Restoration 2208

[moggseyb]

I have just purchased my first National 12 she had quite a bit of peeling varnish.Having decided to strip her right back to the wood in my garage this weekend have commenced the job but I do have one concern that is that although the garage is bone dry it is quite chilly 1-2 degrees C ( I live in the Brecon Beacons) is this ok to keep sanding down? Regards Moggsey

[Alistair Edwards]

Congratulations on your purchase.
Low temperature is not a problem for sanding but it will be an issue when you start applying the new varnish. It will take a very long time for each coat to go off.
If there is any way that you can get some heat in there it will make your life a lot easier. Good luck and take your time with the sanding.

[nigelf]

Alistair's advice is absolutely correct but don't do what I did many years ago when trying to repaint a boat in a cold cellar. There were no electrical power points in the cellar so I brought in a paraffin heater. After at least two disasters with the paint crazing, I realised that the water vapour or the fumes from the heater was the culprit. I then tried repainting without the heater and everything was fine although it did take a long time for the paint to go off. I am a bit out of touch with some of the latest paints but I have little doubt that in all circumstances paraffin heaters are off limits. We learn from our mistakes, particularly when they are expensive ones, as mine was. N3535.

[darebarry]

Hi. Firstly keep the paint/varnish in the house, I use the airing cupboard ready for use. Yes do not use a parafin stove, I got that teashirt many years ago. But if you cat build a poly tent over the boat and provide local heat that will help. You will find that most paints give advice as to temp.
Good luck
Dare Barry  

[angus]

I would recomend that you don't appy the paint or varnish at temperatures below recomended on the tin, you may get away with it but if you don't you will have a lot of extra work! As Dare says keeping the paint warm also helps.