How to Properly Apply the NautiKing System Finish (Nautipoxy & Nautithane) (Video)

nautiking before/after

Preparation

Before you start the application, be sure to thoroughly prepare the surface. It must be clean, smooth, dry, and dust-free.

In order to create a good profile for the first coat of NautiPoxy, final sanding grit should be between 120 and 150. Don’t forget to clean the surface with a tack rag or a clean cloth dampened with a good solvent (such as acetone, lacquer thinner, MEK, or xylene.)

 

NautiPoxy

Now that the surface is ready, it’s time to prepare the NautiPoxy. Before you start, be sure that Parts A and B of the NautiPoxy are both between 60 and 90 degrees F.

Measure out and mix two parts A with one part B. Mix the solution together thoroughly, being sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the cup to ensure it is completely mixed – but be careful not to stir too vigorously and whip air into the mix.

Once the two parts are mixed, you’ll typically have between 20 and 30 minutes to apply the NautiPoxy before it begins to cure and harden in the cup. This time varies depending on temperature, so be sure to check the data sheet for specific estimates.

Apply a thick first coat to the wood using either a bristle or foam brush. Let the coat cure for at least 12 hours (longer if the temperature is cooler than 70 degrees F).

nautipoxy first coat

Once the first coat has finished curing, sand it down with 80-100 grit sandpaper, then move to 150-200 grit. Be sure to get rid of any brush marks, dust, or other imperfections as you go. Once you finish, wipe it clean with a tack cloth or a rag with solvent and apply a second coat of NautiPoxy (slightly thinner than the first coat). Allow at least 12 hours to cure.

NautiThane

Now that you’ve used NautiPoxy to seal and protect the wood, it’s time to apply NautiThane to improve its UV resistance and give it a beautiful high-gloss finish.

Sand the final coat of NautiPoxy with about 200-250 grit sandpaper and clean the surface like you did earlier before applying the NautiThane.

sanding nautipoxy

Thoroughly mix two parts A and one part B of the NautiThane (just like you did with the NautiPoxy). NautiThane has a much longer pot life than NautiPoxy, but it does dry very quickly in warm temperatures; mix small batches, work quickly, and avoid direct sunlight for best results. Use a high-quality foam brush to apply the NautiThane to avoid foam particles getting in the finish. Avoid bristle brushes because they won’t achieve as smooth a finish as foam brushes.

Once the first coat of NautiThane has cured hard enough to sand (typically 4 or more hours, depending on temp), use 150-250 grit sandpaper to lightly remove any rough spots. After removing all dust, apply a second coat of NautiThane just like you did the first one. Repeat this process as many times as you like, depending on the amount of gloss and depth of image you want in the finish. Anywhere from 3-8 coats is typical.

The Final Result

before/after
Before/after

The two coats of NautiPoxy sealed and protected the wood while the NautiThane added great UV resistance and gave it a beautiful, glass-like finish! We used 3 coats of Nautithane in the video above, but you could do more if you want an even glossier finish.

For a more detailed application guide as well as long-term maintenance instructions, please see the NautiPoxy/NautiThane Usage instructions.

 

Thinking of trying the NautiKing system yourself? It’s a great way to achieve a beautiful and ultra-durable finish on a boat or any other outdoor wood application!