To flatten or not to flatten

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galleywench
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To flatten or not to flatten

Post by galleywench »

I am approaching the point in my Alberg 35 recore/restoration where I have to decide whether to add a flattening agent to the final coat on the decks. I've done 2 coats of Interlux Perfection on all the areas that will be exposed (cabin top sides and the deck perimeter/bulwark). I will be using KiwiGrip for the non-skid areas which is already non-glossy.

I had planned on adding flattening agent to give a semi-gloss or satin finish to the cabin top and deck perimeter surfaces to cut down on glare, but after 2 coats, I am really liking the glossy finish. Now I'm rethinking my original decision to add the flattening agent to the final coat and I'm wondering if the glare from the exposed surfaces will be a real problem or is it sufficient to make sure the non-skid areas (KiwiGrip) are not glossy?

Photos here: http://www.alberg35.com/2012/09/woohoo-paint-time.html

Any thoughts appreciated.
1963 Rhodes 19 #731
http://www.fernhollow.net
Ric in Richmond
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Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2005 12:26 am
Boat Name: Andiamo
Boat Type: Alberg 35
Location: Richmond VA

Re: To flatten or not to flatten

Post by Ric in Richmond »

Mine was glossy when I bought it....several years later it is not glossy.

So either way it will end up flat with enough time and UV exposure.

Leave it. It won't be an issue and it will be way easier to keep clean.


by the way I love the way your boat looks. All your hard work has been worth it!!!
Ric Bergstrom

http://andiamoadventures.blogspot.com/

Archived old blog:

http://andiamo35.blogspot.com/

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earlylight
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Re: To flatten or not to flatten

Post by earlylight »

I painted the deck and cabin top on my previous boat using Interlux Interthane Plus (the predecessor to the Interlux Perfection) I added flattening agent to the non-skid areas but left the remainder glossy. Glare was never a problem and the gloss made cleaning much easier. Good luck!
Dick Coerse
Early Light
Sabre 34 MK1
Solomons MD

http://earlylight160.net76.net
galleywench
Skilled Systems Installer
Posts: 188
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2009 10:21 pm
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Re: To flatten or not to flatten

Post by galleywench »

Ok, I'm convinced, the final coat will remain high gloss. I just hope I don't screw it up and have to lay down a fourth coat. It's nerve racking to sand down a good looking finish with the hopes that the next coat will be better, but knowing that there are a whole slew of things that can go wrong along the way.
1963 Rhodes 19 #731
http://www.fernhollow.net
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