sealing a solid hull

[bushman32]

I need to seal a solid hull, basswood, to look like a steel hull. I am thinking of light coats of gray primer (Rustoleum) with light sanding between coats. Does this seem like a doable plan?

  Ron W.

[Jaager]

I don't know if this will work.

 

This is not my area, but this product (Bare Metal Foil) caught my eye in the Micro-Mark catalog.

 

Here is a link to the original manufacturer  http://www.bare-metal.com/bare-metal-foil.html

 Interesting to see that copper is available.

[Jaager]

As for sealing,  I would do this:

 

rub surface using 0000 steel wool or  600/1000 grit Silicone carbide paper.

coat #1   Pure Tung oil cut  1:1 with mineral spirits.

rub surface using 0000 steel wool or  600/1000 grit Silicone carbide paper.

coat #2   shellac cut 1:1 with shellac thinner ( anhydrous alcohol /  MeOH or EtOH or IsopropylOH ).

rub surface using 0000 steel wool or  600/1000 grit Silicone carbide paper.

 

Now use a paint primer.

[bushman32]

Thanks Jaager. I had also been looking for a way to simulate the hull plates and hadn't thought of Bare Metal Foil. I will use your technique on sealing the wood, then I will try the foil to see if it will work on simulating hull plates.

  Ron W.

[grsjax]

I use clear shellac thinned with denatured alcohol.  About 50%.  Does a good job sealing the wood and as long as you do not plan to use a water based clear finish over it it makes a good base coat.  You can use oil or enamel over it with no problem or solid color water based paints.

[bushman32]

Thanks grsjax.

[Guest Tim I.]

This sounds strange but drywall compound or bondo works.

 

- Tim

[Guest Tim I.]

Work it up in layers with painters tape and you can even simulate lines for the steel plates.

 

- Tim

[reklein]

Depends on what scale you're working in. If you're down around 1/96 or smaller the layers of primer will suit you just fine. Use a good thin tape to build up your layers. If you're in the bigger scales then the bondo thing will work good just don't get too carried away with the thickness.Keep it subtle. I'd stay away from mixing spray primers with products like Tung oil. The oil is good for natural finishes but it looks like you're going for the steel navy look.Take a look at some of the tutorials the NRG offers.

 Bill in Idaho where it has cooled off signifigantly after a couple three weeks of 100 deg. temps. Now just 85 in the PMs.

[bushman32]

Actually Tim, the bondo doesn't sound strange. I have been using it to fill in hollows and repairs. Reklein, the model is 3/32 scale or 1:128. Thanks to the both of you for the advice. I have been experimenting on some scrap, basically trying to practice so I don't mess up on the hull. Since I am already using bondo for repairs, I will experiment using it to simulate hull plates. 

  Reklein, we were having the same temps here in the Salt Lake area. These temperatures are feeling pretty good.