Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Steam => Topic started by: cuppa on October 01, 2011, 02:20:19 pm

Title: A newbie question - which varnish/oil?
Post by: cuppa on October 01, 2011, 02:20:19 pm

Please pardon my ignorance but I am uncertain as to the best finish to apply to wood that is in close proximity to a steam plant.........

Any advice will be gratefully recieved.

Many thanks
                  Jon

Title: Re: A newbie question - which varnish/oil?
Post by: derekwarner on October 01, 2011, 02:43:31 pm

Hullo Jon....

If we are talking about our typical model marine steam plant........the  >>:-( highest temperature of the boiler casing or steam discharge line is in the order of 150 degrees C  :P ....however these can be lagged to retain heat & minimise the effect on other components

You need an adaquate air circulation/corridor between steam components ..... & the wooden hull structure

Varnish?..... <*<... even the modern polyurathane spray or brush on products are limited to ~~~~~~~80 degrees C

Why not post an image of the plant in the hull....... :-)) Derek

Title: Re: A newbie question - which varnish/oil?
Post by: cuppa on October 01, 2011, 03:28:37 pm

Hi Derek

Sorry - I did not explain myself very well in my first post. I was wondering what finish would work on the bearers that mount the steam plant to the hull. I have a cheddar steam plant that sits on a brass tray. I was planning on mounting this tray on to wooden bearers and was wondering how best to apply a sealing finish to the bearers?

Cheers
          Jon

Title: Re: A newbie question - which varnish/oil?
Post by: NickKK on October 01, 2011, 03:42:22 pm

Engine Laquer might be more of a reliable coating ... I don't know for sure if it would be suitable ?  But it is a high temprature varnish for petrol engines.

Nick

Title: Re: A newbie question - which varnish/oil?
Post by: gondolier88 on October 01, 2011, 05:42:05 pm

'Le Tonkinois' varnish resists boiling very well so would resist what little temperature the bearers will get.

Greg

Title: Re: A newbie question - which varnish/oil?
Post by: cuppa on October 01, 2011, 06:16:34 pm

Thanks Greg

Cheers
          Jon

Title: Re: A newbie question - which varnish/oil?
Post by: HS93 (RIP) on October 01, 2011, 11:47:39 pm

Cheddar models used polyurethane for years on there boiler lagging touching the boiler so I think it should be fine as a coating for some bearers under the brass plate.

Peter

Title: Re: A newbie question - which varnish/oil?
Post by: cuppa on October 02, 2011, 06:43:33 am

Thanks Peter

I will follow Cheddar's lead.

Cheers
          Jon