Durabak Update?

[sleepercatcher]

I just ordered Durabak to paint the trailer exterior, then I read the "Durabak update, not good one" forum entry. Any updates on Durabak? Do I need to send it all back? I've got too much time and money invested to coat the teardrop with something that's going to fail. If Durabak has been redeemed, then I have the question about attaching wood trim to the trailer. To me it makes sense to attach the wood trim first and then coat everything with Durabak instead of painting the trailer and trying to attach trim. Any thoughts?

SC

[schaney]

Sleepcatcher, I've been using Durabak on plywood based trailer boxes for over four years now with great success. When building I use high end marine grade Okoume or Meranti plywood. I've never had a problem. I have a test piece of Durabak coated Okoume that has been out in the weather 3 1/2 years now with no problems.

Where I've seen problems show up when using Durabak on plywood, it's been an expansion / contraction issue not an adhesion issue. Different plywoods like construction grade Fir or Pine will check as they expand damaging surface finishes. It's important to seal all sides well to minimize expansion / contraction of your wood.

[sleepercatcher]

The sides of my trailer are AC grade plywood and the top is luan. I've sealed it with CPES from the Rot Doctor and used their filler to fill the holes.

SC

[Steve_Cox]

SC,

I think I was the one that had a bad experience with Durabak. The stuff just never completely cured. They fully took responsibility, said it was the fault of their supplier and gave me replacement product. Unfortunately it had already ruined the decks of a sailboat and the stuff just wasn't coming off. It finally skinned over after a few months and after a year it was fully cured. One bad experience shouldn't deter you if it is Durabak you want. My incident happened about 10 years ago.

[schaney]

Steve, Did they give you a reason for it not curing?

SC, With CPES I wait 6-10 days for it to completely cure before Durabaking over it. Are the top, bottom and all edges sealed well? If so, sounds like you're ready.

[kirkman]

Sleeprcatcher..... Mine has been out side for I think 5 years now with NO problems at all.

[sleepercatcher]

I called the Durabak folks back. After talking with them, I brushed off the surface of the trailer with a broom, then with a fine bristle paintbrush and finally with a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. I'm supposed to wipe down a test area with xylene and then paint a two inch strip. Hopefully the Durabak will stick like it's supposed to. I'll post pictures when I do the strip.

SC

[Steve_Cox]

Steve, Did they give you a reason for it not curing?

The only reason they gave was defective catalyst, but it was a long time ago.

[schaney]

Thanks for the info Steve, at least it finally cured.