Bulkhead Paint and Prepwork

[scurvy]

Thinking about purchasing a '75 O'day 25'. I am not a huge fan of the wood veneer that they used back in the 70's and will want to paint over the existing finish. What would be the best type of paint for the job, and how best to prepare the surface before painting? Will it need to be sanded and primed, or just cleaned with a TSP spray and painted directly?

Thanks folks and good luck with Sandy!
Prayers to all
Chris

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by scurvy

Thinking about purchasing a '75 O'day 25'. I am not a huge fan of the wood veneer that they used back in the 70's and will want to paint over the existing finish. What would be the best type of paint for the job, and how best to prepare the surface before painting? Will it need to be sanded and primed, or just cleaned with a TSP spray and painted directly?

Thanks folks and good luck with Sandy!
Prayers to all
Chris

Chris--

Pick up a copy of Don Casey's "This Old Boat", it will answer all of the questions you might have regarding renovating an older yacht. As for your specific question, after cleaning and normal prep, prime with Kilz or an equivalent anti-mold primer and paint with a water based Enamel. Semi-gloss seems to work well in an egg-shell white in the "Hershoff" manner.

FWIW...

[scurvy]

Thanks svHyLyte!
I have the book buried in the basement somewhere. I threw out a ton of those old books after I sold the Vega. I figured my sailing days were over...but it's in the blood.I will see if I can dig that out.. Hope I hung on to that one.

[Faster]

Depending on just what the 'wood veneer' looks like you might still get a wood grain 'print through' once painted.. if you don't like that look it may take more sanding and a recoat or two. If it's already a fake wood finish that shouldn't be an issue.

Alternately you could cut and glue melamine or formica panels over the bulkhead for the same look and a more durable finish. It's more work and probably more money, but it's an option.

Melamine paint seems a very rugged finish too..

The 'herreschoff' look that hylite referred to is a clean, bright one, it looks esp good with gloss varnished wood trim.

[scurvy]

I had considered possibly doing a white formica over the surface. one question I had with that was would a contact cement be sufficient or would I need to use and epoxy ?

[scurvy]

This looks interesting:

EZ CABIN-COAT OFF WHITE QT - Pettit (Kop Coat) 3122Q - iboats

[Faster]

I'd use contact cement.. but be certain about the prep and that the area will subsequently stay dry. I've had good results on countertops with the more recent water-based contact cements... far fewer fumes.

Drape some parchment paper between the bulkhead and the piece and be sure about the position before pulling out the paper and pressing them together.. there's no skooching things over once it's together...

[floridajaxsailor]

Originally Posted by svHyLyte

Chris--

Pick up a copy of Don Casey's "This Old Boat", it will answer all of the questions you might have regarding renovating an older yacht.

FWIW...

fantastic tip sv
I just ordered the book from Amazon used for .63 cents, plus shipping

kudos to more great Sailnet advice

-JD