I’ve run into a problem with a boat I am refinishing.
The hull is red cedar planking covered with marine enamel. After scraping and sanding, I am trying to repair with a polyester based, MEK catalyzed fairing compound followed by several coats of solvent- based Interlux primer-surfacer and topcoats of Interlux marine enamel.
There seem to be several “hot spots” where the fairing filler will not properly cure and consequently doesn’t adhere to the cedar. I’ve tried priming before and after filler, lacquer thinner and acetone washes and so far, I’m still getting soft compound and bubbling at the edges of the repairs which this experience has taught me means the filler didn’t adhere properly.
Has anyone had any experience with this sort of problem? I’d appreciate advice as I am supposed to spray the topcoat next week.
Replies
Contact the manufacturer. The phone number should be on the label. International Paint has some excellent technical folks who are willing to help.
Thanks for the suggestion but the problem appears to be related to the filler reacting with the old paint rather than with the Interlux primer or paint.
Filler is Polyfair F26 and appears to be so generic as to not even rate a mention on the Baltek website. It adhered fine on 95% of the patches but I've tried as many as six different batches on a couple of spots with no success. Local supplier is no help.
Any other ideas?
Dick, will the filler adhere and cure where there is new finish? Will the new finish adhere to the old paint? If so you could try applying a coat of finish then filling the 5% that wont work where it contacts the old paint. Can't say it will work, but the principal is the same as using shellac as a sealer on a piece of furniture prior to applying the preffered finish.
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