First Coat!

Painting the Hull

We painted the topsides with the first coat today and, as long as we don't wait more than 48 hours before we do the second coat, we don't have to do any sanding between coats.

Two-part polyurethane paint is tricky, nasty stuff. We have to mix the two parts well, wait for a 15-minute 'induction' time and then get it done before the paint starts to gel in the can.

We use the 'roll and tip' method. One of us applies the paint with a roller and the other follows with a paint brush 'tipping' the surface.

Chemical masks against toxic fumes are required when we work with this stuff. However, the toughness and durability of the cured finish is well worth the trouble.

Also, according to the people at W.E.S.T System Epoxy, two-part polyurethane is the best finish to protect the underlying epoxy from degradation due to the sun's UV rays. There's nothing like it.

Although our substrate isn't perfect, it's already looking pretty good after the first coat.

Here I am, in bold defiance of the fashion police, wearing white after labour day.

In this photo, Donna is touching up the edge just after we finished.

The farther back you stand, the nicer it looks. :)

The first coat done and, so far so good. . . . . .

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