Finishing Topsides

[Nick Vowles]

I have just finished recaulking the topsides of my 26'Broads river cruiser (redwood on oak)and need to apply a finish.
The surface of the planking after fairing,is now a mixture of bare wood, and the original paint which seems sound. I am not concerned about a brilliant finish because I know the sikaflex will bulge when she takes up and I will be refinishing next year.
My question really is, do I prime the whole surface and carry on as usual or do I skip the primer and just go straight onto undercoat?

[Ian Wright]

Prime the bare wood asap,two or three coats, use International Metallic Primer(pink) or Blakes Primer (grey). Then undercoat over all, probably several coats, sanding after each one until you have a good overall finish. Then one coat of 50/50undercoat/gloss mixed and a final coat of gloss.
That should do for this year, but do not leave bare wood unprimed,,,,,, ever.
IanW.

[Nick Vowles]

Thanks Ian. Shall get on it on Saturday weather permitting!