Choosing a paint for your boat

Choosing a paint for your boat

Marine varnish were used to protect and preserve the wood on yachts for many years. History testifies that the varnish applied in 1700 are very similar to what is used today. Applications allow the attractiveness of wood to be seen while offering protection against the elements. The finish obtained after careful application will deviate from a soft patina to a high gloss coating is like fine furniture.

Assuming you want to protect and beautify the exterior brightwork your boat, how do you choose from the amazing variety of products? Knowing full well that this is a big problem that the debate on the benefits vs. motor yachts sailboats, we still offer the following observations:

What is a veneer?

A varnish finish is a liquid commonly used to treat the wood. Its main components are oils. resins, solvents, dryers and UV additives. The elements are mixed in different quantities to give the best appearance and protection.

wood oil

Oils generally have the original look and texture of teak than other finishes, because they penetrate deep into the wood fibers and do not create much of a surface finish. The oils are available in colors rank clear water to gold to dark brown. As with all teak trim, numerous coats generally cause a much more consistent finish and longer service life. We learn oil to be the easiest to use because the surface defects are not as evident in the final result. This does not mean, however, that the application of four coats of tung oil on raw teak will develop a great finish. You will also fine that oil makes masking zones to protect adjacent gel coat and painted surfaces just about as essential oil, varnish consistency. Clean, sanded teak with several coats of teak oil will give your 3-6 months of protection and beauty.

Tung oil is one of the most widely used applications in teak.

Spar Varnish

Spar or marine varnish is a complex product consisting of oil, solvents and thinners, resins, dryers and additives. By varying the proportions of the elements and mixing UV inhibitors and various secret ingredients, manufacturers create varnish with very different characteristics. Varnish can have a high gloss or matte visual appearance can be produced to be extremely difficult for surfaces heavy duty and can vary in color.

The two most common varieties of nail varnishes are natural resins such as tung oil and oil modified polyurethane varnish. Nail natural tung oil are ideal for indoor or outdoor use and provide traditional appearance golden teak. modified polyurethane oil tend to be more clear, allowing the color of teak shine through.

Recent varnish, providing durability in the worst environments such as heat, sunlight in Florida. Moves teak because it is a living plant once it expands and contracts with even small changes in temperature and humidity. The best paint to deal with this volatile material using high quality oils and wood resins and a greater percentage of solid ingredients, offering a more durable elastic coating with a superior shine.

The number of layers is. Six to ten layers are usually required for a quality look. A base layer solid, treated annually with maintenance coats, give the ultimate onset, duration of service and protection. Despite the initial effort (up to 10 layers are common) nothing looks better than teak exterior finish with high gloss varnish.

Interlux of Original 90 is a variety of traditional spar varnish on the market.

Synthetic wood finishes

These coatings gained popularity with cruisers Florida and the Bahamas in search of ultra-violet resistance low maintenance brightwork. Formulated for ease and speed, these finishes have unusual longevity for outdoor use, are easy to apply and look relatively good. Some spar varnish like Interlux Schooner Goldspar and are made without pigment for the beauty of teak is retained. Brilliance and depth compared to the convenience is the compromise with these products, but the simplicity and labor savings can more than compensate. Application is synthetic finishes like teak oil, where you can ask directly to sanding, clean teak.

Cetol comes in four varieties, with the new Natural for a more golden as the actual appearance of natural teak color. Overcoat all other pigmented Cetol products with Gloss finish high gloss exterior.

I know a professional who uses only Cetol and his work is fabulous.

The second part urethane finishes teak

Another product to make an appearance in the world of cruising are urethane finishes in two parts. Fashioned to replace traditional varnish, these products have made a mark in the yachting community. Their manufacturers have produced these finishes to survive in tropical conditions for years at the time. A manufacturer, C Tech Marine, sports its product Bristol Finish is used on many cruise ships, certifying its beauty and longevity .