelines listed on page 4.Preparation of SubstrateSeamsWhen recaulking older decks, existingcaulking should be removed and theseams routed out to the requireddimensions.In order to achieve long-term adhesionof Sikaflex ® -290 DC to the sides of theseams, a meticulous preparation of theseams is required. All foreign materialmust be removed and the seams mustbe clean and dry prior to the applicationof the primer. Best results areobtained using a high-powered industrialvacuum cleaner. Pneumaticequipment should not be used unlessequipped with an oil separator as teakreadily absorbs oil. De-oiling of thesides is recommended and is performedusing a lint-free cloth wetted withacetone or MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone).The cloth must be replaced at regularintervals to avoid re-soiling of thesurfaces. Allow 10 minutes to flash off.Remember these solvents areflammable, so take properprecautions!PrimingPriming the planks is a vital step inthe process of caulking withSikaflex ® -290 DC. Failure toobserve the priming proceduremight be detrimental to the finalquality of the seal and will impairthe longevity of the deck. Primingmay commence after thoroughcleaning and de-oiling of theplanks.Fig. AApply a thin, continuous coat of Sika ®Primer-290 DC to the seam edges.Sika ® Primer-290 DC can be brush or290 DCspray applied in one coat to the seamsides. To ensure that no areas aremissed, move the brush back andforth. Sika ® Primer-290 DC is a filmformer: The coating should thereforelook glossy, giving a “wet-look” evenwhen dry (Fig. A). Workingtemperature 5–35°C, RH: 75% max.Drying time: Protect the primed areaagainst dust and rain, and leave theprimer to dry for at least one hourbefore starting the deck caulkingoperation. The maximum allowabletime between priming and caulking isno more than 24 hours. If this periodis exceeded, repriming is required.Application of the BondBreaker TapeSikaflex ® -290 DC caulking compoundis designed to absorb the lateralmovements of the teak planks as theyexpand and contract with changes inthe weather, the environment or dueto variations in the humidity contentof the teak. To ensure properperformance of the Sikaflex ® , it isimperative that adhesion to thebottom of the seam section beavoided at all cost. To ensure this, astrip of release tape is applied to thebottom of the seam after the primerhas dried. (Fig. B)Fig. B6