Interthane versus Brightside

robbyt

Recruit
Joined
Mar 29, 2004
Messages
3
I've just read 189 iboat discussions about painting and visited Interthane's website, but I still don't know if I should go with Interthane Plus or Brightside.<br /><br />I'm rebuilding a '87 fiberglass fish-n-ski and want it to look new (just spiffing up the gel coat isn't good enough). Boat is trailered, covered, and used only moderately (so don't need antifouling bottom paint, for example).<br /><br />My first concern is that she looks great when I'm done and my second concern is that she stays that way with use.<br /><br />From all my reading, Brightside is said to be 'easier to apply' and Interthane is said to be more abrasion and UV resistant. Some questions:<br />1. Does 'easier to apply' mean that the finished job will look better or just that it is easier to get the paint on there?<br />2. Is the durability difference enough to really matter with moderately used boat that is mostly carpeted in the decking area anyway?<br />3. Is Brightside easier enough to spray that it would look better than a roll-and-tip job of Interthane (I'm convinced that spraying Interthane is too dangerous)?<br />4. Is one or the other easier to touch-up or recoat to get out defects and/or when it starts to get worn?<br />5. Which one will catch more fish?<br />6. Which one will catch bigger fish? ;) <br /><br />I understand all the technical differences (one part versus two, etc) and the cost differences, but I can't decide if all that stuff matters in the real world. Seems like lots of you have used both successfully and naturally Interlux says they're both great... but I've got to choose one or the other!<br /><br />Thanks.
 

mutron77

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 19, 2004
Messages
114
Re: Interthane versus Brightside

IMO Interthane plus would be the choice, and Britesides would not be considered<br />Bside is a one part topside paint with a reputation for adhesion problems unless your prep is perfect.<br />The high tech 2 part urethanes are a good bit tougher but also prep intensive and dangerous to work with. I wouldn't waste any of this Xpensive stuff by painting under carpet. I have been impressed at the results I have seen here on the forum with wet sanding and polishing old Gelcoat. <br />$3 for a pack 600 grit. That is the route I'm going.<br />I'll let my boat age, but gracefully......
 

BillP

Captain
Joined
Aug 10, 2002
Messages
3,290
Re: Interthane versus Brightside

I've used Brightsides since it came out in the 1980s without problems. Brushed straight over sanded glass without primer. Here's some press on the stuff...Practical Sailor has been a reliable source on testing marine products for years.<br /><br />Executives of Interlux®were pleased upon opening their January 2004 editions of Practical Sailor and Powerboat Reports magazines to see the results of their two-year topside paint tests.<br /><br />Interlux Toplac® white came in with the highest recommendation in both publications. Interlux Interthane® Plus white was also the highest rated two-part urethane paint tested.
 

robbyt

Recruit
Joined
Mar 29, 2004
Messages
3
Re: Interthane versus Brightside

I've ordered Interthane Plus from Coastalmarineonline.com (best price I could find) and will post another response when I have some news to report.<br /><br />Thanks.
 
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