Jotun Hardtop AS Clear varnishing a Snipefish

[BrianP]

I just wanted to thank forum members for their advice on using and choosing Jotun two pack products.

After many problems trying to use two pack paints, it did seem the way to go to use the Jotun products due to their in use performance, and price. Could I also manage application issues.

I spoke to the Jotun supplier SML and was advised to go for the Hardtop AS Clear for the interior on the Snipefish. No need to pre coat the ply with epoxy or any other product.

Here's the hull ready to varnish. The exterior has already been epoxy coated for extra abrasion resistance. The interior is untreated ply. It is almost shockingly light when you pick up the hull. Used just two sheets of 5mm 5 ply.



I used a 4" velour roller to apply three coats. First two simply rollered on. this left a slightly rough finish as the first coat raised the nap of the plywood. I used an orbital sander between the second and third coats. No problems sanding only one day after coating, epoxy would have needed much longer before de-waxing and sanding. The final coat was rollered and then lightly drawn over the surface by holding my finger on the roller. this was a process of quick rollering and quickly doing a light pass. Temperatures were perfect at about 17C. One roller would complete the whole interior coating. the second and third coats used 180ml of resin, 60ml hardner and 24ml thinner. The first coat used more, 240ml of resin, 80ml hardner and 32ml thinner.



I applied thin coats and also the mixed varnish was thinned using 10% of advised HQ thinner. I think the addition of thinner was important. This rollered on just like any varnish, non of the issues of thick two pack paint I have had before.



I realised many people don't favour varnished ocume, which I understand, but for this super light boat we just wanted a tough lightweight finish. It was also low cost.





So it went really well. Has cost little and by all accounts is a tough durable finish. Thanks again.

Brian

[Gizzle]

Very nice job!