fishingdan
Lieutenant Junior Grade
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2005
- Messages
- 1,045
Re: 1977 16' Baja
Solvent based 2-part linear polyurethane marine paints really should not be sprayed by amateurs without access to proper safety equipment. The solvents are nasty and are dangerous to breath when sprayed.<br /><br />The paint manufacturers realized this and have now either formulated specific paint for amateurs or they have created "brushing" additives for their paint. <br /><br />Roll and tip is an easy method of apply paint and getting a good finish. Interlux Perfection, for example, is designed for this approach. You apply the paint with a short nap paint roller in a small area (I like to work in 2' by 2' areas). You then come back with a 3" natural bristle brush and lightly brush the are you just rolled. The roller applies the paint and the brush smoothes out the surface. The brush marks will disappear on their own. Overlap the 2'x 2' areas slightly and they will blend together nicely. You can get a beautiful finish that only a professional painter could tell was applied by via roll and tip. <br /><br />One thing to keep in mind. The results are only as good as the prep work. As Chris1956 stated, light colors hide imperfections and dark colors, while beautiful, will show imperfections. <br /><br />2-part linear polyurethane (LPU) is extremely durable paint and should give you a great finish for 5-7 years. There are 1 part marine paints available that also brush on nicely, but they are not as durable (maybe need repaint in 3 years).<br /><br />System Three makes and sells a water based 2-part LPU that works well too. The down side is that they have a limited color selection and you must apply their clear topcoat for a gloss finish.
Solvent based 2-part linear polyurethane marine paints really should not be sprayed by amateurs without access to proper safety equipment. The solvents are nasty and are dangerous to breath when sprayed.<br /><br />The paint manufacturers realized this and have now either formulated specific paint for amateurs or they have created "brushing" additives for their paint. <br /><br />Roll and tip is an easy method of apply paint and getting a good finish. Interlux Perfection, for example, is designed for this approach. You apply the paint with a short nap paint roller in a small area (I like to work in 2' by 2' areas). You then come back with a 3" natural bristle brush and lightly brush the are you just rolled. The roller applies the paint and the brush smoothes out the surface. The brush marks will disappear on their own. Overlap the 2'x 2' areas slightly and they will blend together nicely. You can get a beautiful finish that only a professional painter could tell was applied by via roll and tip. <br /><br />One thing to keep in mind. The results are only as good as the prep work. As Chris1956 stated, light colors hide imperfections and dark colors, while beautiful, will show imperfections. <br /><br />2-part linear polyurethane (LPU) is extremely durable paint and should give you a great finish for 5-7 years. There are 1 part marine paints available that also brush on nicely, but they are not as durable (maybe need repaint in 3 years).<br /><br />System Three makes and sells a water based 2-part LPU that works well too. The down side is that they have a limited color selection and you must apply their clear topcoat for a gloss finish.
