My new woody needs a shine.

dpropson

Seaman
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Nov 2, 2002
Messages
61
I just bought a new woody that I'll need to refinish. I have heard mention of a West or Western technique? Anyone heard of this? Also, if you can offer any hints, books, suggestions, whatever as it pertains to refinishing a wood boat, I would greatly appreciate that.<br /><br />Dennis
 

crab bait

Captain
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Feb 5, 2002
Messages
3,831
Re: My new woody needs a shine.

if your gonna varnish use only EPAPHANES brand..get at west marine.. <br /><br />believe me,, nuthin' comes close...
 

dpropson

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Nov 2, 2002
Messages
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Re: My new woody needs a shine.

Thanks, Crab. Does they have a website?<br /><br />Dennis
 

dpropson

Seaman
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Nov 2, 2002
Messages
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Re: My new woody needs a shine.

Crab,<br /><br />Found the site, found the varnish. Thanks. What do you prefer the "Rubbed Effect" or the "Clear High-Gloss" from EPAPHANES?<br /><br />Dennis
 

crab bait

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3,831
Re: My new woody needs a shine.

if your gonna be a bear,,, be a grizzly..<br /><br />high gloss.!!
 

dpropson

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Nov 2, 2002
Messages
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Re: My new woody needs a shine.

And if you're going to be a dog, stay away from my sister. Woofity-woof.<br /><br />I'll go big. Thanks.<br /><br />Dennis
 

Jack Shellac

Lieutenant Commander
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Aug 7, 2002
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Re: My new woody needs a shine.

A few years ago, I decided to try epoxy saturating a 1969 wooden skiff. It was a lot of work stripping the old finish off, but the results made it worth it. Start by sending off for the West System manual that you'll see advertised in boating magazines. They also have literature on repairing and restoring wooden boats.
 

dpropson

Seaman
Joined
Nov 2, 2002
Messages
61
Re: My new woody needs a shine.

Thanks, I'll look into that. My new boat is pretty much stipped, so that is not a concern.<br /><br />Dennis
 

dpropson

Seaman
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Nov 2, 2002
Messages
61
Re: My new woody needs a shine.

Hey Jack Shellac,<br /><br />I've ordered the West Marine manual so that might answer my question but, if you could, describe what is means to "epoxy Saturate" a wood boat. Why do it and why not?<br /><br />Dennis
 

Jack Shellac

Lieutenant Commander
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Re: My new woody needs a shine.

dpropson: Sorry about the delay in replying, but I didn't realize there was another post until just now.In epoxy saturating, you apply thin epoxy to bare, dry wood until it stops soaking it up. This completely waterproofs it and makes it impervious to rot, delaminating, etc. caused by water. You can apply it by brush or roller depending on the surface. The West System book outlines the method much better than I can. You still have to keep it painted or varnished with a UV inhibitor, not because it will get wet, but because sunlight attacks epoxy. It's fairly easy to do if you're starting with unfinished wood and epoxy is a tough finish. Hope this is useful to you.
 

bayman

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 2, 2000
Messages
669
Re: My new woody needs a shine.

West System does have a good list of manuals on this stuff:<br /><br />West System Manuals<br /><br />I'd recommend reading them before doing a project because the chemicals are not cheap:<br /><br />West System Products<br /><br />- bayman
 

dpropson

Seaman
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Nov 2, 2002
Messages
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Re: My new woody needs a shine.

Thanks guys.<br /><br />I'm a bit confused. I have the manual. I understand the process (I think). I have heard rave reviews and I've heard words of caution. What is the consensus? West or not to West? Should I go with the old fashion method of several coats of varnish instead? Crab tells me that Epiphines is the varnish to get. Can't argue that, seems like a rock-solid choice. Do I use it on top of the West expoxy saturation method? Hmmm?
 

mrboyd

Cadet
Joined
Dec 2, 2002
Messages
6
Re: My new woody needs a shine.

Some more about West. If you epoxy/glass the bottom of your WOODY, aren't you destroying the feel of the wooden boat I've heard so much about? Also, those boats were never intended to support a plastic bottom. Makes sense that you could DESTROY the framework of the woody putting on abottom that doesn't give. Last thing, if moisture does get inside the epoxy, then what? You think you had rot before. Just some thoughts. I'm redoing a 54 CC Riviera.
 

mrboyd

Cadet
Joined
Dec 2, 2002
Messages
6
Re: My new woody needs a shine.

Some more about West. If you epoxy/glass the bottom of your WOODY, aren't you destroying the feel of the wooden boat I've heard so much about? Also, those boats were never intended to support a plastic bottom. Makes sense that you could DESTROY the framework of the woody putting on abottom that doesn't give. Last thing, if moisture does get inside the epoxy, then what? You think you had rot before. Just some thoughts. I'm redoing a 54 CC Riviera.
 

dpropson

Seaman
Joined
Nov 2, 2002
Messages
61
Re: My new woody needs a shine.

And I take it, Box, that you are not going to epoxy saturate the '54 Riviera? I'm new to this stuff and it is strange that there are such varied opinions about this method. Would you epoxy the top and leave the bottom as painted wood? I guess I'll just go with the old-fashioned method and slap a half dozen coats of top-shelf varnish on her.<br /><br />Dennis
 
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