: 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.

Dribble water right into the holes and they will close completely. They were made by the wood being compressed by the staples entry.

However, a dark mark will remain because wood end grain is torn by the staples entry and this end grain will absorb epoxy resin and be darker.

The water will swell the wood and raise the wood grain so you must sand the surface with 120 then 220 once the wood is dry and before application of resin.

All the best,
Rob
Laughing Loon CC&K
www.LaughingLoon.com