Paint Q

[Tafflad]

Had some small scratches to deal with on my Alpha II skeg.
Final job getting ready for new season ...

Treated properly ... sanded down, washed with solvent, 2 coats Mercury primer, followed by 3 coats of Mercury Phantom Black paint.

Looks OK ...
The Q is .... if this were a car, the next step would be to flat it off with 600 grit, then apply 2 coats of clear coat lacquer.

Is this recommended for drives, or should I just leave it at the Black paint finish.

The only clear coat I have is standard automotive.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Paint Q

Just leave it. Its not a car, its an outdrive.

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Paint Q

Honestly there's no real need to apply any clear coat unless maybe you're entering your boat into a boat show of some kind.

Clear coat seems to have a tendency to peel easily and water pressure at speed would probably speed up the process.

The quality of Mercury's Phantom black paint is really good.

 

[Tafflad]

Re: Paint Q

Thx ... I had assumed clear coat may not do well, thanks for confirmation.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Paint Q

its an out drive that you will probably scuff the paint again.

 

[gm280]

Re: Paint Q

If you are using rattle cans for the paint, then I agree with the above answers. And I don't think anybody is using lacquers anymore for car or boat painting. However, if you are using a paint spray gun, then I think the addition of clear coat(s) do make a difference. Clear coat top coats use catalyzed mixes that are harder then rattle can paints and do offer much better wear and scratch resistance. But they have to be applied via a paint gun...

 

[Tafflad]

Re: Paint Q

This is rattle cans ... and I have rattle cans of clear coat, automobile ones.