by DANL » Sat Oct 23, 2004 5:21 pm
I have a small plywood rowboat that I finished with exterior latex enamel. When not in the water, it sits upside down on the shore. I leave it uncovered all winter and have very little touch up to do in the spring. The main reason for touch up is to cover scratches from rocks.
So I finished my tiny trailer in latex. I expect to do a bit of touch up each year but shouldn't have to worry about scraping on rocks. Also, my trailer is subject to modification as I think of changes I want to make. The street side door will be replaced with a permanent piece of plywood next spring and the curb side door will be rebuilt. The rear galley area will be shortened and a new galley lid fabricated. The front awning window will probably get installed also. With all this hacking and hewing going on, latex is a good way for me to go.
On the other hand, if you are maiking the definitive, love of your life, ain't never gonna change a thing trailer... an epoxy finish might be a good idea. Seems to me it requires a balance of objectives. Keep in mind that if you do put a latex finish on, you probably won't be able to go to epoxy if you change your mind. It will be latex forever.
By the way, if you use a knappy roller, you can get a slightly textured effect that goes a long way toward hiding woodgrain. Try your techniques on some scrap plywood to find out if you like the look.