Boat Repair Made Easy: Finishes

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the boating family. Many of us have been around boats all of ours lives. Still many are new to the pleasures of boat ownership and the joy it can bring to all involved. I will, over the course of this book, endeavor to help all of you, regardless of your talents or experience.

This book will not give you the experience of a fifteen year professional applicator. Only time can give you that experience. This book will teach you the fundamentals of interior and exterior marine finishes, preparation and application.

Most boat owners can achieve excellent results by using the information contained in this book. Following the guidelines, provided herein, and the additional information available from all the manufactures will assure a job of lasting quality which any owner will be proud call his own.

During the course of this book, you will learn the steps involved for the proper application of sealants, paints, varnishes and many of the other compounds used to acquire a smooth appearance of the final finish.

In addition to the application of these products, I have also included the interior finishes of a boat. Other books limit this area to the application of paints and varnishes. A well decorated interior goes far beyond the simple paint and varnish used on many boats.

I will be discussing the various choices and installation of vinyl, wood and carpet as flooring. The proper selection and application of wall coverings, wood veneers and plastic laminates is also discussed.

Don't misunderstand the concept of this book. It is not a decorator's guide to a beautiful boat. It is the learning toolyou will use to achieve excellent exterior finishes and comfortable, eye pleasing interior surroundings.

When you start to restore the finishes of your boat, interior or exterior, always remember the preparation is ninety percent of the work. Without a properly prepared surface on which to apply the coatings the finished results will not be to your liking. If you learn only one important piece of information from this book do learn this: Paint hides nothing!!

I hope your life on the water will be as enjoyable as mine has been, for you will soon find there is no better way to spend a day, a week, or a lifetime than simply "Messing About On Boats".