Accent Stripes

[Dave Haislip]

I'm gathering information for an impending redo of my 1956 17' chris craft sportsman and I need all the help I can get.

My question is what is the best method for creating the white accent stripes on the deck and what materials should be used?

Previously they were applied before the varnish and appear yellow.

I would like for them to be white and would like to know if it is appropiate to apply the stripes after the deck is varnished and if so what is the technique?

[Bob Cleek]

The yellow cast is natural and normal. It results from the original white lead putty seam compound (or what they used to look like it) being varnished over, as it should be to properly protect it. If I were judging a boat in a concours and it had "whiter than white" seams on a varnished deck, she'd lose points for that. If you must, I suppose the way to go is fine line tape and white paint, though. You'll have to redo that every time you varnish, though. Why make yourself crazy?

[Dave Haislip]

Thanks for the reply Bob. I'm a novice (could you tell) and the previous owner said it was done wrong, but he wasn't an experienced wood boat owner either.

I think i'll follow your advice and save my sanity during the refinishing.