Exterior refinish

[SuzukiChopper]

So now that I have the inside all done up the way I want it (except for the cut open bow, really want a platform up there for fishing), I want to start to plan the exterior refinish. Now whatever is on the boat right now is cracked (deep), has runs, and just looks horrible to say the least. I plan on sanding the whole hull, especially to get rid of the runs, but I'm wondering if I can just fill the deep cracks with some vinyester resin and sand smooth? I'm planning on going with a full gelcoat finish, most likely getting someone else to do it for me, but would like to get the surface I have now prepped for him. Was kind of thinking of doing a little bit at a time thoughout the summer and fall as I don't think the fish really care how my boat looks Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[tengals123]

Re: Exterior refinish

Sand, sand, sand. Are the cracks, in high stress area's?<br /><br /><br />cheers

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: Exterior refinish

most of the cracks are along the tops of the gunwales just forward of the transom. It may have been from the VERY weak and soggy transom that was back there and the too big of motor for the boat. I have since replaced it as well as the floor and built the transom out from 1 1/2" to 2". There are some along the dash as well but they aren't "deep". The ones on the gunwales look like they could be right through what I think is the gelcoat (looks like gel coat but also looks like someone repainted the boat with a brown paint, roller on and runs everywhere).<br /><br />Any idea if it's possible to blast the exterior of a boat with a fine silica bead and low air pressure?

 

[tengals123]

Re: Exterior refinish

mmmm....not sure about the blasting question, someone else might be able to help you on that one. If you cut out the cracks a little wider and cleaned well, sounds like you could prolly just fill em' up. <br /><br />cheers

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: Exterior refinish

Very cool. Was worried I'd have to strip all the old off before doing any of the new (hence the bead blasting question). I guess I can work on filling all the "gorges" on it throughout the summer, maybe start prepping the topside. Going to have to look into prices for that stuff you used, I'm VERY impressed with the finish you got, especially with roll and tip. What kind of roller did you use and what kind of brush for tipping? Just a regular roller and a foam brush... or?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Exterior refinish

Don't sand blast or bead blast the gel coat, you will still need to sand it to get a smooth surface to paint after blasting. Paint it, don't use gel coat, re-gel coating is too much work compared to painting. Sand off all of the "brown Paint" not all of the gel coat.

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: Exterior refinish

with the silica sand I wouldn't have to do any sanding afterwards, I think it's about 5000 grit or something like that, almost polishes metal. I think I may just take your advice and sand the "old stuff" off and pait it. Sounds like the best alternative and if I can get myself some of the stuff tengals is using, I'd be in business! Thanks for the advice!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Exterior refinish

It's very difficult to sand blast gel coat and get to come out smooth, even with silica. I have done it many times, but only for industrial applications where cosmetics are not important.<br /><br />Be sure to post some pics, it's always nice to see these projects.

 

[tengals123]

Re: Exterior refinish

suzuki, the roller is thin foam, i go through 2 or 3 per coat to prevent any foam getting stuck in the paint. The brush cost me $45.00AUD, and is natural badger hair. Very soft and fine tipped. Good gear+good results.<br /><br /><br />cheers

 

[BillP]

Re: Exterior refinish

I've read that many folks use cheap foam brushes to tip and get excellent results. Just watch for foam melting...same if you use foam rollers.

 

[tengals123]

Re: Exterior refinish

billp, i have here what you are saying. I tested foam brushes and found better results with a high quality brush. And yes, you do go through a fair bit of foam, as mentioned.<br /><br />cheers

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: Exterior refinish

pictures, I REALLY have to get pictures of this thing. Just not enough time in a day right now for me <br /><br />tengals, is that paint sprayable? I might be in a position over the winter where I might be able to spray it. If not then I'll definately be on the look out for a good brush or two. Like to stock up on stuff early so I don't have to buy everything in one shot. Do you have a link to a site that carries and sells the paint you used? I'd like to check it out as well as colour options.<br /><br />Also, if a foam roller and the paint is anything like a foam roller and resin, I might be staying away from them. I tried a foam roller for some of the patch jobs I had to do, and can see why they make special rollers

 

[tengals123]

Re: Exterior refinish

Suzuki, no you can't really spray this type of paint. It has nasties in it. But you can spray their 1 pac poly paint. It's calles 'brightsides'.<br /><br />check out here ----><br /> http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa/ <br /><br />cheers

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: Exterior refinish

Looks like I can't use the Brightside product, doesn't meet Canadian legislation or something like that. Looks like I'd have to use Toplac or the Inerthane Plus even (both can be sprayed conventionally). Going to have to bookmark that site!

 

[tengals123]

Re: Exterior refinish

yep, heaps of info there.<br />honestly, spraying would be the way to go, if you have the place, gear and skill to do it good.<br />cheers

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Exterior refinish

Suzuki,<br /><br />According to Interlux, Brightside is available and approved for use in Canada.<br /><br />

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: Exterior refinish

Yeah it lists it in the list, just weird that you can't click for more information and that it isn't listed under "Conventional" like the US site. Bizzar, I guess a guy can try but that Toplac looks like it has some characteristics that I'd like a little more than Brightside. I downloaded the full PDF guide they have, WOW, TONS of information! That's a great link tengals!

 

[tengals123]

Re: Exterior refinish

try and get their information CD, it not only contains all the relevant information, but also a step by step video on how to roll and tip, both 1 and 2 part paint.<br /><br />cheers

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: Exterior refinish

sweet, I'll definately look into that! Thanks!

 

[Rudderman]

Re: Exterior refinish

I've used Toplac, applied with a thin foam roller (like what you would use for epoxy), then I tipped off each coat with a wide foam brush. It really does look like a spray job to me. <br />Just don't put it anywhere that will be permanently damp or it will bubble. (like under the boat where it rests on the wet carpeted bunks)