> Greetings to all.

> I have a couple of questions for makers of canvas-covered kayaks : is
> resin a suitable replacement for the customary linseed oil or paint on a
> kayak ? Does it impose additional strains on the structure ?

> this is for a friend who posted on a French DIY newsgroup, so I would
> prefer replies to mention products by content rather than trade name, as
> they may not be the smae on this side of the herring pond.

> Also, while I know this is poor etiquette, could reponses be also sent by
> e-mail, as I seem to be having trouble with my browser ?

> Thanks and best regards.

I have never been able to wash spilled epoxy resin out of my clothes, despite numerous atempts with hot water and detergent. If the stuff can survive the churning inside of my Maytag washing machine, I'd vote it as pretty durable. I'm not sure if sharp folds or sharp rocks would cause hairline cracks that might weep a bit. I'm thinking the thickness of the coat of resin might affect its flexibility. More flexible, meaning thinner -- or just one coat instead of several -- might be better.

But why bother? Any oil-based paint would work at a much cheaper price, though. Standard exterior house paint seems to be the norm. The variety of color with paint is a plus. Epoxy resin, being a quite a bit less tolerant of UV light than paint, should be covered with either paint or a varnish that has a UV-blocking material. That means two coats for the resin covered cloth (one of resin and one to cover it) versus two or three coats of paint with the paint covered fabric.

You could tint the epoxy resin to add color, otherwise, you are probably going to want to paint the craft. Since you are going to eventually buy paint, why buy any additional materials, like epoxy resin?

I have heard of, but not seen, a skin-on-frame kayak covered with fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin (instead of canvas and paint) The story is that this boat was translucent and that it was very strange to be able to see through it.

I can't see how there would be additional strains on the structure.

As for an e-mail response: Every response I have gotten to a post on this BBs has also generated an e-mail response back to me. I've always assumed that this was a feature built into the BBS software, as it seems to work the same regardless of the computer/system/location/or browser that I use.

Hope this helps

Paul G. Jacobson