Annapolis Wherry Amine Blush Washed and Hull Prime-Coated

The long finishing process has begun on the CLC Annapolis Wherry. 

First, let's talk about amine blush. The MAS epoxy that ships with the kit claims to be blush-free. It may in fact be much lower blushing than other epoxies like WEST System, but all epoxies blush. 

Do this if you don't believe me. After your final epoxy coating of the bottom, but BEFORE you sand it, take a bowl of water and a clean sponge and wipe down the hull. When you are done, you will clearly smell the amine blush in the water and you will see that the water has turned a slight color. 

Amine blush is water soluble. Wiping the hull down with soap and water removes the bulk of it. I wiped mine hull down twice and could still slightly smell the blush in the water bowl. After a third time it seemed to be gone. 

Why does this matter? Most primers and paints will not stick to, or cure on, amine blush. Think of amine blush as you would a coat of wax. You wouldn't consider painting over a coat of wax knowing that it would just slough off. 

Interlux Pre-Kote Plus primer is what CLC suggests using. I called CLC and they reaffirmed on the phone that they haven't had any issues with Pre-Kote Plus not sticking or curing over MAS epoxy. Yet Interlux themselves says not to use it over clear epoxy coatings due to amine blush, and they recommend using a 2-part primer instead. They suggest using Interlux Epoxy Primekote.

 

 

Finishing:

Since building my last boat, an Expedition Wherry, Interlux has stopped producing both their Perfection paint and Brightsides paint. But they've reformulated their Pre-Kote primer and their line of Toplac paints. Both now end with a "Plus". 

Interlux Pre-Kote Plus primer is not supposed to go over clear epoxy though! Ugh... But luckily I had 1/2 a quart kit of older "Epoxy Primekote" and used that for a first layer of primer. It stinks to high heaven but does a pretty nice job filling low spots. It sands easily too... just wear a mask!

Next I rolled on a coat of Pre-Kote Plus. It went on easily enough and doesn't smell as bad, although you do still need to wear a mask both while rolling it on and sanding it off. 

After two primer coats and two sanding jobs, I think it's now ready for paint. 

Stay tuned!