Saying hello

[Jaytak5]

Hi MY name is Brandon I started my first build on Tuesday out here in sunny San diego. Going great so far. Decided to go with a polyester resin coating instead of the aluminum siding. Any thought on that?

[tony.latham]

Brandon

Welcome!

I know polyester is more uv resistant than epoxy but I think the sun is still going to beat it up. Are you planning on painting it?

Tony

[pohukai]

Welcome Brandon,
I used polyester resin and 6 oz fiberglass on the roof. I painted using white oil based rustoleum from Lowes. The oil based paint is getting more scarce here in CA, but dries to a very hard finish.

I have used expoxy/fiberglass for kayaks and prefer that to polyester resin since it has less fumes and dries quicker; but is a lot more expensive. Since I knew from the start I was going to paint it, have the wood grain show through wasn't important. If it was, I'd probably stay with epoxy.

Be sure to visit the gathering at Lake Perris in March 2026. It's the last HUGE local gathering since the promoter (wonderful people) are moving out of the area.

Jim

[The Teardrop Nanny]

Hello and welcome to the forum, Brandon. I have a woody TD with wood on the sides with doors and metal from front to back. I would say to see that the metal extends slightly beyond any wood due to run off if in wet weather, or if you are storing it outside. My TD is stored inside year round so the wood stays pristine.

You will find many great ideas here, and no shortage of advice from members when you need it. My husband and I host the IRG in the Redwoods of northern California, and this is our final version of the event. If you want to see more about it, or our neck of the woods, click on the icon below. We also have an outdoor cast iron cooking show on YouTube that can show you some of the places we like to camp in California.

Enjoy your time and much progress on your build.
Joanie
The Teardrop NAnny

[Bill n Robi]

Welcome, you will find a lot of good help and advice here