: Am currently building a Pygmy Artic Tern for my wife, and from Nick Shade's
: book, saw mention of laminating fern fronds, etc. into the topcoat. We're
: hoping to incorporate pressed leaves on the deck around the coaming -- any
: suggestions on how to best accomplish this? Have done two experimental
: layups, but am still unsure about the best approach, keeping the things
: flat as possible in the epoxy, and ensuring a good bond (one cured test
: delaminated a bit).

Flatten the leaves with a household iron on medium heat. The leaves will darken slightly.

Apply yellow carpenter's glue to the back of the leaves and let dry.

Apply the leaves to the boat by ironing them on. This reativates the dried glue.

Lay your glass over and epoxy with temperatures dropping so the wood cells will pull in resin eliminating most air bubbles around the leaf edges.

If you have any air bubbles cut them open and fill with resin later.

All the best,
Rob