Primer Undercoat …done!

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This is an update that we have been looking forward to posting for a long time.

We have discovered that paint days are an emotional rollercoaster. Long, physically challenging and very smelly (paint thinner lingers, even after a hot shower), but also very satisfying. After months of prep work, without much outward sign of progress, suddenly, within a few days, our girl is transformed.

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For the technically minded, we are using the Jotun system. Three coats of Penguard HB two-part epoxy undercoat. This will be followed by two coats of two pack polyurethane topcoat. Weather permitting, we will be applying topcoat Tuesday – Wednesday next week.

The horizontal surfaces will be painted with Tredgrip, a rubberised non-slip coating, that also helps with deck insulation.

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Another glamorous day at the office for my amazing wife. She had no idea what she was letting herself into when we began this project, but she has never flinched.
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These were long and physically demanding days. It took around seven hours non-stop for each coat to the hulls / under bridge deck, and five hours for the decks, turret and cockpit. Once the paint is mixed it’s not possible to stop for a smoko! I have not used an airless spray system, but I have been told, they may reduce the spray time considerably.

For applying the paint we use a 10L pressure pot, which is excellent, as it enables us to do a full day spraying without re-mixing. Penguard has an eight-hour pot life. The downside of this system is how long it takes to clean up, around an hour, which is critical for a spray setup.

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The “Alien” look hood is my fresh air supply.

I use a rather excellent, and relatively inexpensive supplied-air system called Breath Cool, from Turbine Products in the US. This was purchased a few years ago before the Australian government decided to slap GST and import duty on online-sales, so the cost may now be prohibitive, but I can recommend the product. I am attached via a 100-foot pipe, to the small turbine which is located well away from the paint fumes and over-spray.

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Up on the turret. Between the 10L paint pot air hose, plus the fresh air supply, I was dragging around a lot of hose. It was necessary for Deb to tag along, managing the hoses so I could move as quickly as possible between each area. Working out how to avoid wet paint, was also a consideration.

Following is a few shots of the finished primer coat.

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10 thoughts on “Primer Undercoat …done!”

  1. Pete and Deb – looking beautiful! (Not you of course). What an incredible transformation and it really is a milestone. Good on you.

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    • Hi guys. For sure: paint is one of those milestone events, with a big lead time. Looking forward to getting the windows and hatches on, so we can finally get rid of the big tent. I’ve had a love-hate relationship with that thing for three years now!

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  5. Dearest Pete and Deb Awesome…!!! What an achievement so far. Hats off to you guys, you are incredible and so very inspirational!! Looks amazing!!

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