October 30, 2017
After finishing up a late afternoon appointment, I raced home to prepare for Joule's first coat of primer for her topsides. I removed the materials from a couple boxes - Interlux Primekote, a two-part epoxy primer to be used for the Interlux Perfection topcoat paint; and sorted the specific items for the task at hand.
I combined parts A and B, and then set it aside to allow for the products induction period. While the paint was chemically doing its 'thang', I went around Joule with rag and solvent to remove any last remaining contaminants. At this time, I also taped off the stem fitting and chain plates.
The last items taped off and the hull cleaned and ready for paint, the induction period had come to an end and so now it was time to begin painting. I grabbed a 4" fine, solvent-resistant foam roller and a paint tray lined with plastic wrap and started at Joule's counter. It always a pleasing to see the first coat of primer applied to a Cape Dory's counter...now that it had been freed of the hideous motor mount securely installed with no less than 8 bolts! Joule's lines, as they were meant to be appreciated, were coming back!
I worked my way across the counter, down the starboard side, around the stem, and back down the port side. Once I had completed the topsides I returned to the aft to apply a coat of primer on the poop deck. My motivation for getting the first coat of primer on was two-fold: one, I wanted to get a UV protective layer of primer on the recent epoxy work, and two, I wanted to better isolate areas that required a bit more attention prior to applying those second, third and potentially fourth and final coats of primer. I managed to get things completed just as darkness was settling in for the evening - happy to have this milestone reached.
Total Time Today: 1.5 hrs