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Author Topic: Wood finishing advice  (Read 3162 times)

Sandy

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Wood finishing advice
« on: December 25, 2010, 12:12:43 pm »

Hi,

I am building a Choupette steam launch as seen in this thread:- http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=27505.0

The plan, as per the MMI article, was to paint the hull (and paint was purchased). The CinCFleet would now like to leave the hull looking like wood.

Allowing for the zig-zag joins which may be visible, what is the best way of sealing up the hull on the outside, while retaining the 'wood effect'?

I was thinking of household, say, walnut coloured exterior varnis, as used for window sills or fences, and then, after several coats, applying yachting varnish, but this may be completely wrong.

Can anyone offer any advice ? Thanks.

All the best for the holidays,
Sandy
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pugwash

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Re: Wood finishing advice
« Reply #1 on: December 25, 2010, 12:18:05 pm »

Sandy whatever you use you will not disguise the zig-zag joins on the hull and the deck and IMHO you will
spoil any varnish type finish with this showing through
Geoff
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gondolier88

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Re: Wood finishing advice
« Reply #2 on: December 25, 2010, 09:35:45 pm »

As it's hard you could buy a sheet of veneer- oak/mahogany, whatever takes your fancy- wouldn't cost you much for the amount you would need. A sharp scalpal, a steady hand, some epoxy, a hard rubber roller to act as squegee and a 500ml tin of good quality yacht varnish and you'll be well away.... :-))

Greg
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gwa84

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Re: Wood finishing advice
« Reply #3 on: December 25, 2010, 10:40:39 pm »

agree definitely use a veneer to cover the zig zags  :-))
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Aeronut4

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Re: Wood finishing advice
« Reply #4 on: December 26, 2010, 11:09:26 am »

Sandy - I'd agree with the others, either thin veneer or plank it.
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Sandy

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Re: Wood finishing advice
« Reply #5 on: December 26, 2010, 11:41:23 am »

Thanks for the replies.

I assume that the top item on this page:-

http://www.model-dockyard.com/acatalog/Mahogany_Sheet.html

at 1mm thick would be suitable?

Just as a further question, once the veneer is on satisfactorally, can I just yacht varnish it to seal it, and should I varnish the inside of the hull as well?

All the best
Sandy
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gondolier88

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Re: Wood finishing advice
« Reply #6 on: December 26, 2010, 12:19:56 pm »

If you epoxy the entire hull first with a thin coat- rollered on if possible, let it cure properly for a couple of days at room temperature, sand it down to a smooth finish, but don't worry about it being perfect.

Wet out the back of your pre-cut veneer peices with the epoxy and stick them on with a firm but not excessive clamping force, use a credit card or similar to scrape off the excess and again let cure for a couple of days.

Any gaps around the edges use a thick epoxy to fill- though the more accurate you are with your edge cutting you shouldn't need much- and let it cure, all the work you do doesn't take long, just waiting for the glue to dry takes day!!!.

Finally, one coat of thin epoxy rollered onto the veneer to seal it, let it cure, sand down to a baby's behind finish and varnish, Robert's your uncle etc!

Your hull should look really nice if you take your time, look forward to seeing it finished and varnished!

Greg
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derekwarner

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Re: Wood finishing advice
« Reply #7 on: December 26, 2010, 11:16:44 pm »

Sandy.......the hull shape of Choupette would lend itself perfectly for 'diagonal planking'.. :-)) ....in the search box....just type  'diagonal planking'
You will find a number of threads ....some by member Bluebird where he displays some beautiful work .....happy building ....Derek
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Derek Warner

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Illawarra Live Steamers Co-op
Australia
www.ils.org.au
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