day 19... I think

I haven't posted for a few days and lost count of the days.  The fact is that most of the progress over the last few days has focused on painting... mainly.

So, after the customary trip to Bunnings, and much deliberation, I ended up with the following.

Wattyl Hi Build Sanding Sealer

Wattyl Estapol - Exterior Clear

Wattyl Colourwood Pigmented Stain - colour Kauri

I applied the Hi Build Sanding Sealer first.  This is a clear coat and my hope is that seals the fabric effectively.

2nd was a coat of the Exterior Clear.  This has a light transparent yellowish finish, so it is easy to see where it has been applied.

3rd was a coat of Exterior Clear but with some kauri stain added.

4th coat as as the 3rd.

It has been very hot down here so I applied the coats only after about 8 hours.  Perhaps it is a mistake.  I am leaving the kayak to totally dry now and may apply one more coat of Exterior Clear.  However I may also leave it for about a week to let it totally settle.

In terms of coverage.  

1 Litre of Hi Build sanding sealer was not quite enough to complete one coat of the Kayak.  If I had thinned it to the 10% allowed, perhaps it might have go the whole way.

I lightly sanded (240 grit) the Hi Build sealer before applying the Exterior Clear.

The first coat of Exterior clear took 2/3 litre.

The second took about 1/2 litre.

The third took about 1/2 litre.

While there was some evidence of the CD50 (the timber preservative I used) seeping through the raw fabric, it does not show after the stain and coatings.  The finish i have got is exactly what i was aiming for, a mid tan, old weathered look which, at a distance, could be mistaken for timber.

:-)

I really screwed up the installation of the coaming, a mistake I wont repeat.  However, it is on.  However, as a result, the skin is not as tight as I would like, at the mid section.  I am not concerned, just a bit annoyed that I got it wrong.  

Now, all I need to do is build a greenland paddle, buy a roof rack, buy the spray skirt and buy a buoyancy vest, and I am in business.  

Also working on a plan for adding deck lines etc but will not worry about this till after the first sea trials.  need to see if it floats first.

Out the window


And back into the open air.


This is what I used.... plus a $1 paint brush


First coat of Hi Build sealer on.


First coat of Exterior Clear on.  Note the yellow tinge.


Exterior Clear with stain pigment added.


This was after the 4 coat.  It is starting to get a nice shine.  the surface is sort of rough (not glassy smooth).  I may give it a sand (light one with 240 grit) and coat of clear in about a week.


Another view.  This one carefully does not show the mess I made installing the coaming.


It is getting a nice shine and the fabric remains tort.