Q: How tough is the polyester skin?
A: The good: It will withstand a serious impact like bouncing onto a boulder or being pulled onto a beach. Dogs should not be able to puncture the skin.
The bad: It can be cut against sharp objects like broken glass, but it is easy to repair. See our YouTube video on New Fabric (link) to get an idea of the toughness. We also have a video (link) on repairing a hole.
Q: What is used to seal the polyester skin?
A: We get this question every week and there isn't a definitive answer. Almost all coatings that might be used are designed to be used on wood, metal or fiberglass and will behave differently when applied to cloth. For the wooden framework, almost any exterior grade paint, varnish or polyurethane will work. For the polyester skin, we have had great success with oil-based enamels for painted hulls and oil-based spar urethane for translucent boats. The urethane will leave the boat with a slight sepia tint. See our YouTube video on Hull Finishes (link).
Q: Why do some of your boats look so shiny? How can I do that?
A: Two or three coats of a gloss exterior oil based enamel will result in a beautiful, glossy boat.
Q: What can I do to make the skin tougher?
A: The only approved method for toughening the skin is to apply a couple thin coats of Rustoleum Truck Bed Liner below the waterline and then painting over that with a high gloss oil-based enamel. This will add some puncture resistance to the cloth and the enamel will allow the boat to glide more easily over obstacles. With the 600D fabric, this probably isn't needed but it is a fairly cheap and easy way to get some peace of mind.
Q: How do I add a second layer of polyester?
A: With the 600D 8.4 oz. fabric, a second layer of polyester is not necessary.
Q: How can I recanvas a canoe?
A: We don't have the expertise or experience to cover this topic but there are many, many websites and tutorials to guide you through the process of stripping an old wood/canvas boat and refinishing the hull. We offer a 3.7 oz. Dacron fabric that works very well as a replacement for canvas and many builders are very happy with the finish and weight savings.