To seal or not to seal

[Masters Mate]

Looking for some expert advice on whether to seal the outside of my Medea hull before applying the copper tape.
The sanding is going quite well and I would normally apply linseed oil of similar at this stage to nourish the wood. But because I will be applying copper tape below the water line at a later date, should I just leave it alone now or is there something I can apply in the meantime?

 

[Bryian]

Hi Ian,
I have used diluted PVA wood glue with great results for sealing the timber under the copper plates.

 

[Masters Mate]

Hi Ian,
I have used diluted PVA wood glue with great results for sealing the timber under the copper plates.

Thanks Bryian. That's the sort of information I am looking for. We use diluted PVA a lot in our bookbinding business so I reckon I might have a go at that when I get the sanding done.
I've also seen references to diluted wipe on Poly and mineral oil, but that might stir up my asthma....

 

[Y.T.]

Acrylic lacquer works good for me. Do not use any oils as copper plates will not adhere to oily surfaces.

 

[Masters Mate]

Acrylic lacquer works good for me. Do not use any oils as copper plates will not adhere to oily surfaces.

Thanks YT. I have some here so will do some tests and see which I like best. At this stage I'm leaning towards the PVA wash.

 

[Y.T.]

PVA is numbered one alternative in absence of lacquer.

 

[Jimsky]

Hello, Ian. I am in no way an expert, but this product is might be what you are looking for. Check this out.

Sanding Sealer Professional Formula | Minwax®

Minwax® Sanding Sealer Professional Formula is a clear sealer that can be used with any Minwax oil or water-based polyurethane. Browse our products here.

www.minwax.com

 

[Bryian]

The diluted PVA absorbs into the pores of the wood which sticks everything in place. It leaves a nice smooth matt surface for copper plating using super glue or contact cement.
I would strongly advise you roughen up the inside surface of the copper plate before you stick them down Ian. I use 120 grit sandpaper.

 

[Masters Mate]

Hello, Ian. I am in no way an expert, but this product is might be what you are looking for. Check this out.

Sanding Sealer Professional Formula | Minwax®

Minwax® Sanding Sealer Professional Formula is a clear sealer that can be used with any Minwax oil or water-based polyurethane. Browse our products here.

www.minwax.com

Thanks Jim. All good information.

 

[Masters Mate]

The diluted PVA absorbs into the pores of the wood which sticks everything in place. It leaves a nice smooth matt surface for copper plating using super glue or contact cement.
I would strongly advise you roughen up the inside surface of the copper plate before you stick them down Ian. I use 120 grit sandpaper.

Bryian, what type of copper plates are you using? I was contemplating using copper tape but that would rely on the adhesive on the tape to hold down the plates. It sounds like you are using something different. Can you post a reference site for them please?

 

[Bryian]

Hi Ian,
I'm only familiar with the copper plates that are sold by modellers shipyard in N.S.W. They are individual plates that need glueing into position.

 

[Masters Mate]

Hi Ian,
I'm only familiar with the copper plates that are sold by modellers shipyard in N.S.W. They are individual plates that need glueing into position.

Hi Bryian
Thanks, I've seen them advertised. Seems like too much money for the Medea build, but I won't be doing the copper sheathing until all the top work is done. I'll just seal the lower timbers, with PVA at this stage and decide on the type of copper later.

 

[Bryian]

I would buy copper tape from ZHL models. They do excellent mail order to Australia.

.

 

[Masters Mate]

I would buy copper tape from ZHL models. They do excellent mail order to Australia.

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Thanks Bryian
This is the tape I was looking at. I think I will go with that, once I calculate how much I will need. Don't need it yet but good to know.

 

[danielsje]

I use a matte finish polyurethane to seal the hull prior to attaching copper plates (One coat usually is sufficient). The poly dries clean for an ideal surface to attach copper plates with the adhesive backs. In addition I use copper tape. This has an adhesive on one side. Cut the tape in the scale lengths of the plates you need, use a pounce wheel to simulate rivets on the edges, and press in place on the poly surface. I did my Constitution model several years ago with the poly and copper tape plates and they are pristine today. The secret for a successful copper application is a squeaky clean, oil and dust free surface. This usually requires some kind of sealant.

 

[MikeC]

Clear shellac thinned with alcohol, if needed, made a good base for my recent copper plating — and the rest of the painting, too. Stuck the plates down with CA (carefully). Made a big mess when I wasn’t. (Bad language when I saw what I’d done). Had to sand my gluey fingerprints off my pretty new black topsides and repaint.

 

[Masters Mate]

I use a matte finish polyurethane to seal the hull prior to attaching copper plates (One coat usually is sufficient). The poly dries clean for an ideal surface to attach copper plates with the adhesive backs. In addition I use copper tape. This has an adhesive on one side. Cut the tape in the scale lengths of the plates you need, use a pounce wheel to simulate rivets on the edges, and press in place on the poly surface. I did my Constitution model several years ago with the poly and copper tape plates and they are pristine today. The secret for a successful copper application is a squeaky clean, oil and dust free surface. This usually requires some kind of sealant.

Thanks Jim. Good to know because at this stage I'm considering using copper tape eventually. I really want to get something on the hull soon to protect it while I continue on the upper works. I want to leave the actual copper work for later so it doesn't get damaged as I continue working.

 

[Masters Mate]

Clear shellac thinned with alcohol, if needed, made a good base for my recent copper plating — and the rest of the painting, too. Stuck the plates down with CA (carefully). Made a big mess when I wasn’t. (Bad language when I saw what I’d done). Had to sand my gluey fingerprints off my pretty new black topsides and repaint.

Thanks Mike. See my reply to Jim above. At this stage I'm just wanting to protect the hull for attaching copper tape at a later stage.

 

[Uwek]

Looking for some expert advice on whether to seal the outside of my Medea hull before applying the copper tape.
The sanding is going quite well and I would normally apply linseed oil of similar at this stage to nourish the wood. But because I will be applying copper tape below the water line at a later date, should I just leave it alone now or is there something I can apply in the meantime?

Hallo @Masters Mate
we wish you all the BEST and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY

 

[Jimsky]

Happy Birthday, Ian! Many more happy and healthy years building models!