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Build Coats

One part science, five parts experimentation. Every wood boat veteran has their secret recipe for a showy finish. Share your trials and triumphs.

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evansjw44
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Build Coats

Post by evansjw44 » Thu Jun 30, 2016 1:50 pm

I can't buy my favorite varnish for building coats anymore. Interlux 100 Jet Speed. What do you other finishers use. For fonish coats I've had to switch to ZSPAR Captains varnish. I'm still getting used to it.
Jim Evans

boat_art
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Re: Build Coats

Post by boat_art » Thu Jun 30, 2016 4:38 pm

I use Epiphanes Woodfinish Gloss exclusively. I build with 3 coats 16 hours apart, then 320 sand then 3 more, repeat. No need to sand between coats if its less than 72 hours although I do every 3 just to improve the finish. First step of course is gel stain, then the first few coats are thinned. I wait for the first 3 coats before sanding so that I dont burn thru with the sanding.
Tom
http://www.boatartgallery.com
1956 CC Connie 47'
1959 Caulkins bartender
1965 Cheoy Lee Frisco Flyer
1953 Chris Craft Holiday
1941 Chris Craft Deluxe
Plus 8-12 customer boats at any time
God don't count the days spent messing around in wood boats.

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tuobanur
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Re: Build Coats

Post by tuobanur » Fri Jul 01, 2016 9:15 am

Agree with Tom except I used two coats of CPES for a base. For the finish, Pettit Z*Spar 2015 and I put a coat on every 24 hours, up to four coats, sanded with 400 grit and repeated. After I was satisfied with the build up I wet sanded with 1500 grit and buffed with 3M compound and 3M final glaze.

BTW, I didn't use any stain on my boat.
Terry
1941 Model 101 (16') Deluxe Runabout "Miss Dot"

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Doug P
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Re: Build Coats

Post by Doug P » Fri Jul 01, 2016 12:27 pm

I discovered Sandusky 2260 Clear Sealer http://www.sanpaco.com/Specialty I have used most varnishes, this is the EASIEST for build. You can apply a coat every 3 hours....must have final 2-4 coats , of your favorite varnish.

boat_art
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Re: Build Coats

Post by boat_art » Fri Jul 01, 2016 5:13 pm

tuobanur wrote:Agree with Tom except I used two coats of CPES for a base. For the finish, Pettit Z*Spar 2015 and I put a coat on every 24 hours, up to four coats, sanded with 400 grit and repeated. After I was satisfied with the build up I wet sanded with 1500 grit and buffed with 3M compound and 3M final glaze.

BTW, I didn't use any stain on my boat.
This is a very good alternative to the way I suggested. I no longer wet sand since I bought a couple of Merka sanding systems for my shop. With these we can sand with 800, 1500, then 2000, then rub out. Spendy sanding systems unless you are a pro shop like we are (about 2000 each plus expensive disks).
Tom
http://www.boatartgallery.com
1956 CC Connie 47'
1959 Caulkins bartender
1965 Cheoy Lee Frisco Flyer
1953 Chris Craft Holiday
1941 Chris Craft Deluxe
Plus 8-12 customer boats at any time
God don't count the days spent messing around in wood boats.

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tkhersom
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Re: Build Coats

Post by tkhersom » Fri Jul 01, 2016 6:26 pm

I, being an armature, LOVE the Pettit Z-Spar 2015, also known as Flagship. It builds well, is workable, and flows smooth.

IMHO the best varnish on the market. :D
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

Jim Bell
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Re: Build Coats

Post by Jim Bell » Fri Jul 01, 2016 6:52 pm

tkhersom wrote:I, being an armature, LOVE the Pettit Z-Spar 2015, also known as Flagship. It builds well, is workable, and flows smooth.

IMHO the best varnish on the market. :D
+1 on Flagship. Also Pettit Clear Sealer gives a great build head start.

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