Finishes
Many customers find the choice of finish for their boat the second most difficult one, after deciding on the size. The choices are so many in these days of high technology (the "T" word) that it becomes confusing. The best choice for you relates to how you store the boat, how often you use it, how you feel about the final product, and perhaps, the amount of time you want to dedicate to the finish, both in the building and down the road. Some finishes are used in combination with others, further confusing the issue. We recommend that you take a moment to discuss all the issues with us upon ordering.
Marine Varnish:
The top Z-Spar varnishe is Flagship. This very high quality varnish is more expensive than some but is loaded with UV blocker that protects your boat from the sun. Flagship is an ideal coating over clear epoxy. Varnish looks the best and its glossy surface makes it easy to keep the boat clean. Three gallons will do most drift boats, or two gallons over epoxy.
Z-Spar/ per gallon........ $100.00
Zspar per quart... $32.00
Clear Marine Epoxy:
Epoxy as a wood finish is best used primarily on the plywood parts of the boat. Plywood, even marine plywood, is subject to "checking". Checking in plywood reveals itself as a series of hairline cracks running along the grain of the wood, with the grain fibers pulling apart from each other. This is particularly common when the boat is left out in the weather on a daily basis. Epoxy has the ability to soak farther into the grain than any other finish and inhibit checking. Epoxy should be used on bare wood, which means you should not use a stain underneath it (for color). Epoxy is also an excellent primer under paint. You'll need 2 gallons to coat all the plywood.
West Systems per gallon kit........ $125.00
West Systems per quart kit........ $55.00
System Three no-blush per 3 gallon kit........ $300.00
Click here for a more complete description of our epoxy products.
Marine Oil:
Marine Penofin marine oil is the easiest and fastest finish to apply and redo, but it needs to be attended to more often. It dries to a matte finish. It's at its best in arid climates but was formulated for salt water use so it can stand the abuse. It isn't as good looking as varnish (because it doesn't shine) and it soils more easily. Oil is also useful when applied preceding varnish or paint. It seems to help in the prevention of checking. Two or three gallons will do most boats.
Marine Penofin per gallon ....... $95.00
Marine Penofin per quart........ $45.00
Marine Paint:
Paint can have a very classic look and folks need to store a boat outside sometimes, or perhaps in a guide business, use the boat every day. Nothing has the UV protection from the sun better than a high quality marine paint. We'd just say this: you can always paint over oil or varnish if they don't work out, but it is nearly impossible to return to natural wood after the boat is painted. We stock Interlux Toplac and primer because this one part paint is easy to use (just the same as house paint) and has a fantastic finish. Other paints can be ordered on request.
Toplac per qt ....... $95.00
ProKote Primer per qt........ $45.00
To order call (541)221-5201 or e-mail at: tatmanboats@gmail.com
