A top-to-bottom reference covering both modern and traditional finishing methods. The Butlers tap more than 20 years of experience to cover all aspects of finish work on boats (large, small, fiberglass or wood). They emphasize protective as well as cosmetic finish work and the coverage is literally top to bottom: masts and spars, decks, brightwork, topsize, boottops and sheer stripes, bottom paints and even a section on fiberglass bottom blistering. Here’s all you need to know about one- and two-part polyurethane paints, traditional alkyd enamels, varnishes, oils, teak treatments, sealants, caulkings and epoxy. Here also is a guide to surface preparation, brushes, mixing techniques and, most important, how to work safely with temperamental and often highly toxic finishing products.

Edition: 1991