Priming and Varnishing

The end may not be in sight, actually, but it is fathomable -- the official launching (better to call it a "floating") party will be August 12!  That leaves about 5 weeks to get the outside painted.

Painting a boat is, naturally, not a simple matter.  First the hull is sealed with three coats of epoxy (this was done, oh, about five years ago -- ack!).  Then three coats of primer (four years ago).  Then three coats of barrier paint (shown below, gray).  Then we'll be ready for the bottom paint.

Then comes the varnishing of "bright work," which means the wood parts we're going to leave unpainted.  A lot of time went into the brightwork; getting nice wood, some from the property (mostly fir and some cedar), sanding, sealing with epoxy, sanding and then varnish to protect from UV (which would break down the epoxy and let water in).  My Dad made these beautiful hatch frame pieces from fir while I was finishing up the school year and getting moved.