Various sealing techniques using a light-curing dental adhesive (Scotchbond 2) and bulk application of a light-curing resin-bonded ceramic were examined in 203 Class II cavities. Different pretreatment procedures and lining materials were used, and in one series resin impregnation of the contraction gap was included. The presence of gaps or leakage was disclosed either by a dye or a fluorescent resin penetration technique. In many restorations, Scotchbond 2 and a light-curing glass-ionomer lining did not prevent gap formation at the cervical wall. The gap usually occurred between the liner and the dentin, with dye penetration into the dentin. Three liners, one containing polytrifluorethylene sodium fluoride and calcium fluoride, one containing polyamide resin, and one containing calcium hydroxide, did not prevent dye penetration to the dentin at all; good dentinal protection was frequently observed, however, in cavities treated with a hydrophilic shallac film prior to placement of a polystyrene liner. The best results were observed when dentinal treatment with this lining system was followed by resin impregnation of the contraction gap after the composite resin had set.