I am finishing up a CLC Annapolis Wherry Tandem build and I am getting down to the finishing part of the project. I really like a whitewash look for the boat and am not not sure what would happen if I put some sort of whitewash paint finish over the epoxy, then varnish on top of that. I really want to get this boat on the water and be pretty rough with it as I island hop on the coast of Georgia. Not concerned about making it super pretty.
This is a picture of the epoxy sanded and I am searching for a way to make this look permanent. I am guessing that I could put a single thin white coat of paint and then a varnish to protect it and make it water worthy?
I built a CLC teardrop in 2020, then just took it to the local body shop and they sprayed an automotive clear coat over it and it is still perfect today. Don’t think that will work since I am putting this into salt water exclusively.
Any guidance here would be super super appreciated.
Saw your note on a whitewash finish and have ideas to help.
I have some experience in the area having developed a whitewash stain that i use for kayak builds that is compatible with epoxy.
The challenge you have have is you have already epoxied the boat so traditional whitewash is off the table.
However, there are techniques you can adapt from “antiquing” furniture, that with a little practice, can get you where you need.
Basically, its a three step process. First, you will apply a base coat…a light brown or something to match the mahogany color…and let that dry. Then you are going to apply a white coat over with a sponge or brush to reveal the brown coat below (and this is where the practice/artistry come in to make it look whitewashed/antiqued) And then when that dries, a final over coat of clear.
You will have to experiment with the paints and colors and you need to use marine grade paints…but it can be done. There are lots of site’s on the internet and you tubes that describe the techniques.
I have seen a lot of faux wood finishes on some high end boats. And have built some new “old” furniture. You can make it happen.
Pic of my white wash kayak
H
Oh wow, your boat is beautiful. Amazing really. Thank you for the detailed response and direction to go on this. I will research this now based on the guidelines you provided here.
Thanks for taking the time to respond and sharing your work. Truly an specimen of artistic authenticity on the water.
Levi,
one other variation that you could consider…
the base coat of a mahogony colour may not be necessary and you could just apply ‘artistically’ your white on epoxied mahogony.
all of the techniques you will see require a bit of practice and test on scrap pieces…or on small sections you would be willing to sand off/start over.
but as i was thinking about it, probably no reason you have to put a base color down.
Got it. I think I got a little more confidence to experiment now. I appreciate and will send back what came of all of this when I am finished with the project.
