Remember the saying "the more sophisticated the paint scheme
you intend using, the more care required for the surface preparation
and application of the product. " Failure to recognise this
can lead to early failure of some paint schemes.
Nuts
& Bolts
When using nuts and bolts for trailers
etc, smear the bolts lightly with Res- Q - Steel before assembling.
This will help easy removal at a later stage especially if your
trailer is dunked into seawater regularly.
Priming
When building a boat from scratch
ensure all surfaces are primed as you go. This will help protect
the surface from dirt and contamination and make the surfaces
easier to prepare for the final paint/varnish system.
Moisture
Do not allow the moisture to sit
behind squabs for long periods in areas such as cockpits etc.
On painted surfaces (even two pack polyurethane ones) the trapped
moisture can lead to eventual blistering of your paint. Allow
ventilation at nigh by standing squabs or removing totally.
Dust-free
finish
Ever noticed all those bits in your
paint or varnish finish and wondered where they come from and
how you can avoid them. Simple... Try looking at the clothes
you are wearing, is your favourite sweater dropping fibres etc.
When you wipe the surface down it can tend to become slightly
electrostatically charged and can attract fibres and dust from
anything nearby. Wear a pair of paper/disposable overalls or
similar for all finishing work. If possible sprinkle water on
the floor as well as to lay down ant dust.
Preparing
the surface
Remember when preparing a surface
that you should work down to a good surface not up!! What this
means is that you should not try to bury poor workmanship under
loads of paint, because if you do, then as the paint dries it
will reveal all. Make sure that before any paint is applied
at any time that the surface is thoroughly prepared and is in
tip top shape.
Cleaning
brushes
When cleaning brushes out especially
after varnishing or topcoating, do not wipe them dry on rags
which fills them with dust etc. Hold the handle in between the
palms of your hand and spin it vigorously with the bristles
in an empty can or box so that the solvent doesn't spray everywhere.
Caring for brushes
Preparation is one of the most important
areas in the painting process. Preparation accounts for approx
80% of the finished look. Some simple rules to remember are:
Read all label instructions, ensure surface is correctly prepared,
stir paint thoroughly, only thin the paint to ease application,
apply the product at correct spread rates and ensure climatic
conditions are favourable for painting.
Masking
Tape
When using masking tape and the
like, do not let them sit on the bench or wherever without some
protection. The rolls, when sitting on the flat surface will
pick up dust and dirt and give you a rough edge to your masking
line. Ensure that the rolls are kept in their protective wrappers
at all times.
Brushing
on vertical surfaces
When brushing paint, especially
on vertical surfaces, lay off with the brush in a vertical direction.
This paint will flow out better and will resist forming into
curtains if you have applied it slightly too heavy.
Sandpaper
When using stearated sandpapers,
or so called non-clogging papers (they are visible by their
colour, which is usually a light grey), beware! They can leave
a residue on the surface that can be a very effective release
agent for your next coat of paint. If using them, ensure that
you remove any possible contamination.
