plugs vs flat head screws

papasailor · #1 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008

I wrote about my teak and got several good replies but the second issue mentioned might have gotten lost. The question is whether to bed and screw down the teak after it was refinished off the boat, then plug holes, sand and finish over the plugs on board. Or to plug the holes before finishing then bed, using countersinked flat head screws that would show.

Any thoughts?

TrueBlue · #2 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008

Why not simply mask & refinish the teak components in place? Regardless of how much teak you have, the annual ritual you describe would get tired very quickly with me.

Additionally, if using varnish, two separate coats per year (every 3 months) is usually necessary.

papasailor · #3 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008

It is not an every year task. My boat has been out of the water for 4 yrs and the last time I took off the teak was was 10 yrs ago. Taking your advice now to mask, etc would mean jumping into a time machine to go back before I removed the teak.

Since I don't have a time machine, hopefully, someone will an answer my question about plugs vs flat heads that show.

TrueBlue · #4 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008

Sorry papa - you didn't say the teak was already removed. I meant no disrespect to your question. However, if I was doing this, my choice would be to sand the removed teak articles prior to bedding, fastening and bunging. Then sand the bungs flush, mask and apply the required number of coats.

If you refinish prior to mounting, there is no way to effectively varnish the sanded plugs to match the pieces already finished. I also think leaving the holes unplugged, with bare screw heads, would look rather undressed.

Just my opinion.

christyleigh · #5 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by papasailor

Or to plug the holes before finishing then bed, using countersinked flat head screws that would show.

This sentence confuses me. Do you mean re-plug the holes and then drill new ones elsewhere for the flat head screws.... for easy removal ? Or do you mean re-plug the holes then drill new holes through the plugs for the flat head screws.... for easy removal which would make for poor holding.
Plugged holes of course look better but are a pain if you ever have to pull the teak...... but leaving the screws exposed isn't painless either because at the next re-finish time you'll still have to remove the screws or ... yuck ... varnish over them.