Final top coat paint tips?

[Old No 7]

This past weekend, I painted the running "Stripes" on my old boat with interlux Top coat. I used a good brush, thinned the paint a bit and immediatly went over it with a foam brush. i did alot of prep work so the surface was perfect. (Mostly learned form here)<br /><br />Unfortunately the dust in the air is all in the paint. I'm going to sand and put on another coat this week.<br /><br />My question is, after the second coat dries, can I use a very fine steel wool or wet sand with 600 grit paper to smooth it out and wax it? My only experience with anything like this is with wood finishing, not sure if it will apply here.<br /><br />I just dont want to have to live with the dust! <br /><br />I have to do this outside- no choice.<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Final top coat paint tips?

It depends on the hardness of the paint as to what you can do. Id be very carefull recoating it very soon if its an enamel and not catalized, it could rinkle. Fill me in on the paint you used.

 

[xxxxxx]

Re: Final top coat paint tips?

Steelwool It is hard to get rid of fibers use a find paper for sanding.Sand if the paint is set for a few days. Wipe with a tack cloth. The interlux paint, thin a bit 5% no more than ten.<br />This help with flow and give a bit more time to smooth paint out. Use a 4" or 6" foam roller and tip with a brush(tipping helps smooth out bubbles use a soft long hair brush) Get a good one and just work a small area at a time. Make sure the first area is not starting to set up or you will not be able to blend the next areas or you will see your brush marks. One has to work fast to get a fine job Test your skill first before you put paint on boat.I did my Starcraft this way..You can see my boat in a yahoo group called starcraft_boats · Starcraft Boat Owners Group <br />Michael's 1965 Starcraft Hope this helps you...good luck

 

[Old No 7]

Re: Final top coat paint tips?

Sorry, the Paint name is Brightside. The first coat went on this past Sunday, I was planning to put the second on this Saturday. The temperatrue here has been above 70 at night, 70-80 during the day. Should stay that way all week. The boat is in the direct sun for about 3 hours/day. <br /><br />Interlux calls for a 220 grit paper in between coats. Except for one spot where I waited too long and the wet edge started to dry, I do not have any brush strokes, just dust...<br /><br />For after the final coat is on, I know they make wet sand papers well above 600 grit now, I've seen 800, and heard of 1200. Would that be the best route? Mike, your point on the steel wool is well taken, I don't want any rust after all this.<br /><br />Thnaks again for all the help!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Final top coat paint tips?

Use the finest grit possible to get the job done, so start with the 1200 and then buff it to see if you get the desired results. Test an area first so you know what it looks like when your done.

 

[epresutti]

Re: Final top coat paint tips?

Old No 7,<br /><br />Just went through this when painting my boat, used 1500 and 2000 grit, then polishing compound from 3m. I had to take out some sags and drips, the end result was great.<br /><br />Here is the PDF tech spec for perfection, on page 10 it has a proceedure for taking out sags and drips, worked great.<br /><br />Hope this helps.<br /><br />Peace.<br /><br />Ed.

 

[Old No 7]

Re: Final top coat paint tips?

Wow thats alot of good info, thanks!<br /><br />Sorry, but this does bring up another question. Should i wax it?<br /><br />I've read to wait for a few weeks to let the paint cure, but what should i use then. there seems to be different opinions on using wax or not.<br /><br />Once again... Thanks to all!

 

[epresutti]

Re: Final top coat paint tips?

Old No 7,<br /><br />Yes wax it. Only after all of your polishing is completely done. Mine turned out great. My boat builder buddy uses 3m products, which is what I used.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Blue tint is from sun shinning through blue tarp, boat is white.<br /><br />Peace.<br /><br />Ed.

 

[xxxxxx]

Re: Final top coat paint tips?

Old # 7<br /><br />Looks like you are well on your way to a great paint job, lots good information.<br />Give it at least 2 or 3 weeks before putting in water or longer.<br />I believe the paint will last longer.<br />also let coats dry before next coat for if not dry gasses in the paint can not escape when you put next coat on to soon. <br /><br />Have a good day

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Final top coat paint tips?

Quote: Give it at least 2 or 3 weeks before putting in water or longer.<br />I believe the paint will last longer.<br /> <br /><br /> Respectfully are you serious?