Lacquer

[BenR]

Can anyone recommend a good lacquer for masts and prods?
also...is it worth doing?

[roland_trim]

2 pac - find your nearest car spray paint supplier, most will deliver it to your house included in the payment.

Pricy mind - expect to pay about 50 for 2 litres of something good and massively overspec for what you need.
For smaller ammounts for just a mast you could ask me to decant you some or even bribe H to spray it for you.

[john_hamilton]

i use this
 http://www.force4.co.uk/2924/International-Original-Varnish-750ML.html?referrer=froogle&utm_source=google&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=pid2924

[BenR]

from a quick google, 2 pack seems to be the way to go, I do however have some international varnish lying around from the Wayfarer.

Is U-POL the stuff to use?

What was Hayleys advice...start with a small bribe and work up.... 1 pack of jelly babies??

[phil_kirk]

You can use a 1 pack yacht varnish.  This provides good results especially if you warm the tin to room temperature first.  I find it needs re-doing each season.  The varnish you use must provide UV protection.  This stops the epoxy getting sunburnt in the summer and getting delicate.  Seriously  the UV will reduce the strength of the resin and can lead to breakage.

[BenR]

Thanks guys,
I have found some 1l tubs of 2 part U-pol 20-85 lacquer for less than 20 quid which should do the job
spray or brush? bearing in mind that I only have a fairly rubbish electric spray gun.

[BenR]

oops 2085 is one part...back to google

[Tim Noyce]

I have a top money saving tip... I've recently taken to painting the masts with whichever hull paint I have left over from painting the boat... this is cheaper, looks funky and is much easier to see if the coverage has worn away as you can see the carbon showing! Also, if it is a light colour it shouldn't get as hot in the summer.

[BenR]

Thanks Tim, Atum with a white mast might look pretty cool. Thing is, the paint for the hull is WAAAAYYY more expensive than the U-Pol lacquer so I think lacquer wins this time.

[Hayley_Trim]

What was Hayleys advice...start with a small bribe and work up.... 1 pack of jelly babies??

No need for bribes, if you use the stuff we used last time it smells so good i'd do it for free  Not that i'd advocate sniffing the stuff, and of course you should always wear a breather mask... 

[Tim Noyce]

Or dab a bit on the filter of the mask and wear it whilst doing housework... that would pass the time!

[Hayley_Trim]

There's a thought.  It smells of marzipan by the way, i'm not generally a fan of solvents.

[john_hamilton]

it smelt so good!!!