Howie,
I read with interest, your replies to others in this forum and thought maybe you’d have a contribution to my inquiry. “SteveSchoene” was the only person to repy and was helpful but in general suggested nothing new other than he had stated marine brightwork is typically not sanded. I’m not contradicting that but, that’s not my personal experience.
Here’s my situation: 26 large, complex red oak grilled windows (4-8 foot square with 4-6″ lights). I need/want an exterior finish that doesn’t require sanding for mechanical bonding between coats yet, is rated “exterior”. The client has yet to reply as to whether these should be painted (waiting reply to RFI) but I need to finish a prototype in the meantime. I’ve used often Interlux’s marine poly “Goldspar”, used to be called “Clipper Clear #95” but, as the can says, always sanded between coats. It doesn’t have to be a marine grade product. I’m just thinking someone out there does outdoor finishes on wood and their not sanding by virtue of the product’s design.
Thanks,
Pascanale
Replies
I got to thinking and checked out a few alternatives. One product that seems to meet your situation is Epifanes Rapid Clear. A product sheet is at http://www.marineware.com/pdf/epifanes/MW_Epifanes_2_6_Rapidclear.pdf
It mentions spray application and specifically states it should not be sanded between coats. It may be recoated in 5-6 hours. It, and a very similar Rapid Clear product are semi-gloss. There are several other of the Epifanes coatings that also mention no sanding between coats though some of these would require sanding if not recoated in 48 or 72 hours. At least one of these is high gloss.
I checked out the data sheet and it sounds perfect!
thx!
Pascanale
I was about the recommend the Epifame just as Steve has. It should meet your requirements and is one of the best--if not the best--exterior/marine coating. Keep in mind though, there is no finish that is forever in an outdoor environment. Probably the best that can be expected is three to four years before it will need to be sanded and recoated. Marine finishes are developed to deteriorate from the outside in. Therefore, they can be lightly sanded to remove the cloudy layer and apply a new clear, glossy film.
I learned my early stuff about finishing working for a summer as a marine painter. I don't know about Steve, but I sanded between every coat of exterior, clear finish.
Thanks Howie,
I own a boat with much teak brightwork that I've restored and maintained for 12 years--I know firsthand the process. First, it was teak oil, then some lessor brand of varnish. Finally, I have settled on Interlux's Goldspar, formerly known as Clipper Clear #95. Getting one coat on each season is something I try to do after the initial 5 coats I applied but, I'm lucky to get it done once every other year. I know intimately how the sun attacks the edges of sharply radiused wood versus the larger bullnoses, et cetera. But, the forgone protocol was always to sand in between. To hear about Epiphanes product not requiring this step is a great advantage for both my personal and this large finishing challenge I have in front of me. I'm on the way to the store as soon they open!
Thanks,
Pascanale
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