Cedar strip canoes, shown at right, are a step back in time.
Among mass-produced aluminum and composite canoes, the cedar strip canoe bestows a sense of pride and takes the paddler back to the simple origins of canoeing. However, age, exposure to weather and normal (or abnormal) bumps and bruises can result in scratches to the varnish or dents and holes in the hull that have penetrated the epoxy and fiberglass and allow water to damage the underlying wood. Scratches can be refinished at one's convenience, but holes and dents call for immediate attention.
Instructions
Small Repairs
1. Set the canoe, gunwales (upper edge of the sides of the canoe) down, upon a set of sawhorses in a dry, covered, well-ventilated place (a garage is ideal). Place the needed materials within reach.
2. Wash off any foreign matter around the restoration site with water and sponge. Dry with clean rag. Then wipe the area again with a tack cloth and sand the area free of varnish with 220-grit sandpaper, feathering the edges. You can do this by hand if the scratches are light. Use an orbital sander if scratches are deep.
3. Wipe the restoration area with a tack cloth, lacquer thinner or denatured alcohol to remove sanding dust. With long, even strokes of the brush, using just enough to cover, apply the first coat of marine varnish, diluted equally with lacquer. Let dry at least 24 hours. Apply a second coat of pure marine varnish with the same brush strokes as the first. Let dry another 24 hours. Remove from sawhorses.
Large Repairs
4. Set the canoe, gunwales down, upon sawhorses in a dry, covered, well-ventilated place. Keep needed materials within reach. Remove any damaged epoxy, fiberglass and wood with the utility knife. Sand with 150-grit sandpaper, work through 180-grit and finish with 220-grit paper to feather the edges.
5. Use a utility knife to cut a piece of cedar plank the size of the damaged wood. Insert the piece where the wood was removed. Fit as tightly as possible. Mix the epoxy and hardener, according to the product's directions, or use the dispensing pump. With a brush, apply epoxy over the cedar plank plug. Let dry 24 hours. Sand smooth, working from 150- to 220-grit sandpaper.
6. Use a paint brush to spread a thick coat of prepared epoxy across the area. Place a cut piece of fiberglass cloth over this, extending about 1/2 inch on all sides. Apply more epoxy on top until the cloth is completely wet. Smooth out any air bubbles, Let dry completely, at least 24 hours.
7. Again, sand the area, using 150- to 220-grit sandpaper. Wipe with a tack cloth, lacquer thinner or denatured alcohol to remove sanding dust. Apply another coat of prepared epoxy. Let dry 24 hours. Sand again. Wipe away sanding dust with tack cloth, denatured alcohol or lacquer thinner.
.
8. Apply first coat of marine varnish, diluted equally with lacquer, with long, even brush strokes. Let dry at least 24 hours. Apply another coat of pure marine varnish. Let dry another 24 hours. Remove canoe from sawhorse.
Related posts
Leather strips are often the scraps left over from larger leather craft projects, or they may be sold in bulk at cheaper prices than larger pieces. Either way, craft projects made with strips of l...
Get your wood table looking new again.If you accidentally get ink stains on your wood table, they can be easy to remove. In some cases, a strong cleaner such as mineral spirits can remove the ink...
When decorating your home, you don't always need to buy new furniture to give a room the right look. With a fresh coat of paint and a little elbow grease, you can breathe new life into old furnitu...
How to Fiberglass a Model AirplaneApplying a fiberglass skin to a model airplane can create a lightweight, durable, fuel-resistant covering for your aircraft. A fiberglass skin provides a smooth f...
Briwax is a blend of beeswax, carnauba wax and various dye colors. It can diminish minor scratches, indentations and stains and also remove grease and grime from wood surfaces. Briwax is easy to u...
