Re: ATM Black paint

[Scott Rychnovsky <srychnov@chem.ps.uci.edu>]

>What does anyone recommend for the least reflective black paint for the
>plywood surfaces of a dobs?  And, do you put the paint on BEFORE or
>AFTER the sealer?  [The recommendations I've gotten for sealer so far
>have been Mini-Wax Valspar, yacht varnish, West System epoxy 105 resin
>with 207 special coating hardener covered with a coat of polyurethane
>varnish, Polycrylic, and Pro Finisher-Lacquer.]
>
>Carl Woebcke

Carl,

A nice black paint is the Benjamin Moore low luster-acrylic black paint
(for metal and wood).  It is a water based paint that looks green out of
the can (Manganese?) but dries to the most incredible black surface.  It is
low luster however, not flat, so there is some reflection from it.  I have
not been able to purchase the flat black version of this paint, which is an
oil based paint that is not carried and apparently cannot be ordered in my
area.  Damn.  I will usually put on a layer or two of this stuff, and then
lightly dust it with the Krylon ultra flat black paint to kill the
reflection.  Do not handle the ultra flat black paint surface for a day or
so to avoid smoothing the surface and making it more reflective.

If I am being thorough, I will use a sander-sealer first (Behr makes some
good ones-Home Depot) , and then the Benjamin Moore stuff, then just a
light spray coating with krylon black.  When I am in a hurry I have just
slapped two coats of the Benjamin Moore stuff on bare wood and left it at
that--it is quick and gives a durable surface.

The West system epoxy probably gives the most durable coat, but I have
avoided it because it is a pain to work with and is more toxic than most
other options discussed.  Besides, I want to look through my telescope, not
sail it.

Scott

--
Scott Rychnovsky
srychnov@chem.ps.uci.edu