Date: Fri, 14 May 1999 21:50:51 -0400
From: Chris & Ellen Kohut <chriskayak@earthlink.net>
To: baidarka@lists.intelenet.net
Subject: Re: baidarka finishes
I think that the issue is that you need something with the
absorption capabilities to sink down to the stringers on the
first coat of application. This sets the nylon into a
waterproof skin and stiffens the skin as well, as the skin is
just as much part of the stiffening/flexing dichotomy as the
wood is.
That is to say: a stiffened skin in some part acts as part of
the frame as well. Baidarkas anyway, (I don't know about
greenlander construction), have notoriously sloppy mortise and
tendon joints in the thwarts and no method of fastening the
ribs into the gunwale where the shaved down rib meets the socket
in the gunwale. It is up to the skin, which must be stiff and
tight to hold it all together. If you've done it right, the
entire boat will sound like one of those large drums used in
celtic music. (for my edification, anyone here know what one
of them suckers is called?)
Whatever you decide to dope the nylon with, it must
fill the weave and dry there, right to the bottom of the
opposite side of the skin.
Having had no experience with anything but Dura-Tuff,
I'm afraid I can't help you with information on any other
product.
This is perhaps why there is a large contingent of baidarka
makers that will only use cotton duck on their boats, as oil
paints will work (eventually), on their craft. Takes forever
to dry. They are all old men by the time they get to the shake
down cruise. Doubtless there are those on the list who will fly
to the defense of canvas duck and oils......
Consider the nature of nylon, there is nothing natural
fibered about it, pure synthetic, (thanks Dupont), and must
be heat/acid dyed to put a pigment in it at it's manufacture.
Strong, light stuff though, to be sure.
Stay upright