: I seem to remember reading something about giving the deck &
: hull a wipedown with a water-dampened cloth prior to applying
: epoxy in order to reduce the size and constrast of staples
: holes. The moisture is supposed to swell the wood and make the
: holes smaller - almost invisible. Epoxy is then applied, locking
: in the smaller staple holes forever. I am about to epoxy
: pre-coat my deck, but wonder if adding moisture to the wood with
: this technique won't end up clouding my finish. Am I mistaken?
: Is this a simple fix to staple holes that works? Is there a
: certain procedure that needs to be followed in order to avoid
: clouding? Is moistening the surface a bad idea that WILL cloud
: my finish? I'd like to make the holes as unobtrusive as
: possible, but don't want to bother filling them with a batch of
: epoxy goop that means I'll have to sand again.

You have to let the wood dry after you wet it to help close up the staple holes. The epoxy has to wait till after the drying process.

Bill H.