Thinking this was a non-issue, and that cruising sensibilities dictate paint would be the obvious choice, I find myself reconsidering the bulwarks. The Sterling 2 part LP paint I ordered and applied to my bowsprit was difficult to use, to put it mildly. The various mixtures, the weather, the application technique, all had to be in alignment, like some cosmic miracle. I painted and re-painted that bowsprit with almost as many coats of paint as I would have with varnish…and it’s still not right. I have nightmares about paint touch-ups with the 2 part LP. Don’t Forget To Vote!
At this point traditional varnish is not an option. However, a 2 part system such as Honey Teak, which I used on my Nor’sea 27, Chamois is looking highly appealing, and will be what I use on the other wood on deck (hatch covers, coamings etc). If a two part varnish holds up as well as a two part paint, then why not varnish? Another option is Petit’s Easypoxy, which seemed to hold up really well aboard the schooner Lewis R. French after a summer of heavy charter work. Duane, a local wooden boat builder swares by floor enamel from the hardware store. He figures, if it’s designed to stand up to heavy foot traffic, it’ll probably do the job for his topsides. Sounds sensible. I’m open to any and all suggestions on varnish and paint alternatives.
So imagine if varnish and paint were equally matched in terms of ease of application, ease of maintenance, longevity, abrasion resistance, UV filters, price etc… what would be the best looking choice for the bulwarks? Here are two BCC’s at anchor, one painted, the other varnished bulwarks.
CAST YOUR VOTE BELOW!
