Fiberglass Painting Suggestions

[jdeboxtel]

I was hoping you all could give me some advice. My boat is just simply not worth the $800 or so the shop wants to charge to paint it. So, I have decided to do it myself. I would love to hear suggestions on a good, low cost paint for bottom side and one for topside. I found a low cost paint at this website for bottomside....http://www.coastalmarineonline.com/coastal/dept.asp?s_id=0&dept_id=145110&dp_id=&dl_id=. (you definitly gotta cut and paste that one.. Anyway, I'm not sure how many gallons I will need. I want to do more than one coat and I want it to last 3 or 4 years. My boat is a simple, 15ft, stick drive, two seater. You know...skinny, not very big. Any suggestions and information would be appreciated.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Fiberglass Painting Suggestions

Have you ever sprayed automotive type paints before? Also I take it you do not keep this boat in the water all summer! If the answer is yes to the above question and statement, then you can use an automotive urethane paint! Go to your local automotive store and ask them if they have any miss matched urethane paint or economy urethane! You will get all the advice you need from them as far as primer, sand paper and everything you need! This is a catylized paint and will be very durable!<br /><br />This will not hold up if you are leaving your boat in the water!<br /><br />LubeDude

 

[Vector501]

Re: Fiberglass Painting Suggestions

I have a question for you Lube dude. I know you stated car paint would not be good if you left your boat in the water constantly. How often could you be on the water with that kind of a paint?

 

[jdeboxtel]

Re: Fiberglass Painting Suggestions

I don't leave it in the water but, I want it to look decent. I am going to paint the trailer also.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: Fiberglass Painting Suggestions

Is this boat already painted ??<br />If not why not try to buff it with a rubbing compound and an orbital buffer. If you trailer your boat I don't see the need to bottom paint.

 

[jdeboxtel]

Re: Fiberglass Painting Suggestions

The reason I want to bottom paint is because there has been some damage and repair in the past. The repair doesn't exactly match the rest of the bottom. It's just an eyesore, that's all.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Fiberglass Painting Suggestions

To answer your question:<br /><br />How often could you be on the water with that kind of a paint? <br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />You can leave it in the water all day, and may be several days, and you might even get away with leaving it in the water all summer! But usually not! What happens is that the paint will likely blister! You can certainly help keeping this from happening by using a heavier sandpaper befor painting, like painting directly over say #180 grit but the finish will suffer some, but who looks that close to the bottom of the boat!<br /><br />If you do it this way you can fill the nicks and scratches with a waterproof filler, <br /><br />LubeDude