What primer for rustoleum paint on fiberglass hull?

[Sea Stomper]

Re: What primer for rustoleum paint on fiberglass hull?

After rebuilding my tri hull, I painted right over the gel coat with white Rustoleum deck paint with a brush without primer but I sanded it well. I used scotchbrite pads between coats because I saw some aircraft painters doing that one time to a corporate jet I was wrenching on.

The hull was an average blue color, so covering it with white took about 3 coats before the blue disappeared. If I had any brains I would have primered it but I don't regret not doing it. It was a little work to get it right but after about 7 coats it was not bad at all. After 1 summer of hard core Pacific Ocean fishing in the Northwest, it still looks as good as it did when I finished it. It's been mistaken for a gel coat job a few times. It goes below the water line too, and no wear and tear except for a few battle scars from when I brought some pretty sizeable Pacific Halibut on board that were uncooperative when they beat the side of the boat with the fishing tackle whaling against the gunwale.

I'd do it again, and I'm putting a hard top on this as we speak that's going to get the same paint. It's not a restore job but just a "bring to strong functional" rebuild. I'll post the build a little later this month. It spans 2 winters with a break last summer to fish it without the finished hard top.

 

[nelbo52]

Re: What primer for rustoleum paint on fiberglass hull?

R U sure it's Paint and Not oxidized Gelcoat. Most boats from the factory are Gelcoat Not Paint! If you want to paint over the gelcoat then You must wash it thoroughly then wipe it all down with acetone. the Last link in my signature below has some good info on how to paint your boat using Majic Paint which is basically the same as the Rustoleum paint. I would also recommend using the hardener and I Always recommend primer for any paint job.

Ya i am not for sure. I will send a picture of my boat.

Whould these be good steps to follow in getting a good paint job result?

1) wash the area to be painted
2) wipe area down with acetone, let dry
3) prime, let dry over night
4) lightly sand and wipe down
5) 1st coat of paint, dry over night
6) apply as many coats as needed to get a nice finish, after each coat let dry for 24 hours

Let me know if this would be an appropiate method. Should a person prime with just one coat or 2? And Should a person sand lightly between paint jobs? Im thinking 3 coats of actual paint would be what it would go with. Maybe a clear coat at the end. Like i said earlier, im not going for a show room quality, its just a fishing boat. And i fish only on fresh water lakes. No salt, and i pull my boat out each time of use and cover.

Thanks



The brown stripe is all i am painting. The rest of the hull is good!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: What primer for rustoleum paint on fiberglass hull?

Check this out..."Paint Your Boat for Under $100 Bucks...Well Almost"

 

[gm280]

Re: What primer for rustoleum paint on fiberglass hull?

Having only painted one small boat before but not keeping it long enough to see if it held up, I plan on painting my present boat refurbish exactly like I recent did a car. That is using automotive primers base coats and clear coats. I just recently refurbished a old beat up car and after finishing up the bodywork, I primer it with PPG K36 catalyzed primer (actually about four different coats with sanding and even wet sanding to 600 between coats too) and then sprayed three coats of PPG Shopline base coat. After all that I sprayed three coats of PPG Clear coats and wet sanded that down with 2000 grit paper. I finished all that up with 3M compounds and a variable speed Makita buffer to control any swirl markers. I have to admit I surprised even myself at the finish of that car. And that was my first car paint job as well. So I am going to follow that same recipe for my boat too...

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: What primer for rustoleum paint on fiberglass hull?

"Im not going for a "show room" quality job, but something that would be durable and looks better than what it is now. I would use a foam brush in appling the paint, and apply roughtly 3 coats. Any help and tips would be great!"

I don't think he could obtain your GREAT results with a Foam Brush. I'm sure your Boat is gunna look Awesome. What was the cost for your Car Paint Job?

 

[gm280]

Re: What primer for rustoleum paint on fiberglass hull?

"Im not going for a "show room" quality job, but something that would be durable and looks better than what it is now. I would use a foam brush in appling the paint, and apply roughtly 3 coats. Any help and tips would be great!"

I don't think he could obtain your GREAT results with a Foam Brush. I'm sure your Boat is gunna look Awesome. What was the cost for your Car Paint Job?

Thanks WOG, I’ve learned a lot from reading your relies and projects myself. Not counting the actual spray guns or compressor, about around $300 to $400 dollars for the materials. That includes the primer (really expensive stuff but great sandability) and base coat and top coats... My thinking is if I have to refinish any project, do it to the best I can so I don’t have any problems in a couple years. Nothing last forever, BUT doing it right the first time reduces the cost in the long run... That’s just my warped thoughts though... I am presently working the motor (which will look amazing see my projects as I post the work) and trailer. I have to build a cradle for the haul before doing anything else with the boat. I think painting my boat in the same fashion will look extremely good...

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: What primer for rustoleum paint on fiberglass hull?

Thanks,
I'm such a COB I hardly ever spring for the "GOOD STUFF" unless I'm doing it for a customer. The Rustoleum with Hardener has really surprised me with it's durability and shine. Now it's for sure NOT as good as what you used, but for my old boat and the price I paid, it's for sure good enuf. I'm looking forward to seeing your results.

 

[nelbo52]

Re: What primer for rustoleum paint on fiberglass hull?

Well, i might just use a roller to paint. After reading all the pro's comments. Seem's like it might cover better too! The reason i joined this site was to get help on some projects that people have done and tried. Good to know what works best, so it would save me some trial and error attemps. What would be some steps folks would recemend in tackling the paint job? From start to finish. Any advise would help! Then i will post before and after pictures, to aww you folks!

Thank you

 

[gm280]

Re: What primer for rustoleum paint on fiberglass hull?

I'd like to say this about painting most anything. You only get out of it what you're willing to put into it. I mean if you want a nice quality paint finish and still want to keep things at reasonable costs. Use brushes or even rollers. Nobody says you can't get an amazing finish using those applications. In fact there are a few YTube videos where the people used rattle cans and paint brushes for their projects and they were amazingly beautiful finished. BUT...they did the work to get there too. Preparation is the sole key to a great lasting finish with whatever method you choose. One guy used can paint and brushes to finish a hood to his car. He prepped the hood with increasing grades of sand paper until he had the surface smooth. Then he applied brushed on paint from a Lowe’s type store. And then started to sand it smooth. And he repeated that technique for about six coats until that hood looked as good as any professionally sprayed finish I ever saw. So yes it can be done but you can't skip the work involved and arrive there. Again you get out of it what you are willing to put into it. Let your satisfaction be YOUR guide... After all, it is your boat so you only know when you’re finished.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: What primer for rustoleum paint on fiberglass hull?

Spray is always optimal .. it covers better and smoother.

Sometimes its not optimal to spray .. then you have to roll and tip. Roll and tip is Not inferior to spraying if you know what your doing. It does take more time for prep between coats to apply though. Sometimes with paints you can Re-coat without sanding if you are within a 'window'.

YD.

 

[nelbo52]

Re: What primer for rustoleum paint on fiberglass hull?

Alright Alright you SS Minnow Captains! I admit, you guys convinced Gilligan here! I?m going for the gold, and going to use a roller to apply the show room finish on my sea worthy vessel! I will wipe down the fiberglass area with acetone (remove the gel coat, etc., sand and scuff, clean well, let dry, and apply primer. When primer dries next day, sand, wipe down, maybe prime a 2nd coat? let dry. Then comes the fun part, start the painting process. Should a guy sand between coats of paint? When I am done with my project i will send you guys before and after pics and the products I use. Eye Eye MATES!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: What primer for rustoleum paint on fiberglass hull?

nelbo52 you really should start your own thread for your project.
Check the last link in my signature for some good info on how to paint your boat. You do NOT need to remove the Gelcoat. Just sand and fill any deep scratches and gouges.