Fiberglass painting advice

thegoblin

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 12, 2013
Messages
44
I am planning on painting my 16 ft runabout this spring, I am planning on using a one part topside paint. The boat is trailered but we do spend a week on the ocean each summer with the boat moored. Is the going to be an issue? Is there one certain paint that I could get away with this. Most top sides don't recommend submersion longer than 72 hrs. Any recommendations and advice appreciated
 

StingrayMike

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 17, 2014
Messages
355
Painting the whole boat is an option, but just remember that paint can scratch easier than gel coat.
if you paint the bottom, your best bet is use a bottom paint.
 

thegoblin

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 12, 2013
Messages
44
Thanks woodon, haven't decided on anything. I've been researching to make a decision. I'm in canada so we don't have a tractor supply but can get rustoleum easily. Is it regular rustoleum or the marine?
 

jbcurt00

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 25, 2011
Messages
25,154
Rusto Pro if you can get it.

Some have not been happy w the results TremClad gave them, although it's supposed to be the same stuff as Rusto
 

gm280

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
14,605
Okay making recommendations for others to paint their projects gets iffy. While I know what I would do, I also know what my prep work and abilities are and I have the proper equipment to apply such a finish. But not knowing those things or seeing (in person) the actual project makes suggestions questionable at best. I will say this, whatever paint you decide to use, the true actual finish seriously depends on the proper prep work of the surface you are painting. Don't think that even small scratches will be covered up with the paint coat. It doesn't work that way. If you have any imperfections on the prep effort, it will show up in the final finish for certain. And the second issue is to use totally compatible products in your selection of methods. In other words don't use a primer from one manufacture and a paint from another UNLESS you know absolutely that they will work together. It is easier to stick with one manufacture for everything. That way you know their produces will work with reach other without any issues. And I would most certainly use a hardener in whatever paint produce you chose. Hardeners will protect the finish better then any paint without. And hardeners will usually bring out a shinier finish as well. All I can say is that I like PPG automotive paints and clear coats. But That is just my opinion. And I'm not stating that it would be the best for your project...because I honestly don't know that it would be the best! JMHO!
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,929
Yeah the Cannucks have issues with getting Products us Yanks can get!!! What you're looking for is a good Oil Based Acrylic Enamel paint and a compatible Hardener. I'd recommend consulting with an Automotive Painter in your local area and see what they can tell you about potential suppliers.
 

thegoblin

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 12, 2013
Messages
44
The boat I am thinking of painting has some old war wounds and all the old pinstripe stickers are encrusted on and in spots have peeled off and left the fusty old glue behind. I did a restoration on this boat two years ago, ( gutted to bare hull and total rebuild). So I know the prep work is going to effect 90% of the outcome and am prepared for the work. Have tried to remove old decals with goo gone and scrubbing with no results. The exterior is the final to my project as the boat is 100% sound just a little rough looking. So I am fully aware of labour involved to paint. So is if I decide to paint what are the recommendations for a boat that will be moored for one week a year. Or do is there a way to remove all the old decals and and patch the old gel coat wounds. I can send a picture or two if it would help. What I am reading so far is an enamel paint with a matching primer first and hardener is what I should look at for paint.
 

gm280

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
14,605
Short of totally sanding everything (including the left over glue issues) on the hull, I don't have any additional ideas. I'd black sand what you presently have and use a compatible filler in any gouges and/or scratches to bring the entire surface to a suitable smooth surface for starters. The fine a quality primer and shoot that on and follow up with additional black sandings. and do that until YOU like what you're seeing. The start shooting the top coat(s). Again until YOU like what you're seeing... I myself would follow that up with a few coats of clear coat followed with 2000 grit wet/dry sanding and then polishing. But that is just me...
 
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