What kind of paint to use.

[menglor]

I been reading tons of posts this morning and well I am going blind now.

Basically, I bought a boat at the end of the season, and at some point this or next season I want to pain it.

There is lots of work to be done to it, Hell, I am not sure how low it even sits in the water, since I havent splashed it myself yet.


So, I am looking around to figure out how I want to paint it.

To be honest, I have almost all but decided to use some kind of poly, instead of a Gel coat.


My big question is I know there is a upper paint, and a lower paint, but I am thinking I am going to use Poly and hardner everywhere, the boat is never going to be in the water over night anywhere, its NEVER going to be near sea water.


I have seen some posts that say only use Gel coats, only use poly on the top side, .... Everyone has an opinon.

However, I was never able to the find a "definitive this is the best way"


does anyone have any proof via pictures, examples , stories that says its a good idea or bad idea?

help please.



Currently the paint job on the boat is terrible, its white ish, grey ish and heavily powedery. I have no idea of what any of the paints or coats are.

 

[Pmccraney]

Re: What kind of paint to use.

Okay, I'll start by trying to point you the right direction. Much like anything related to boat restoration or building, there are a lot of different ways you can tackle this, and many people have their own preferences. Paint, in particular, involves a lot of personal variables/preferences (spray vs. roll/tip, gel vs. paint, etc..., etc... etc...). Regardless of which route you go...get ready to sand your butt off. A good finish coat is only as good as the underlying prep work...

One of the frequent posters, Woodonglass, has done a bunch research on paint applications. His method is one of the "go to" applications on this forum. See his flamingo thread... He'll probably stop by shortly to give you some tips.

Archbuilder also re-painted his sleek with a slightly different method and it turned out great.

Hope this gives you a start on the right direction.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: What kind of paint to use.

Welcome menglor,

Pmmccraney has you going in the right direction.

A bunch of other guys will be along shortly to help you make this crucial decision.

I just want to throw my nickle 95 into the pot...

Since you just bought this boat and haven't even splashed it yet, I personally would want to know what I am getting into before dumping 40-50 hours worth of labor prepping for paint, then another few hundred dollars into the materials, to end up with a great looking boat that needs to be completely overhauled, or the engine doesn't run...

I am not saying that this is the case for your particular situation, but just want you make the least expensive mistakes...

Best Regards,
GT1M

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: What kind of paint to use.

Lots of Choices for Paint, but...Like GT1M says, I think you might be putting the cart before the horse. Make sure this boat is sound both structurally and mechanically before you sink any time or money into cosmetics.

 

[menglor]

Re: What kind of paint to use.

Lots of Choices for Paint, but...Like GT1M says, I think you might be putting the cart before the horse. Make sure this boat is sound both structurally and mechanically before you sink any time or money into cosmetics.

Yes definitly ahead of schedule on the whole painting thing, but I learned Way early on, that picking the right paint for the application and researching the **** out of it, will save you frustrations later. I repainted my motorbike, man that sucker looked like glass when it was done. Very proud of it.

Then I went to fill it at the gas station , and a little ran down the side, and instantly frosted the finish. I cant remember what paint I used, You would think I would never forget. however one of the properties of the paint is that it never truly hardens, so i though WOW awesome, it will flex with the plastics and what not, I was right you could almost twist it with no issues. I missed the label that says keep away from light solvents.

anyway, I want to see what everyone is doing, live through there experiences, so when I pick up the roller or the HVLP sprayer, I want to be a well educated idiot.

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: What kind of paint to use.

In the for what it's worth department...I shoot Dupont Imron exculsively on all my restores. It a bit pricey, but it's a great paint and will hold it's shine for years to come. (wear your respirator while you're spraying and mixing it, basically if the can is open have your respirator on)

I won't get into the gelcoat debate, but personally regelling is WAY to much work for me. Gelcoat is a GREAT product for "in the mold use" but I'm not a fan of using it as a top coat.

 

[O-fishal]

Re: What kind of paint to use.

I painted my boat with Endura paint and it came out AWESOME lots of colors to choose from too.

 

[tommays]

Re: What kind of paint to use.

Picture 3 IF it is still gel-coat sure looks like it could be made to look a LOT better with a wet-sand and buff