Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Japanning with POR-15
ydb1md
>I purchased an old plane that was in dire need of some re-japanning. Rather than going the route of traditional (dangerous, smelly, foul, etc) japanning, I wanted something a little easier. Enamel paint isn't tough enough so I tried something that I had in the garage -- POR-15. It looks good and is really tough. As an additional benefit, it's ideal for use over rust or oxidation as it adheres best to this sort of surface.
Has anyone else tried this on their planes?
Re: Japanning with POR-15
Derek Cohen (in Perth Australia)
>I've used POR-15 quite a bit in the past few years, not on tools, but only to restore the floors of my Porsche 356. It did an incredible job here.
There are two types of paint available - the basic version is affected by ultra violet light and color will fade. The Topcoat paint is, however, UV stable.
This stuff is very, very tough. Getting it on is not hard - getting it off is next to impossible (I have known some whose car bodywork is basically held together by the stuff!). So be sure that you want your tools to wear it. It is not reversable.
Make sure that you wear gloves and protective clothing - if you get some on your skin and do not remove it fairly quickly (with paint thinners), you will continue to wear it until you shed your skin!
The important question is, however, does it resemble japanning? Frankly, I think it is too shiny, but it is thick and smooth with a slight grainy texture.
Regards from Perth
Derek
Re: Japanning with POR-15
ydb1md
>Hey Derek,
Yeah, it is a little shiny but nothing that a little steel wool or abrasive pad won't take care of. I'm pleased with the results. I'll have to post some pics. Wish I'd taken some before shots.
Look Here *LINK*
Garrett in Victoria
>Check out the Japanning How-to article in the Hand Tools section of Articles & Reviews.
Cheers, Garrett