Bulkhead replacement

[Atlantic Salt]

I have c&c Frigate 36, new to me, and need to replace forward starboard bulkhead. My plan is to use 3/4" teak plywood. My dilemma is how to finish it. Nor best protection it seems I should be using epoxy it seal it. But for appearance I want to use a satin varnish. What do you think?
Phil


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[DeepFrz]

Seal all the edges with epoxy as they will be covered by either the tabbing or trim. Then you can finish the surface any way you like. You might want to mask off the finish area while you are working on the installation. I think it will be best to remove the teak surface where you will be tabbing the bulkhead to the hull as teak contains a lot of oil.

Edit: Also seal any holes that you drill through the bulkhead with epoxy. Probably not necessary if in an area unlikely to get wet but worthwhile IMO.

[UNCIVILIZED]

You can put varnish on, overtop of epoxy. In fact, in anyplace exposed to UV, it's kind of mandatory. So you needn't choose one over the other.
Go to, & or call, the System 3 Resins, & West System sites/tech help lines, & they'll recommend which (brands/types) of varnishes, to use with resin formulation X, or Y in order to get the best results.
MAS may have some as well, ditto on other resin makers.


I used to know, but that was ages ago. However, several of the varnishes recommended to me the last time I did it, weren't of the high gloss variety. So you should be good, regarding getting the finish that you like.
Also, there's a LOT of information in the application guides, & available online - both in text, & video format. Some of which is especially helpful in achieving a good finish. By preventing things like outgassing, which causes those pesky micro bubbles in clear finishes.


Look up Russell Brown, & PT Watercraft, his book & online videos are more than worth it, for what you're doing. LOTS of good tips.
Plus, if he was good enough with composites to get recruited to work on an America's Cup boat, amongst many, many other things...