De_SV_Taz
03-31-2008, 11:46 AM
OK, I did my homework -- I searched for "spar paint" and read many long, long threads about marine vs landlubber paints, epoxy under vs primer under, paint vs varnish, brands of paint... and I'm now even more confused than I was when I started. :confused:
here's my issue: I have a traditional (unstayed) junk rigged vessel, being refitted with birdsmouth-construction DF masts. a junk (as I'm sure y'all know) is similar to a gaffer in that there are parrels (but battens as well) rubbing on the masts, so the finish needs to be (a) low friction and (b) tough as nails. I would like to know what kind of paint would be best for my masts. the boat is workboat finish throughout so plain-jane paint will be appropriate and harmonious.
one characteristic of an unstayed junk mast is that it tends to flex a lot, so any coating has to be somewhat elastic.
I read in the threads that some old gaffers used to slush the masts throughout the parrel travel area, and paint only above and below this space. this sounds like a lot of maintenance (oil/grease/wax finishes don't last long outdoors) and I'd prefer a paint job that would hold up for at least a few years with touch-ups, between major sanding-down and repainting operations.
it's OK if I don't get a mirror finish, as it will get scuffed up soon enough anyway. in fact a matte or eggshell finish might be less sticky for the battens and parrels. it's OK if the paint costs a bit, as these are good masts made by a real spar-maker and a major long-term investment in the boat (a heavy cruiser aka my home).
so I throw myself on the mercy of the forum. what's the toughest (abrasion resistant) paint I can put over Doug Fir to protect it from the elements? I don't have paintshop conditions for applying it, and the local climate is on the damp and cold side, so it would be nice if the paint were not super-finicky about temp, humidity, etc.
I have learned enough from the old threads to realise the depths of my own enormous ignorance about painting wood (this is my first boat with major wooden parts). if anyone has a similar application and has a success story to tell, I am all ears :-)
here's my issue: I have a traditional (unstayed) junk rigged vessel, being refitted with birdsmouth-construction DF masts. a junk (as I'm sure y'all know) is similar to a gaffer in that there are parrels (but battens as well) rubbing on the masts, so the finish needs to be (a) low friction and (b) tough as nails. I would like to know what kind of paint would be best for my masts. the boat is workboat finish throughout so plain-jane paint will be appropriate and harmonious.
one characteristic of an unstayed junk mast is that it tends to flex a lot, so any coating has to be somewhat elastic.
I read in the threads that some old gaffers used to slush the masts throughout the parrel travel area, and paint only above and below this space. this sounds like a lot of maintenance (oil/grease/wax finishes don't last long outdoors) and I'd prefer a paint job that would hold up for at least a few years with touch-ups, between major sanding-down and repainting operations.
it's OK if I don't get a mirror finish, as it will get scuffed up soon enough anyway. in fact a matte or eggshell finish might be less sticky for the battens and parrels. it's OK if the paint costs a bit, as these are good masts made by a real spar-maker and a major long-term investment in the boat (a heavy cruiser aka my home).
so I throw myself on the mercy of the forum. what's the toughest (abrasion resistant) paint I can put over Doug Fir to protect it from the elements? I don't have paintshop conditions for applying it, and the local climate is on the damp and cold side, so it would be nice if the paint were not super-finicky about temp, humidity, etc.
I have learned enough from the old threads to realise the depths of my own enormous ignorance about painting wood (this is my first boat with major wooden parts). if anyone has a similar application and has a success story to tell, I am all ears :-)