[wkearney99]

I've got some panels down in the cabin of a boat that have some edge veneer that's detaching. It's an interior space, not exposed to the elements. It does see winter/summer temp extremes, so after 12 years I'm not surprised to have it happen. None of the faces of anything else have loosened. The veneer hasn't stretched, it's just loose. It's not on the ends, nor are there any cracks in any of it.

It's two inner frames on some acrylic paneled cabinet doors and around the inside of one opening. The vertical sections are in doors that can be easily removed to help avoid potential dripping issues.

I'm curious as to what folks recommend as an adhesive to reattach it. And, perhaps more importantly, what not to use (or do). Likewise, what methods to employ or avoid.

I'm thinking some CA gel carefully applied would work, being careful to avoid squeeze-out. I have enough clamps and room to work to allow for putting some pressure on the surfaces, if it'd help.

 

[wkearney99]

Excellent points about CA, and the attached PDF was insightful. It's astounding how well material science has progressed in recent years. Not all glue is the right glue, just like paints, finishes, lubricants and various other chemical products.

It's likely whatever adhesive was used to attach these in the first place probably failed due to temp/humidity changes AND potentially poor application. I lean toward poor application given this has happened in odd places, not in areas with high use, vibration, light or other factors that might cause failures.

We are likely going to be selling this boat sometime in the near future. I'm still approaching any repair with the same care I'd use if I were keeping it. I'm not one to half-ass something just to have it turn around and bite someone else later.

The band that's present now is in good shape, no cracking or anything wrong with it. That and it'd be nigh-on impossible to match it up with all of the rest of the other panels that use the same veneer. Were it in worse shape, yes, I'd go that route.

 

[wkearney99]

The areas in question are not exposed to the outdoors. These are cabinets in the salon belowdecks. If there was enough moisture down there to be a problem for the glues I'd think there'd be a TON of other problems. The space is air conditioned (and dehumidified when not in active use). True, it's not as temp/humidity stable as furniture in your house might be, but it's not a fully outdoor situation at all. I'd guess the conditions are more like a beach house than anything else; one that gets laid up 5 months of the year in dry winter storage (unheated).

 

[wkearney99]

short of surf and rain - they are.....

Were this location abovedecks, yeah, I'd be right there with you. There's a ton of marine adhesives/caulks/etc that are well designed to handle the brutal UV and moisture exposure issues out there. But this is a conditioned space. It's not just a "shed on the water". I certainly wouldn't argue not to use waterproof, just questioning the perhaps overly broad assumption about just how exposed this is or not. My goal is a proper repair that'll help it last. If that's 'waterproof', then great!