Brush up on technique

Older craft can return great pleasure for a modest investment - but their age often means they're expensive to maintain.

The exterior paint or gelcoat is crucial in protecting the vessel's underlying structure - and therefore the owner's capital.

But a problem has emerged with the market's reliance on two-pot polyurethane paint systems that demand professional skills and equipment to apply them.

It's not always cost-effective or affordable to pay a professional painter to rejuvenate an older vessel.

In this case the owner has limited options: do nothing and watch his or her investment deteriorate; complete the job using less suitable single-pot enamel paint; or do it themselves using brushes and rollers or spray equipment to apply a durable two-pot polyurethane.

New Zealanders, especially mariners, have historically had a self reliant can-do attitude, but they don't seem to have taken to the do-it-yourself two-pot polyurethane solution.

Resource-consent issues and hardstand rules prevent spray-painting outside, the application characteristics of modern two-pot paints make them almost impossible to roll or brush on successfully, and spray guns are difficult to master.

All that was true until March this year when Altex Yacht & Boat Paint released a new paint product at the Auckland International Boat Show, developed in New Zealand for the local market.

Altex specifically formulated Elite 321 Brushing Polyurethane for brush and roller application so professionals and reasonably handy do-it-yourselfers could produce a robust, high-quality finish at a reasonable price.

According to Ron Brown, manager of pleasure boat marine coatings for Altex Yacht & Boat Paint, the new paint system will enable boat owners to successfully contribute their labour, and make significant savings in other areas.

"Take a classic H28 for example," he says.

"A professional topside repaint starts at around $5800, plus slipping and hardstand fees, plus GST.

"However, a reasonably competent H28 owner could repaint their topsides for around 15 per cent of that cost using brushing polyurethane, assuming the weathered paint or gelcoat base is in a sound condition."

Preparation and the application environment (wind, dust, temperature and humidity) are key to a successful job and there are three steps required to achieve a long-lasting finish using the new brushing system: cleaning and preparation, priming, and applying the finishing coat or coats.

Brushing polyurethane is available in three shades of white - Oyster White, Matterhorn White and Snow White - and is packaged in 1-litre kits. The two parts that make up the 1-litre mixed volume are combined together in a 3:1 ratio.

The Part A tin is big enough to take the contents of the smaller Part B tin, which means measuring and mixing is a straightforward tip-and-stir process.

The carrier that provides Elite 321's brushing characteristics is not compatible with some plastic paint trays, and the silicone releases used in the production of most accessory-painting equipment cause it to pull back and fish-eye, so Altex has produced a 321-compatible painting kit containing everything needed to complete a job. It includes specially designed brushes, roller tray, roller, tack rags, mixing stick, instructions, hints and a checklist.

Alan Stephenson of Bluewater Boat Builders was one of the first to try Altex's product in the field when he repainted a Townson 32 he is rebuilding.

Stephenson was pleased with the finish after just one coat on the port topside.

He'll use it on another contemporary classic in the yard awaiting restoration.

"The finish will be superb after we lightly cut the first coat with 380-grit sandpaper and apply a second coat."

He says the advantages gained by brushing on Elite 321 extend well beyond reducing or displacing professional labour costs.

"Set-up costs are virtually eliminated because there is no need to install a high-volume ventilation system, use air-fed respirators or mask against overspray, which makes it ideal for repainting interiors as well as exteriors."

Those interested in learning more about Altex Yacht & Boat Paints new paint system can source additional information from their network of marine paint stockists, or phone their free technical helpline on 0800 429 527.