Cetol Light

[Kurt B. Kaiser]

I have now worked with both Cetol and Cetol Light. My impression is that Sikkens has formulated the Light by adding a large amount of opaque white pigment to the existing base. The Light version appears to have a lot more pigment than the original, and the resulting coating is not as transparent.

This can also be seen by dipping paint stirring sticks in a can of each type and pulling them out. The printing on the stick shows up right away with the original version, but the Light obscures the printing far longer as the liquid drains off.

Also, if you dip the corner of a paper towel in each, you will see that the liquid which wicks up is the same orange color.

In use the coating from the Light version is lighter in color, but a little milky. If there are any areas which are thicker (like little edge drips), these can be almost opaque.

It's too bad Sikkens was unable to reduce the transparent orange color instead of adding pigment to mask it. It's not clear (no pun intended) what will happen as the "maintenance" coats build up, I guess it depends on the weathering and the ultimate film thickness.

On the positive side, the Light may be more durable if the added pigment provides additional UV screening.

So it comes down to a choice: use the original and put up with the orange color, or use Light and get reduced clarity.

I would be interested in any direct comparisions of Cetol Light vs Armada or the other "breathable" finishes as far as transparency and color. It would also be interesting to do a weathering test like the varnish test that Hinckley has on the end of their dock.



kbk@deletethis@shore.net

[Rich]

Practical Sailor published an article earlier this year on tests they are running. They are into their second year. The article included some technical background in addition to comparing test results on leading finishes. If anyone is interested, I could dig out the issue and recap their findings. My memory is that Cetol and Armada were the clear winners after two years and were still going strong.



rpassmore42@hotmail.com

[M. R. Bober]

Couldn't resist.
Mitchell Bober
RESPITE
CD330

[Kurt B. Kaiser]

kbk@deletethis@shore.net