Small leak - outdoor shower

[mookie21]

I have a slight leak in my hot water input line. I don’t seem to be getter a great seal. There is a slight leak out the top and bottom once I tighten the nut. I even tried a little teflon tape. Looking for advice on how to get a better seal.

 

[GReynolds929]

Did the mating surface get sanded? It looks like there are some significant scratches on it. That can definitely prevent proper sealing.

 

[mookie21]

Did the mating surface get sanded? It looks like there are some significant scratches on it. That can definitely prevent proper sealing.

It was full of paint, so I sanded it to try and get the paint off.

 

[Geofd]

If that's a union,I don't see the nut, but I always put pipe sealant (Teflon paste , blue monster, rector seal) on the union faces and a dab on the union threads, now I see the nut