Restoring Deck Non-Skid Pattern After Deck RepairBy Sonny BarberOne method is to make a plaster of paris mold. Build this mold before the anti skid is removed. This is done because the pattern is not the same shape on the port and starboard hulls. Start out by determining the area that will be replaced. You will need some thin strips of wood that span the entire deck. About 1/8" thick by 1/2" wide are ideal. You will also need similar strips that run the length of the area to be "lifted". About 4 to five strips are stacked together. First, apply Pam or silicon oil to the area to be duplicated, Wax will fill in the depressions that you are trying to duplicate. Brush it out well, leaving a film but not filling the depressions. Next, stack strips across the deck at the front and rear of the area. Using strips, it is not hard to conform them to the deck contour. C-clamp the strips to the inboard and outboard lips. Apply strips about 1/2" outboard of the non skid pattern. Secure these with masking tape. Now you are ready. Mix up plaster of paris and pour a small amount into the mold. Brush it down to fill the depressions. Be careful not to entrap air into the plaster. Pour more into the mold and lay in a piece if window screen for reinforcement. Fill the mold to the top, and allow to harden. Remove mold and allow to cure fully. To use, spray the mold with Pam and brush out. Apply a light coat of thinned out epoxy or poly resin. Apply second and third coats as required to fill the depressions. While still in the "green cure" stage, apply another coat and a piece of fiberglass cut to fit the mold. Add 2 to 3 more coats of thinned resin, and allow to cure. When cured, remove the anti skid strip, cut to size and apply to the desired area. |
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Sonny Barber
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