19th century fairing, any ideas

[roly_voya]

Hi I am restoring a 25ft O/D 3/4 decker built c1885 probably on the Clyde using traditionl techneques and materials. So far all is going to plan but cant find any info on what, if any, fairing compounds where used to finish the hull prior to topcoating at that time. The planking is petty good so I do mean fairing not filling though I do need a stopper to cover fasnings. Any ideas greatfully recieved.

PS will be doing a web site with details shortly

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[ccscott49]

White lead stopper above the waterline, red below.

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[roly_voya]

Thanks - I am using red lead putty for seam filling what I am thinking of is a fine filler to cover dents and marks in the wood and give a smooth finish - the modern equivelent is something like Epifanes Combi Filler. I know on work boats they where just given a coat of paint or tar straight on the planking but did small yachts have a smoother finish?

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[Peterduck]

I wasn't around at the time, [although sometimes I feel as though I was] but I understand that fairing was all done at the bare plank stage with longboards. You could try softening glazing putty with some undercoat paint. It gets very sticky once it is mixed in well, and fairs out nicely.
Peter.

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[Mirelle]

See Claud Worth

Take a look at Claud Worth's "Yacht Cruising". There is a thorough, clear and detailed description of repainting a yacht in the 1880's starting from bare wood. Ther are also recipes for making your own seam fillers and fairing compounds and paints.



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[tillergirl]

I may be wrong about this but I thought one of the reasons why we use white lead stoper above the water line is that is doesn't bleed through like red lead stopper - or at least if it does you can't see it.

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[roly_voya]

Thanks will look up claud worth. Also I am assured that red lead wont bleed through modern pain, especially dark green or black but woud'nt risk it on cream.

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[ccscott49]

If you are going to use modern paint, why not use modern filler/fairing?


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