A few listers have commented on the recommended use of shellac as a
'primer' prior to using OD enamel on new oak troop seats. One individual
doubted that the shellac would hold up to the inhospitable climatic
conditions prevailing in the area where the vehicle was lodged.
The use of shellac was recommended, in this instance, if my memory
serves, as a sealer, rather than a primer. For this service shellac will
work well as the OD enamel will bind with it and take the brunt of the
UV attack which the sun will throw at it. Shellac is also an effective
moisture barrier as long as the surface is unbroken. One of its
disadvantages is that it is a bit brittle compared o some other coatings
one might use.
One product I have used in the restoration of old wooden boats is a
product called Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer (CPES) formulated and
manufactufactured by Smith Co. Marine Products, Richmond CA, (510)
237-6842. This company makes many specialised products for boat
restoration and is cheaper than West System.
I have used this product extensively for sealing new wood prior to
installation in an older boat and to seal areas where small amounts of
dry rotted wood have been removed but a whole new piece was not deemed
necessary. The product is a two part epoxy similar to that used in
fiberglass layup, but it has been thinned to a watery consistency which
appows it to penetrate the grain of wood and seal the grain with a nice
tough coating.
With a light sanding with 120 or 150 grit open coat sandpaper to knock
down the grain raised by the first coat, the application of a second
coat to do a final seal, and another light sand, you will be ready to
apply the OD enamel. Be sure to predrill the mounting bolt holes and
coat them too!
Wood properly treated with CPES will stand up to immersion in water as
long as the surface is unbroken, (I do not have any financial interest
in the company except having spent lots of money with then over the years!)
A substitute ptocedure I have used which seems to work well also is to
find a supplier of epoxy resins wherever you might be and buy bulk epoxy
resin, thin it down to a watery consistency and brush it on.
Hope this helps,
Mel Miller
2 X M725
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