monkfish24
Well-Known Member
Having repainted Diadem this winter to white, I thought i would share some observations about using Tekaloid rather than "yacht enamel". It is Amazing stuff!
Tekaloid is an Alkyd paint originally designed for renovation vehicles and coaches, where sparying is either not available or brushing the paint is needed. It dries hard but remains flexible and easily buffed out. It is applied in thin layers and has a VERY high gloss finish with a great depth of colour.
The normal addage of "prep is everything" applies with Tekaloid, it requires the undercoat to be of the same colour as the the final topcoat and the undercoat needs to be prepared to a high standard to remove any lumps, bumps and pits, due to the thin coats needed. 1 litre is enough to do a seawolf 26's sides but 2-3 is necessary to build up enough layers to enable a final cut and polish.
Warm the paint up by dropping it in a tub of boiling water, what this will do is allow the paint to contract considerably whilst drying to help remove the brush stroke lines. Apply the paint in small amounts and spread it out over an area. DO NOT try and go over areas that are already painted as the paint dries very quickly and you will cause stippling. Apply the paint thinly as it will run quite badly if slapped on.
Best bit is, it is only £50 for a 5 litre tin from smith and allen and will probably last you years for years.
The finish is astounding and after only one coat, the colour is deep and very clear and smooth. Everyone in the yard who have seen it, are asking me what I have used and Tekaloid is the answer. I will get some pictures up tomorrow of the finish.
Forget international, this is the stuff to use!
Tekaloid is an Alkyd paint originally designed for renovation vehicles and coaches, where sparying is either not available or brushing the paint is needed. It dries hard but remains flexible and easily buffed out. It is applied in thin layers and has a VERY high gloss finish with a great depth of colour.
The normal addage of "prep is everything" applies with Tekaloid, it requires the undercoat to be of the same colour as the the final topcoat and the undercoat needs to be prepared to a high standard to remove any lumps, bumps and pits, due to the thin coats needed. 1 litre is enough to do a seawolf 26's sides but 2-3 is necessary to build up enough layers to enable a final cut and polish.
Warm the paint up by dropping it in a tub of boiling water, what this will do is allow the paint to contract considerably whilst drying to help remove the brush stroke lines. Apply the paint in small amounts and spread it out over an area. DO NOT try and go over areas that are already painted as the paint dries very quickly and you will cause stippling. Apply the paint thinly as it will run quite badly if slapped on.
Best bit is, it is only £50 for a 5 litre tin from smith and allen and will probably last you years for years.
The finish is astounding and after only one coat, the colour is deep and very clear and smooth. Everyone in the yard who have seen it, are asking me what I have used and Tekaloid is the answer. I will get some pictures up tomorrow of the finish.
Forget international, this is the stuff to use!
