Just to be clear – this is a decorative bronze-colored coating that is a favorite of classic boat restorers on boats which are dry-stored, or where fouling is not an issue. It is typically used on trailered, wooden day sailers and traditional runabouts. Although it contains copper flake pigments, it has no antifouling properties.
Don't be confused – people often refer to this paint by several different names: Old Salem, Old Salem 1959, Hard Racing Copper Bronze, and Copper Bronze Hard Racing.
Hard Racing Copper Bronze is a tough, smooth, copper-colored, one-component, synthetic alkyd enamel. It can be buffed to create a high-gloss, ultra-smooth surface.
Old Salem is recommended for use in fresh water on racing hulls, sailboats, runabouts or cabin cruisers. It can be used in saltwater on small, dry-sailed boats which are not left in the water.
If used in saltwater, the 1959 Hard Racing Copper Bronze will oxidize to a green color unless overcoated with a clear sealing coat - which will slow the oxidizing process.
Hard Racing Copper Bronze may be applied to fiberglass, wood, or properly prepared steel hulls. Do not use on aluminum hulls or outdrives.
1959 Hard Racing Copper Bronze is especially popular among owners and restorers of classic Chris Craft, Gar Wood and Century runabouts, who use it to create a traditional look and for boats being judged at Classic Boat competitions.
Any copper laden paint is going to oxidize when exposed to the elements, developing a layer of bronze colored greenish patina. If you desire to prolong the original bright copper color of this paint, it can be overcoated with 2067 Captain's Ultra Clear Varnish (see Related Products).
This is especially true if the boat is used in saltwater.
• For dry sailed boats or boats moored in non-fouling fresh water
• Can be buffed to give a high gloss, ultra-smooth surface
• Suitable for use on fiberglass, wood and steel hulls
• Excellent for trailered boats
• Contains copper (but not as a biocide) - do not use on aluminum hulls, outboards or outdrives
• Note - depending on the temperature, this paint typically must dry overnight between coats, and then may require several days of curing before the boat can be launched
• Application: brush, roller, airless or conventional spray
• Thinner: Pettit 120 Brushing or Pettit 121 Spraying Thinner
• Theoretical coverage is 200 ft²/quart; 2 coats recommended; 43% solids (by vol.)
• Available only in quarts