Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

On my first trailer, I used CPEX as an undercoat and Uniflex 255 as a finish coat. Uniflex 255 is an incredibly durable 2 part epoxy system. My problem is I can not get the smooth finish I want. It came out good by rolling it on and using a foam brush to drag it out... but I can not get it that last little bit to make it look really good... plus, it does stain (and it is white so it shows).

Anyway, I did some checking and some boat owners are using CPES to saturate the wood with a penetrating resin, then finishing it with Interlux.

After I get back from KY in a couple of weeks, I plan to start trailer no. 2, and will be faced with finishing it off at some point. I have a gravity feed spray gun and am thinking of using CPES first, then prime it and shoot it with Interlux.

So, am looking for feedback on the above. I figure white Interlux should last 4-5 years. It might chip easier from flying pebbles, but I think I can get a better finish with the Interlux over the Uniflex.

Arne wrote:On my first trailer, I used CPEX as an undercoat and Uniflex 255 as a finish coat. Uniflex 255 is an incredibly durable 2 part epoxy system. My problem is I can not get the smooth finish I want. It came out good by rolling it on and using a foam brush to drag it out... but I can not get it that last little bit to make it look really good... plus, it does stain (and it is white so it shows).

Anyway, I did some checking and some boat owners are using CPES to saturate the wood with a penetrating resin, then finishing it with Interlux.

After I get back from KY in a couple of weeks, I plan to start trailer no. 2, and will be faced with finishing it off at some point. I have a gravity feed spray gun and am thinking of using CPES first, then prime it and shoot it with Interlux.

So, am looking for feedback on the above. I figure white Interlux should last 4-5 years. It might chip easier from flying pebbles, but I think I can get a better finish with the Interlux over the Uniflex.

Man... I'd love to help you out... but you talkin 'Greek' boy...... Still trying to figure out what plywood is............

This boat has Interlux over the appropriate primer on the bottom. I rolled and tipped it off with a brush...and it is really, really smooth. I would wonder about durability compared to Uniflex. With three color coats on it, I did wear through to the primer dragging it up on shore, and on the inside it got scratched up from gravel and sand on my shoes. Pretty heavy use though.

The exterior of a tear might get chipped here and there using Interlux, but not sure it would get much abuse...I've used Interlux on my kayak, so know what you mean, it is not real durable..

Here is my note to Rot Doc and their reply....

---------------------

> I have used your CPES and Uniflex on a teardrop trailer. I am mostly
> happy with the way it came out, but am not particularly happy with my
> own application of the Uniflex.
>
> I applied it with a roller and dragged it out with a foam brush. It
> worked okay, but not as good as I would have liked (the surface does not
> have that nice smooth finish I want to achieve). And the Uniflex seems
> to stain with tree debris and general road crud, so the white surface
> has become more of a dirty white, no matter what I try to clean it with.
>
> Anyway, my real question is, I am building another teardrop trailer. And
> I plan on using CPES on it as an undercoat to 'glue' it all
> together..... I am thinking of trying to spray/brush Interlux on it as a
> finished coat. I would probably have to apply some sort of primer first
> over the CPES, and then the white Interlux over it. I just feel the look
> of the Interlux would be better than what I've been able to achieve with
> the Uniflex.
>
> I have read some notes where at least one person has done this with a
> boat and seemed happy with the plan and results.
>
> The trailer is out of the sun most of the time and is only full exposed
> 2 months out of the year. I would like your comments on my idea.... if
> you would rather I call and talk to you, please let me know... but at
> least you will have an idea of my situation..
>
> Thank you, Arne
> .
> .

Arne,

The trailer builders we know of have just rolled Uniflex on the Uniflex
and left the surface stippled. It can be applied with a brush, or
brushed out, although as with most heavy coatings it would have to be
cut a little, in the case of Uniflex with xylene. If cut with xylene,
then generally three coats are applied to get the proper film thickness.

Your plan using the Interlux paint will work just fine, although surface
durability will not be as long as with the Uniflex. I would use a
hi-build primer over the CPES'd surface, not for protection but to help
you achieve that very smooth final surface for the paint. Boat owners
will often apply the primer, sand smooth, apply the primer again and
sand smooth, and then apply several coats of the high-gloss paint. It
should work just fine.

Doc
--
The Rot Doctor
http://www.rotdoctor.com
E-mail: [email protected]

Dave,

That's one beautiful boat you build! It must be a joy cruising the waterways down there. How far & where do you travel in it? Fishing? Pots? Can't wait to see your teardrop pics.

Proud sponsor...Great Alaskan Teardrop Run...2008

How are those plans coming along?

Fred

:peace:

My wife and I have taken it about 12 miles up the coast to a rec cabin for a weekend...but I usually just use it to pull crab pots and salmon fish when it's only me. Not much of an ocean boat, but does well on small lakes.

The tear is sloooooooowly coming along. I was working the last couple of days on the master mold for fenders. It's been so rainy, I finally decided to retire to the garage and do something constructive.