RE: [Paddlewise] Refinishing Klepper A-II frame

From: Fitzsimmons, Mark A <mark.a.fitzsimmons_at_boeing.com>
Date: Tue, 26 Mar 2002 12:38:38 -0800
> From: Matt Poese <matt_at_sabine.acs.psu.edu>
> Subject: [Paddlewise] Refinishing Klepper A-II frame
> 
> Specific questions I have:
> 
> 1)  Should I use a chemical stripper, or sandpaper and elbow grease?
> 
Scrapers first then sandpaper are best. If you must, chemical strippers
should be used in well ventilated areas, and an organic chemical respirator
is a great idea. It will give you leukemia or other cancers if you breathe
too much of it. The sandpaper will be good exercise for your arms, get you
ready for paddling.

> 2)  Does anyone advocate removal of the fittings?  This seems like it
> would really lengthen the job.  Is masking the fittings necessary?
> Is there a good idea for masking the fittings besides masking tape?

Removal of fittings will make a nicer job, do a better waterproofing of the
wood around the fitting (where it's probably needed most) and make it easier
to remove/repair the fittings in the future. It will also alert you to any
rotten wood that needs repair before you reinstall screws. Drill out rotten
wood, and use epoxy and a dowel to fill rotten holes and redrill them after
it sets. With a drill and screwdriver bit it shouldn't take very long to
remove the screws.

> 
> 3)  Once the old varnish has been removed, is there any 
> treatment that I
> should consider before applying the new varnish?

sandpaper only, remove dust with compressed air or a dry brush, and wipe
with a tack cloth or rag damp with alcohol or lacquer thinner. let dry.

> 
> 4)  What type of varnish should I use?  Should I apply with a 
> brush or dip
> the wood into the varnish?  How many coats?

Best is Z-spar, but expensive, and Z-spar dries quickly so it's harder to
apply. Any spar varnish with UV inhibitors will work though. Do not thin
varnish. Use a brush. Don't apply too much at once, to the point that it
drips or sags (such as dipping). If the wood is exposed to sunlight, 6
coats. If not, 2-4 coats is sufficient. Sand lightly between coats with fine
sandpaper after it dries. if the sandpaper clogs and makes balls of the
varnish, it's not ready to sand yet (*or you sanded a drip that was still
sticky). Anything between 180-400 grit is okay.

> 
> 5)  How long should the job take?

1-2 hours of scraping and sanding, depending on how bad it is 
1 hour per coat

> 
> 
> Thanks for your help,
> 
> Matt
> 
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Received on Thu Mar 28 2002 - 06:51:14 PST

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