Bottom painting questions?

[jimmypal]

Hi Folks,
I've been thinking about painting the bottom (fiberglass) of my 1961 Lonestar. It's never been painted, but I'd like to leave it in the water for extended periods of time (bottom gets screwed up so fast in salt water!).
Rustoleum has a bottom paint which, they claim, needs no primer for fiberglass boats. Has anyone used this product? does it work well?
How much paint would I need for a 14' boat?
I'd appreciate any and all suggestions on products, and helpful tips all of you can throw my way.

Thanks,

Jim

 

[RickJ6956]

Re: Bottom painting questions?

I've never used the Rustoleum product, but Interlux ACT is excellent stuff. It will probably take less than a quart per coat.

Once you paint it's not going to come off without a ridiculous amount of work, so be sure you want to paint it.

You have to sand it the next time you paint. Wear a disposable coverall and respirator.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Bottom painting questions?

Never heard of Rustoleum anti-fouling paint. It's likely a 'barrier coat' product that you're going to need anyway, before you apply the antifouling.

I'd browse the Interlux site and read up on what you need to do when bottom painting a boat that's never been painted before, and what product(s) to use. Like everything else, there's more to it than meets the eye.

Before you pull the trigger, bear in mind that once you've painted, there's really no going back and it's an ongoing maintenance item. If you're going to moor or dock the boat instead of trailering, however, it is necessary.

My .02

 

[jimmypal]

Re: Bottom painting questions?

Thanks for your reply!
I will try the Interlux ACT. If I buy a Gallon (seems to be just a little more expensive than buying 2 quarts), will it keep well in storage? Is there a shelf life on this stuff once it's opened?
Thanks again,
Jim

 

[jimmypal]

Re: Bottom painting questions?

Oh, mone more question (for now!). How far above the water line should I apply the bottom paint? I was thinking of marking the water line with a grease pencil, then applying masking tape evenly above that line, maybe 1 inch higher. Will this do?
Jim

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Bottom painting questions?

Yes on the waterline. 1" is good. Use an epoxy barrior coating, according to the directions, before the antifouling paint. Use an Ablative Antifouling paint. The store brand is fine, unless you boat in warm tropical water, and need more copper content.