varnishing

[michael kemishParticipant @michaelkemish72883]

Hi, I’ve started to get addicted to this model boat building thing and have started a scratch built, plank on frame gentlemans cruiser, and so have a few (lots??) of questions.

Reading the thread of Pauls barrelback, an awsome boat! and the 40 coats of varnish, is it possible to use an automotive paint system?

Modern cars have a high quality paint finish, it’s hard wearing, flexible, as a car body flexes a bit in normal usage, and is available in spray cans. Has anybody else gone down this path?

Thanks Mick.

 

 

 

 

 

[michael kemishParticipant @michaelkemish72883]

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

I’m not a paint expert but my understanding is that the clear coat laquers used in automotive applications are intended to be applied over solid colour and not directly to stained or bare wood. many people do use automotive paints such as Halfords spray cans to apply colour to a prepared sealed surface, the red oxides and grey primers are very useful although they do need protecting. Automotive laquers are intended to give a gloss finsh which is not always appropriate so polyurethane matt or satin varnishes such as Ronseal are used to seal the surface.

 

Paul works to a very high standard and the only way to get that ultimate rich depth of finish is to do things the traditional way he employs. There are of course alternatives such as finishing resin, used extensively in the boatbuilding industry,  which can be applied direct to wood and will give a pretty good result for less effort.

 

Colin

[michael kemishParticipant @michaelkemish72883]

Thanks for your reply.

I do have to seal the hull, after I finish filling and sanding.

Paul’s standards are probably the ultimat , not only any model making, but just about any venture he gets into.

Mick

 

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Michael

 

Thank you for your kind words although the clients of some of the construction projects that I have worked on might not agree with you.

 

Regarding your model do you wish to paint or varnish?

 

Paul

[michael kemishParticipant @michaelkemish72883]

Hi,

It will be painted, although I’m looking for a very high gloss finish on the hull. The boat has been planked with 6mm*3mm ply, and after the first sanding, varnishing isn’t an option, but a top class finish in gloss white will be. It will have to be sealed first , what I use for a sealer depends on what system I use to paint it with.

Thank you

Mick

 

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Hello Mike

 

A highly polished glossy hull……..would not look like a plank on frame gentlemans cruiser…………..but an FG jobby……….I would prefer to see a hint of nicely made planking…………under the paint finish

 

Just a suggestion……………….Bob

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Mick

 

For a nice paint finish you can use car spray cans. Start off with a primer / filler coat but be prepared for a rough finish after the first coat as the paint will raise the grain…

When the 1st coat of primer is fully dry give the surface a gentle rub with 1200 grit wet & dry which will smooth out the raised grain.

Repeat the process until the grain stops rising (usually 2 coats) and then spray with your chosen colour.

 

The only words of caution are:

Dont mix paint manufacturers when buying the products.

Keep the surface clean and dry.

 

Good luck and post some photos of the model.

 

Paul

[michael kemishParticipant @michaelkemish72883]

Thank you gentlemen,  for your comments and suggestions.

This weekend I can finally finish the bow (Aust post – 3 week delivery which normally takes 3 days!) , so soon I will start painting.

As long as work does’nt get in the way.

Mick

 

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Don’t forget to post some progress photos

[michael kemishParticipant @michaelkemish72883]

Hi Folks, The only way I can get a photo up is via an album.

Try clicking on the “1 photos” link.

This is after the first coat of sealer. After all your comments, and discussions with my local shop and paint suppliers, I’ve decided to go lo tech and use Dulux acrylic sealer, followed by Dulux enamel, probably in a spray can. I know that it works, because I’ve used this system in the past on a tricycle for one of the grandkids.

 

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