Paint over original metal flake

[samtech]

I have a 16 ft bass boat. I have scrubbed, wet sanded. rubbing compound, but the shine, I believe is forever gone. Boat had been outside for many years before I purchased it. The oxidation has taken over boat. I have replaced decks and want to know is it possible to paint over the original "flake"? I want to paint the top cap, the hull is o.k. What do I need to do as far as prepping the top cap for paint. Boat is stripped of everything. Is clear coat a better way to go? Any advice will be appreciated.

 

[zool]

Re: Paint over original metal flake

Hi Samtech, it would be best if you open a free photobucket account and post some pics of your boat, but generally speaking, you can paint over the flake, but it can be a bit tricky. I wouldnt recommend clearing it, but some people do as a temp fix.

Can you feel the flake edges protruding the surface when you run your hand across it?...if not, its a bit easier to prep. Basically u need to dewax/degrease it, sand it enough for a mechanical bond, while not exposing too much new flake, then seal it with a primer, then use a high build primer to block it straight, then paint.

 

[samtech]

Re: Paint over original metal flake

Hi Samtech, it would be best if you open a free photobucket account and post some pics of your boat, but generally speaking, you can paint over the flake, but it can be a bit tricky. I wouldnt recommend clearing it, but some people do as a temp fix.

Can you feel the flake edges protruding the surface when you run your hand across it?...if not, its a bit easier to prep. Basically u need to dewax/degrease it, sand it enough for a mechanical bond, while not exposing too much new flake, then seal it with a primer, then use a high build primer to block it straight, then paint.

Thanks for the reply. You can't feel the flakes at all. There are places on the top cap where there are no flakes, looks like a real dull black spot. Are you saying to use 2 primers? I'm not sure what you mean when you say "block it straight". I will try and load pics, but don't know if you will be able to see to much. If I can paint, what paint would you reccomend to use, and would the roll and tip method work on top-cap? Thanks

 

[Fastatv]

Re: Paint over original metal flake

Hi samtech, what I think zool is saying is to seal....with primer, the old metallic surface. This will reduce the chance for lifting or bridging of the old surface. Then apply a high build ( more solids ) primer. And then block "sand " the high build primer using a hand block to completely straighten/flatten/smooth the primer. Sanding blocks come in several different sizes and using one to sand down the final coat of primer will help achieve the smoothest, flattest surface for your new paint.

 

[zool]

Re: Paint over original metal flake

Sorry, should have been clearer, like fastatv said, blocks come in various shapes and sizes, some flexable to contour the hull curves. you just wrap the sandpaper around them and go at it. If you dont have standing flakes, you can skip the build primer step and just use an epoxy primer which also acts as a sealer, then topcoat it with a brushable polyurethane or enamel, like Awlgrip, EZpoxy, Interlux Perfection, and the like..these have special thinners to aid in reducing brush/roller marks. Use the recommended primer for the topcoat you chose, like Awlgrip will require their 545 epoxy primer, ect, ect...