PAINT finishing TOUCH
Continuing with the more conventional coatings, enamel paint systems work well on solid wood and traditionally constructed boats, they are quite tolerant of poor workshop conditions, the products are not aggressively toxic, and they are straightforward to apply. The surface to be painted will not need the same level of fine sanding as for varnish, but, it must be fair, without any unevenness, and all machine marks and hard edges dealt with. Generally, I will sand to P120 grade abrasive to give a good key for the primer.
From bare wood, the paint system usually consists of primer coatings, undercoat paint, and the gloss enamel coating. The primer layer is an important element in the quest for a long-lasting finish. Primers are designed to stick to wood and provide a stabilising, moisture-resistant foundation for the more cosmetic enamel paint.
Manufacturers recommend the number of primer coats required, usually two, with the first coat thinned by a percentage to penetrate the wood. However, primer paint does not flow
