Thanks, Gayle and Jenko!! I really like the colors, too. They are the original Chris Craft red and dark walnut and really give the boat a classic look.
In retrospect, I enjoyed working with both the WR-LPU and the Epifanes. Both had their trials and tribulations. The WR-LPU was odorless and water cleanup. You could recoat several times a day and the finish was durable. It was, however, finicky to work with and needed high humidity to help level and maintain a wet edge. If you were lucky enough to get good conditions when applying, it leveled out and presented a beautiful gloss that remains quite clear and non yellowing. If you need to buff it out due to dirt or orange peel, it is very difficult because the paint is very tough and does not buff out easily.
The Epifanes is very predictable and will give you that super deep shine if you follow recommendations. It levels well and keeps a wet edge. In hotter conditions, a retarder is available to help keep the wet edge longer. Humidity is not a factor unless it is extremely high. It buffs out beautifully and easily to remove any surface dirt that usually settles on the surface, especially in a garage or hangar environment. It does have it's downsides. Twelve coats is a minimum to get a good , deep shine, sanding between coats is necessary unless using the Wood Finish Gloss in the initial layers. You need to wait at least a day between coats to thoroughly dry. It smells and it is solvent cleanup. Because the product is amber in color, it will yellow and darken any surface it is applied to. This could be good or bad. Durability remains to be seen, for me, anyway.
Cost is similar and the work required is similar. Sanding with a longboard is required in either case to get a good, flat, finish. Epifanes may take a bit longer due to drying times required between coats. Good surface prep, patience, and a lot of sanding is required in either case.
What will I use next time? Have to wait and see.
Roberta
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