thompsondockside.com

I painted my refurbished 63 Sea Lancer Deluxe a number of months ago with Kirby Paint Co., Lemonade Yellow Semi-Gloss. The finish looks very flat next to the new glossy varnished shear and garboards.

What is the opinion of my fellow restorers on semi-gloss vs. gloss finish?? I'm not reluctant to re-paint the hull before I begin mounting all of the re-chromed hardware. Your advise is appreciated.

HNY 2009 Chuck Drumm

I myself prefer the gloss finish, especially because, as you point out - it looks flat against the gloss of the bright work. Also, the glossier, the easier to keep clean.

One man's inexperienced opinion

I have used gloss on all the boats that I have refinished. This includes Kirby's Lemonade Yellow on several Peshtigo Sea Lancer models.

I like the gloss.

Andreas

I like the gloss finishes also. Not sure if they had a semi-gloss back in the 50's & 60's in the marine finishes. All I can recall ever using back in those days was gloss. As Andreas says it is easier to clean.

Phill

Thanks everyone........Looks like I'll be doing a little more painting.
The feedback is exactly what I was looking for.

Hi Charles... I prefer semi-gloss... I used Kirby paint on my Seacoaster, and have been very pleased...

I chose it specifically for two reasons... it fit my recollection of the Thompson boats I remember from my youth, but more importantly because I prefered the understated tone to allow the stained and varnished areas to truly stand out. I felt that a glossy white would look like plastic or fiberglass...

I cannot say whether the boats in the 60's were finished with gloss or not. However, a glossy white reminds me of the fiberglass Evinrude boat that we had in the late 60's. I remember polishing and waxing that hull.... using semigloss on the Seacoaster fit my image of a wooden boat a little better.

Just another opinion.

In the sun, it is still semi glossy....