[C320-list] Alternative to Target Coatings?

[jonvez at comcast.net]

Thanks Warren & Dick,

Looks like I'll stick with Target. My main reason for inquiring is that I have no where near the amount of coating that would require even a pint and I know these finishes have a limited shelf life--oh well, another expensive boat project :)

Regards,

Jon

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Warren Updike" <wupdike at hotmail.com> 

> I tried a water based varnish I bought at Lowes. I think it was Olympic or 
> another well-known brand. Then, I bought the Target product. For me, there was 
> no comparison. Target Oxford Ultma BVR product was superior in application and 
> final finish. It seemed to have more body then the other product. Do follow 
> the recommendations for thinning the coats. I was very happy with the cabin 
> table top that I refinished. I used the satin finish. 
> 
> I recommend pouring out and thinning only that amount needed for one coat. 
> Don't let it sit out as evaporation will cause the product to thicken and it 
> will then dry too fast if used again without additional thinning. 
> 
> You might want to experiment with the application technique. Target recommends 
> a certain kind of foam brush or poly brush with short bristles. I could find 
> neither. As the fiddles around the table make getting a clean start or finish 
> stroke difficult, I was successful with a paint applicator pad. For refinishing 
> the other interior parts, I might try using a paper towel or cheese cloth. This 
> will yield a thinner coat, less likely to run on verticle surfaces. However, if 
> you are removing the original finish, you should follow the mfgr instructions. 
> Always experiment first on a non-critical surface. 
> 
> I don't know what type of finish Catalina used: satin or gloss on the interior. 
> I'm going to use what I have on other parts of the interior to see. First, I'll 
> do the tops of the engine covers to see how it matches. 
> 
> BTW, for anyone contemplating refinishing the cabin sole, I have two 
> recommendations: 1) for the older models with plywood sole base, clean well the 
> underside of the sole with a bleach/TSP mix to kill the mildew that may be 
> there. Let dry well, then, coat the exposed plywood with epoxy to prevent the 
> absorbtion of water and mildew. 2) Use a product suitable for the sole finish. 
> I've heard good things about Ultimate Sole. I used Waterlox (waterlox.com) a 
> tung oil wood finish and am very happy with that product. It gives a clear, 
> bright finish without the heavy coats of a polyureathane. They have also a 
> marine finish for exterior parts. 
> 
> Warren & Pattie Updike 
> C320, #62, 1994, "Warr De Mar" 
> Frog Mortar Creek, Middle River 
> Chesapeake Bay