How to use FFE-200 Marine Epoxy for Fairing

Teakdecking Systems’ FFE-200 Marine Epoxy is well-known for securely bonding modular teak decking systems to large and small vessels. The product’s secondary purpose – fairing – is a secret worth discovering. This article shows how to use FFE-200 Marine Epoxy for fairing.


Generally, an epoxy adhesive and an epoxy fairing compound should not be found in the same pair of plastic tubs. Epoxy adhesives typically cure to a very hard surface, while fairing compounds are much softer (to create a surface that is easy to fair with sanding). The fillers used in fairing compounds reduce the epoxy’s adhesive strength, normally making the compound unsuitable as an adhesive.



However, Teakdecking Systems developed a unique and proprietary formulation product that blends the two functions of bonding and fairing.


NOTE: FFE-200 is now a brownish color, due to customers’ requests.

Tips from a local Sarasota sailor who has faired a lot of large and small surfaces:

  1. The simple 1:1 mix ratio is accurate and fast compared to a full kit (base + hardener) of a commercial fairing compound or resin system because of its unequal mix ratio.
  2. FFE-200 can be spread easily over large surfaces during deck installations used as a leveling compound to fair the structural deck before teak deck installation. The ‘out of the can’ consistency is perfect for filling pinholes and slight depressions on surfaces.
  3. The FFE-200 Base Resin and Activator are degassed well by TDS, so there is no entrapped air in the cured compound when thoroughly* mixed. Few pinholes appear as the surface is sanded. Painters appreciate pinhole-free faired surfaces.

*Fun Fact about Mixing – When mixing polyester resin and its catalyst MEKP (methyl ethyl ketone peroxide), the catalyst starts a chain reaction within the resin, like the match that starts the fire. However, when mixing epoxies, Activator molecules are linked with the Base Resin molecules. For effective results, thoroughly mix the Base Resin with the Activator, so they link up. During mixing, be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing container to avoid leaving un-mixed components around the edges.

To illustrate how FFE-200 can work for vessels big and small, a recently completed project is a rudder for a small performance sailboat.


The rudder has two issues – the leading edge was too blunt, and the two sides were not symmetrical, causing the boat to pull to one side. Here, the leading edge has already been corrected with FFE-200 over a core of glass strands. The curve on the contour gauge is the shape of the other side of the rudder. For a small rudder, that gap between the contour gauge and the surface represents a lot of side-to-side difference.



To fill that gap, plus a bit more for fairing, FFE-200 was used.



The rudder was cross-sanded up through the grits with a 9” sanding block. The sanding block or longboard size should be proportional to the size and shape of the faired surface – bigger is better, but harder to handle.


The contour gauge in the next photo shows that the port and starboard sides of the rudder now match.

A pretty rudder blade meant the housing needed attention too. Here it is before starting:

After fairing:

Ready for the topcoat after the final sanding of the high-build primer:

The finished product is ready to go sailing…!


The results are fantastic, and we thank our customer for sharing these photos of using FFE-200 Marine Epoxy for fairing.


For questions about FFE-200…

Visit our website for more product information.

Or call our experts: 941-756-0600 and press “1”



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

April 28, 2025
How To Properly Prepare & Re-Caulk a Teak Deck Seam Part 2 of 2

How are decks made? Understanding the digitization, manufacturing and installation process of your new deck

By Anella Alcott • April 11, 2025
If you're planning to get a new deck on your boat, and you've chosen teak, a composite deck, or a cork alternative, this guide will walk you through the full process, from digitization and manufacturing to final installation so you’ll know exactly what to expect from start to finish. TEAK DECKS Digital Templating The first stage involves one of our technicians digitially templating the area using the latest in precise measuring technology. Our team digititally templates vessels all around the world. Engineering Our experienced designers are masters of creating beautiful and technically precise decks using CAD construction program, importing data provided by our digital templating team. Our designers’ exceptional ability to create visual symmetry ensures impeccable finishes and beautiful aesthetic decks. Manufacturing TDS panels are manufactured in our factory utilizing jigs that are adjusted to conform to the vessel’s shape. Teak planks of the required thickness and width are carefully hand inspected, scrutinizing each plank for grain orientation, mineral deposits, or imperfections such as a small knot. The planks are placed into the jig in such a way that the finished deck will have a uniform butt joint pattern. Creating a Watertight Barrier A phenolic or fiberglass backing is securely vacuum bonded to the teak, using our own epoxies that guarantee durability, flexibility, strength and reliability. The exceptional bonding strength, ensures your deck stands the test of time. After the epoxy cures, the newly formed panels are removed from the jig, and the seams between the planks undergo routing, cleaning, and caulking. Margin Trim Once the caulking is cured, the final step involves laying out the teak deck and laying all the margin trim. Upon completion, the finished deck undergoes a thorough quality inspection, ensuring it aligns precisely with the template. Transport & Installation The finished deck panels are placed in custom-made crates and then shipped and installed worldwide. Prior to the arrival of the new deck, the old deck is removed. Our installers inspect for any issues such as water intrusion, delamination, or corrosion on the vessel’s surface. If such issues are found, the areas are repaired before the new deck is installed. Caulking & Sanding Once the deck has been bonded to the vessel, it is time to caulk using our own proprietary, UV, and chemical-resistant caulking TDS SIS-440. After curing, the deck is then ready to be sanded. The entire deck is sanded with 36 grit to remove excess caulking, followed by 60 and 80 grit to enhance the look of the deck. COMPOSITE DECKS Digital Templating The first stage involves one of our technicians digitially templating the area using the latest in precise measuring technology. Our team digititally templates vessels all around the world. Engineering Our experienced designers are masters of creating beautiful and technically precise decks using CAD construction program, importing data provided by our digital templating team. Our designers’ exceptional ability to create visual symmetry ensures impeccable finishes and beautiful aesthetic decks. Manufacturing Every composite decking panel is custom made to perfectly fit the areas to be covered. The panels are delivered with completed seam pattern, sanded and ready to be glued down on most structural surfaces. In the case of SeaSole, the deck is installed using the “peel and stick system”. We use a combination of our TDS bedding and bonding adhesive, along with TDS two-part, flexible epoxy fitting glue, to secure the panels in place. The caulking in the seams is our TDS proprietary patented filler, an enduringly elastic, solid rubber polyurethane joint sealant. Our team will first carry out an inspection of the boat to identify the best application method for each area. Quality Control Once the caulking is cured, the final step involves laying out the composite deck and building all the margin trim. Upon completion, the finished deck undergoes a thorough quality inspection, ensuring it aligns precisely with the original template. Installation The finished deck panels are placed in custom-made crates and then shipped and installed worldwide. Prior to the arrival of the new deck, the old deck is removed. Our installers inspect for any issues such as water intrusion, delamination, or corrosion on the vessel’s surface. If such issues are found, the areas are repaired before the new deck is installed. C ORK DECKS Digital Templating The first stage involves one of our technicians digitially templating the area using the latest in precise measuring technology. Our team digititally templates vessels all around the world. Engineering Our experienced designers are masters of creating beautiful and technically precise decks using CAD construction program, importing data provided by our digitizing team. Our designers’ exceptional ability to create visual symmetry ensures impeccable finishes and beautiful aesthetic decks. Manufacturing Every cork decking panel is custom made to perfectly fit the areas to be covered. The panels are delivered with completed seam pattern, and ready to be glued down on most structural surfaces. Our team will first carry out an inspection of the boat to identify the best application method for each area. Creating a Watertight Barrier After the adhesive cures, the seams between the planks undergo routing, cleaning, and caulking. Installation The finished deck panels are placed in custom-made crates and then shipped and installed worldwide. Prior to the arrival of the new deck, the old deck is removed. Our installers inspect for any issues such as water intrusion, delamination, or corrosion on the vessel’s surface. If such issues are found, the areas are repaired before the new deck is installed. We use a combination of our TDS bedding and bonding adhesive, along with TDS two-part, flexible epoxy fitting glue, to secure the panels in place.

Everything you need to know about cork decks

March 28, 2025
Everything you need to know about cork decks As the industry and yacht owners move towards sustainable decking options, we have recently begun working with cork. This decision has been driven by the increasing demand from environmentally conscious customers . As more people prioritize eco-friendly choices in their purchases, cork has emerged as an ideal decking material. Known for its sustainability and numerous environmental benefits, cork offers unique characteristics that not only provide practical advantages but also contribute to a reduced environmental footprint . This makes cork a compelling choice for those looking to make greener decisions. TDS is a distributor for Navicork by Amorim , the world leader in the cork industry , which is leading the marine revolution with cork decks that champion sustainability. With more than 150 years of history, Amorim has made an unparalleled investment in research, innovation, and design, developing a portfolio of products and solutions that set the standard for environmentally responsible decking . Why is cork so environmentally friendly? UNESCO recognizes cork oak forests as one of the 36 most crucial ecosystems globally, highlighting their environmental significance. Cork is one of the most sustainable resources in the world and remains the only truly carbon-negative product on the market. Eco-Friendly & Carbon-Negative One tonne of cork absorbs about two tonnes of CO₂ while producing only 1.6 tonnes during processing. Harvesting cork does not require felling the tree , allowing forests to continue absorbing carbon dioxide. The bark regenerates , ensuring a sustainable and renewable material for generations to come. Lightweight and Durable Cork is significantly lighter than traditional decking materials, 2 to 5 times lighter than teak, reducing overall vessel weight and fuel efficiency. It is highly resistant to wear and tear , making it suitable for high-traffic marine applications. Superior Thermal and Acoustic Insulation Low thermal conductivity (0.065 W/mºK) minimizes condensation, reduces energy loss and keeps decks cool underfoot. The closed-cell structure of cork dampens structural noise , reducing onboard sound levels and acoustic performance. Comfort & Safety Cork’s soft, velvety texture provides superior underfoot comfort , reducing fatigue during long periods on deck. Its natural non-slip properties enhance safety, making it an excellent choice for marine environments. It’s splinter-free and reduces impact injuries compared to traditional hardwood decks. Design Flexibility & Aesthetic Appeal Available in various textures, colors, and patterns, cork decking can be customized to match the design vision of any vessel. Offers a unique aesthetic while still delivering the premium look and feel desired. For more information check our cork decking section
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