Been sailing my Alternative for 5 years now and it has collected a few scrapes and knocks. I finished it in clear epoxy, mainly to strengthen the cedar planks and give a smooth finish. Not with any thoughts of "beautification"

Going to do a refit and am considering a nice shiny coating now.  I usually just go with the the aforementioned, technical approach and would appreciate any advice on options.  A brushed varnish is going to be heavy,  similarly a brushed coating epoxy; what about a spray lacquer ??  The existing surface would need prep; something like 100 wet & dry ?    Recommendations / advice requested from those of you who produce "show standard" timber hulls; with the caveat of keeping weight down.

For pics of the boat, go to my earlier Alternative build article on the forum.

Thanks.   Richard

I would rub down and fill any dings with whatever epoxy you used originally then use 2pack clear with UV protection to get the gloss back before cutting back with 1000 w&d for a fast satin finish. Or leave gloss and go a bit slower.

Thanks Steve,

Like you say, I too prefer the 1000 finish for a more slippery hull, but just keen to try a full gloss for looks and possibly flat off after.

What 2 pack clear have you used ?  Loads on market and a lot of it comes in quantities to suit a super yacht. Also application preference. I know one brushed coat is about 30grms and 2 will be about 45 total after inter coat sanding.

Richard

Richard

I use U-Pol available in various size containers. I have never tried to brush, always use a touch up spray gun.

My newly finished 6m has a gloss hull and a satin rudder. the reason is my wife chose the colour and caught me rubbing down the rudder and told me off as it was no longer shiney.🙄

 

Thanks again Steve,

I use U Pol 2025 white Hi build for ballast and foil coating. Nearly as good as epoxy Hi build but so much cheaper. Flats down with 1200 Wet and dry to a super slippery Finish and easy to brush apply for those particular applications.

Which U Pol clear coat ? looking at 2080 series and some appear to be single pack. Diamond 2080 sounds about right ?  Will have to invest in a sprayer and learn how to use.  I don't suppose the U Pol aerosols are worth considering ???

Richard

A friend uses two pack aerosol with good results no idea of make though.

I have been using this https://u-pol.com/product/coatings/clearcoats/s2080-superior-hs-clearcoat/

Thanks for all the replies and info.

I decided to stay with the epoxy coating. Main reason is that it adds strength to the cedar planking and gives a very hard finish that flats down beautifully. Yes that right ! changed my mind about the attractive shiny finish. Went against  my principle of function over form. The 1200 finish is so much more slippery than a nice shine. Sanded hull with 120 then I used XCR epoxy, 3 coats wet on wet. Dry sanded 120 then 400/800/1200 wet.

Hull is now the best it has ever been and also managed to sharpen up the chines.

Have added more details on my "Alternative" build thread.

Richard