Coating the Polyester skin

[square_nails]

I was wondering if the 2 part urethane that Spirit Line sells would work with polyester or if there is another product that would give a gloss finish with UV protection.

 

 

[Kudzu]

I don't sell finishes so I am not pushing anything. I am not criticizing Cory's Goop as it is refered but I have read many times that is is hard to apply, especially the first timer. Runs will  happen from everything I read. Keep in mind I have never tried it and but was turned off by what I read. Also have read of a few account of it turning loose on nylon after 2-3 years. But, I bet it would adhere well to polyester. But I don't know of anything that will not stick to the polyester so I suspect it would stick quite well.

 

You could use any gloss paint or poly finish. The thing is the fabrics texture keeps it from being very glossy. I THINK, Coy's gop is thicker so you might fill the weave and get a smoother finish. Paint and polyurethanes are not meant to go on thick.

 

Hope that helps  you some. 

[square_nails]

OK thanks Jeff, I have been reading up on different materials trying to map out a game plan for my build. I want to have everything laid out before I start (funny I haven't even bought the plans yet and I'm already thinking on how I'm going to finish the boat). I really like the translucent look on a hull so I haven't been looking at paints. It seems that particular goop has a lot of history and is highly rated but as you say difficult to apply. There are some testimonies on the Wooden Boat Forum regarding this product which is an interesting read from others who have tried different coatings. Here is the link.

[Kudzu]

I read wooden boat too, but they are not kayakers for the most part. So I wouldn't take everything I read there to seriously. I have seen a lot of misinformation.  Try KBB for better information.

 

If you just want a clear translucent finish you should use DuraTuff. I use it on my VARDO and that is a very good finish. I am thinking about building a Short Shot and tinting Dura Tuff. It's water clear and stinks pretty bad but its a tough finish. If I didn't have to keep tints in stock I would use it on all my boats.

 

 

 

[Bcone1381]

Cory's Skin Boat School has completed about 1400 boats, and Spirit Line is what they use. I finished my Kayak this month and its what I used.

I did not get an automobile show quality finish on my Kayak, but I think it's finish will draw positive attention. It's a working boat, it's a very durable finish, and I like the pigmented transparent look.

Spirit Line has issues with the coating that went ontop of a builders art work that is addressed in the application instructions. I would also not store any on our boats in direct sunlight unless an aluminum paint was used as a UV barrier. Spirit Line goes on clear. I am very pleased with its apparent durability, and it does need to babysat after application while it sets up in order to take care of the runs that develop. For color, pigment can be added, or he has a product and method of dyeing the fabric before applying coating. I watched his application videos, and have completed one boat and now could nearly match the videos speed, and get a similar finish if no foreign objects (bugs) contaminated my surfaces.

The skin boat school has video tutorials to apply the coating. Call the skin boat school, and Cory will take the time to answer all your questions.

[Hirilonde]

Kayaks gets scratched and the higher the gloss the more they show up.  Sure, a high gloss finish has big "wow factor" when completed, but  it also starts showing the scratches sooner and makes them more obvious.  No thanks.

[square_nails]

Good point on the scratches. I'll look at that Dura Tuff and see how I feel about it, thanks Jeff.

[Bcone1381]

For those considering Spirit Line, It is a very durable finish. It's not like paint. Shoo Goo, or a two part polyurethane floor finish is a closer comparison. Durability and toughness is its positive points.

I might sound like a salesman, but I am rather merely a consumer who is pleased with the product. If a run or two (which are avoidable with care) will destroy the kayaks appearance your in your mind and will cause anger and pain, then by all means paint it. If you can't spend the time to baby sit the goop as it sets up after application, then paint it. But if scratches are your concern then Cory's Goop is the product you are looking for.

Again, it's durability claims come from an actual user of the product...me.

[square_nails]

Bcone 1381, thanks for your personal testimony of the Spirit Line coating. Where I live there are lots of rocky beaches and shell fish to contend with. and no matter what product I use there will have to be techniques developed for beaching in these areas no matter what the finish. For example, disembarking in 2ft of water and wading in while pulling the kayak behind and even unloading in shallow water then carrying the Kayak out. Although there are also many sandy beaches which will be the first choice when planning a local trip.

This weekend I am moving so the day for ordering plans is "nigh at hand", I'm getting a little excited about the project and while the money is available for the kayak materials I have yet to save for the building platform and workbench but while saving for these items I will also be looking for used materials or salvaged materials to bring the cost down. Thanks everyone for your advice and experience you have shared.

Bruce

[msaxton]

Jeff,

hello, new here and will be ordering plans for Vardo soon.

Question: in your video where you are giving the kayak some tough love with the hammer is that the 11.6 oz fabric and is it covered with the Dura-Tuff?

[Kudzu]

That was a old boat covered with nylon. I think it was 7 oz?  It was coated with oil based Zar.

 

I am waiting on a polyester boat needing reskinning so I can show they are just as tough.

[HBREW]

Please steer me in the right direction. The only thing that I find in a google search for Dura Tuff is FAMOWOOD Dura-Tuff Clear Coat that seems to relate to a skin coating. This is described as a polyurethane.  Jeff, is this what you used as I would like to use a tinted clear coat on the kayak skin or have I not gone far enough in my search.  Thanks

 

[Kudzu]

That is it.  I have used it once and was very happy with it. I think it could be tinted and still have a translucent look even with some color.

 

Just looking and looks like it has been discontinued by the manufacturer. I guess the government killed another good solvent based product!  I REALLY hate to hear that too.

[HBREW]

Thanks, has anyone ever tried any of the deck staining products like Cabot?

[Action Tiger]

If I were looking to use clear, I might be inclined to check out floor sealers. Like for hardwood, patios, etc. We got some a few years back to seal our floors and it was uv protective, too. A really thin, easy to apply liquid. Maybe search the options in your neck of the woods... Most of the water based things are tintable, too, if that maters.

I have no Cabot experience.

I actually think coating this poly cloth is one thing latex paint is good for, because it really is a flexible, rubbery thing when it dries, and the newer formulations are fairly tenacious. My daughter has a whole collection of "paint bowls" I have peeled out of my paint cup over the years (you don't paint right out of the pot, do you?!). They are pretty tough, averaging 8-10 coats each, they'll hold water and not deform. Latex paint is crazy.

[Kudzu]

With Dura-tuff going away I don't have a recommendation for a water clear coating. But a water based polyurethane would probably work.and many/most are clear. It would be pretty simple to by a quart and try it some scrap before committing to do the boat.  I am looking for an idea for the boat in my shop.  I was thinking about Dura-tuff but maybe I will try water base poly?

 

Paint is  hard to beat and it is cheap. White paint will be somewhat translucent, but not as much as a clear poly.

[Action Tiger]

The floor stuff we used was a poly product. It was very brushable and built nicely. I think we waited 4 or so hours between coats, and did a total of 5 on freshly stripped oak floors.

They remained shiny until the day we left 7 years later, despite having built a few canoes in the living room, and having three kids and a dog on it constantly. We also rode bikes and skateboards on it, regularly. Oh, and those scooters. And my wife was pretty fond of dragging all the furniture around all the time, so I would trip in the dark, I think.

I couldn't tell you any more about it than that it was a clear high traffic floor sealer, and definitely water clean up.

I'm not recommending it for kayaks, but saying a water clean up floor sealer MAY be a clear skin sealer choice.