Project Log: Sunday, July 8, 2012
I got an early start on the masts. The day was
perfect for the job ahead. After removing the
plastic socks--there had been dew overnight, so I was
glad I'd covered the masts--I sanded both spars to clean
the metal one final time. Then, I used some small stuff
to hang the masts by their ends from sawhorses, and hung
the spreaders from a couple ladders to provide access to
all areas.
This complete, I cleaned the masts with etching cleaner,
then applied Alodine conversion material. These steps
ensured the best possible bond between the primer and
the aluminum. There was little or no visible
difference in the masts' appearance after these steps.
Drying conditions were excellent, but I used compressed
air to help accelerate the drying process, particularly
around the remaining hardware and in the recessed mast
tracks, which faced downwards and tended to collect the
water from the rest of the masts. In between, I
set up the spray and breathing equipment for the next
steps. By about 0900, the spars were dry and ready
for primer.
I spray-applied one coat of the Cor-Spec chromate
primer, as directed, then left the spars to cure for
about three hours. Temperature and atmospheric
conditions were ideal. |
 |
After waiting the minimum time as directed, I returned
to work and sprayed on three coats of Alexseal silver
metallic, finishing up a little after 1400. |
 |
Worried about dew overnight, I managed to shoehorn the
masts into the shop late in the day, after the paint had
tacked up. I had to ask my wife to help, since
there was no way I could move the masts alone in their
delicate condition. The mizzen was easy enough,
but the mainmast was too heavy for her to lift and carry
to the shop, so in the end we used the tractor and
bucket to lift and hold one end while I carried the
other. I was glad to have made the effort, as
there was some dew (lighter than I had worried about)
overnight, and I was happy not to have had to worry
about it settling on uncured paint. |
 |
|
Total Time Today: 5.25 hours
|
<
Previous | Next > |
|
|
