Painting the hull ????

[WAVENBYE2]

Have you guys seen the "Check out this Capri, pics" on the Bayliner forum?? Does any one know what kind of paint he could have used? I am looking to redo the hull(top to bottom) once the season is over. I just now got the engine were I want it (not perfect,but will definetly do) What I am looking for is the "strongest paint" with the highest gloss I can possable get too. What are some good sites that I can find a good selection of "side decals" for marine use?? I know this is too early to see, but at least I can get an idea of about what I will be looking to spend..Thanks>>>Pat

 

[gcboat]

Re: Painting the hull ????

Probably one of the best paints you'll find anywhere: http://www.awlgrip.com/awlgrip_pages/allcountries.htm

There are of course numerous other brands but this product has been a marine and aircraft staple for a number of years.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Painting the hull ????

Thanks GC, I bookmarked the page, and will definitly read more tonight. Have you or any one else heard of "EMRON" and have any opinions. I am also looking for some sites for Marine grade decals for boats. Thanks, all opinions and help is appreciated. Now I'm just to figure out how I am going to raise the whole boat up with out the use of straps under it, and all the hardware taken off, with out damaging her too. Thanks>>>Pat Ok I have looked all over for "emron" paint, no luck. I did find ultralux paint and read AWLGRIP. I plan on (airgun)painting her. and topping her off with a high gloss(non-yellowing top coat. has any one done it this way to theirs?? Still looking for boat graphics with no luck too(just lettering) Looking for the side graphics.Thanks >>>Pat

 

[Sorrento 25]

Re: Painting the hull ????

Imron is the DuPont trade name for a commercial polyurethane very similar in properties to AwlGrip but mostly used in the commercial truck market. I would use either above the waterline but skip the clearcoat. Clearcoat was developed for metallics and is not necessary for a solid color, makes repairs more difficult, and adds unnecessary cost. A single stage automotive urethane would work well on a small boat too but is not quite as durable as a true polyurethane. Below the waterline consider something like Interlux VC Performance unless you're only in the water for a day at a time.

If your gelcoat is in good condition with the exception of some oxidation, and you're not after a color change consider sanding and buffing it. Properly done the result is a boat that looks better then new.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Painting the hull ????

Ya that was one question I wanted to know about, I do only have her on the water when I use her(in,out same day), she doesn't sit in a slip. Would I use the same paint for the top of the haul as the bottom?? The Interlux perfection(Boatbandit.com) page 2, comes with a paint thats two parts non-yellowing polly. would that be Ok to use? yes the gel coat can be restored again, I put in all the elbow grease got it looking great(could see my self) two weeks later its dull again. a lot of work every two weeks, When I should be out in the water. Thats why I was thinking about redoing her...Pat

 

[Sorrento 25]

Re: Painting the hull ????

For day use the same paint on the bottom should be fine, but preparation is the key and there are no shortcuts to doing the job right. I'd remove everything including the windshield, rubrail, etc. and make sure not a drop of paint is sprayed onto a shiny unprepared surface or it will flake off eventually.

I'm not familiar with Ultralux but if it is a 2-part catalyzed Polyurethane for exterior use it should perform comparably to a name brand like Imron or AwlGrip - but I would stick with the best product you can find. There is too much time invested in a project like this to take risks with the paint products.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Painting the hull ????

If your gelcoat is in good condition with the exception of some oxidation, and you're not after a color change consider sanding and buffing it. Properly done the result is a boat that looks better then new.

Ok lets say I do take this route again, What is the best and toughest high gloss alternative with out killing my self every two weeks??, Weekends are play time. Time I should be out boating not polishing and polishing>> Thanks Pat

 

[Sorrento 25]

Re: Painting the hull ????

The problem I see is that people with oxidized gelcoat continue with the wax-on wax-off method to try to "maintain" the finish. All they really accomplish is to allow the wax to somewhat penetrate the porous oxidized gelcoat and create and semi-glossy finish that last a few weeks.

What really needs to be done is the deteriorated porous gelcoat needs to be removed by sanding down to sound gelcoat, and then the finish restored by buffing. After this procedure the wax has a stable base and can form the protective glossy layer it needs to and it will last half a season.

I sand with 400 then 800 dry on a 6" orbital sander. Cut with the 400 until the soft faded gelcoat stops powdering off and you get to the solid base color. Make sure you remove all the 400 scratches with the 800. Then compound with 3M Super Duty and polish with 3M Finesse-It II at 1500-1800 RPM on a high speed polisher.

I probably have around 50 hours into this process on my boat and it still isn't finished.

You will have to perform the first step of the process prior to painting anyway, and the second step after priming unless you want to chance painting directly over your gelcoat. Most likely you'll be color-sanding the final finish too unless you painted in a very sterile area or are very tolerant of dirt in your finish.

Either way its a lot of work.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Painting the hull ????

The problem I see is that people with oxidized gelcoat continue with the wax-on wax-off method to try to "maintain" the finish. All they really accomplish is to allow the wax to somewhat penetrate the porous oxidized gelcoat and create and semi-glossy finish that last a few weeks.
Either way its a lot of work.

Yes this is what I have been doing and the problem I have been facing. I am going to keep your suggestions, We like the color of our boat, just frustrated that it doesn't stay glossy but a couple of weeks, Yes I would like to keep it original. Any advice on how to fill in 1/16 to 1/8 gouges? one is about 4" long x 1/8 deep on the blue and some longer x 1/16" deep on the white. what is the best way to fill these in and color match the blue? above the water line is what I care about, due to I beach alot and know I will end up with more scuffs, and thats ok, would like to fill in some of the chips though. Thanks for your help, I would like to keep her original,would like to put on some new side graphics and a Keelgaurd, A bimini top and a tower, I still have a long way to go, Engine and strern drive are now tip top shape, That came first, With all the GREAT help from the "Mercruiser Engine/Inboard Repair Forum" It's because of all there time and suggestions, with me doing what they said, she run and performs as great as she does. Truly an AWSOME site.>>>Pat

 

[Windykid]

Re: Painting the hull ????

Fill the gouges with marinetex.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Painting the hull ????

S 25 has given very good information.

You can try to color match the gel coat yourself, or possibly buy it from Spectrum Color, they can supply you with gel coat that is color matched to your boat. They haven't color matched every boat made, but have for most of the popular models. It will come as a complete kit with instruction if you need it that way, or just the gel coat.

Graphics are easy to get, just look in the phone book, or Google it for your area. If you show them a picture of what you want, or if you just want to copy what's there now, they can do it.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Painting the hull ????

Fill the gouges with marinetex.

Can the Bayliner blue(thats what I call it) be color matched??

 

[Sorrento 25]

Re: Painting the hull ????

You can buy gelcoat repair kits that include tinting colors. Your match will never be perfect, but if its close you'll never see it unless you look for it anyway. If you can get the correct colors from Spectrum that would be much less hassle.

Let me know if you want to invest the 30-40 hours and $500 or so into restoring that finish and I'll give you the exact details on what you need and how to do it well and efficiently.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Painting the hull ????

Yes, I have talked it over with the wife and the reply is always the same "Do what you think is best babe" God I love that woman !! I have decided to keep it original, Your right, it is going to take the same amount of time and effort either way, and I first wanted to fully restore her to her former self (with modifications, ofcource.) I talked to "Custom Detail" www.custom-detail.com this morning in our town, I told him what it was I was doing and he said come on down(today) to look in the books for the side graphics and lettering, because I will be taking her down to the original gel coat with hardware and(graphics & lettering) completely taken off to do the job right. and new put back on(hardware is good) So Yes this is the route I am going to take. I still would like to know what the (BEST) top coat is to use after the graphics & lettering is put on? To get that HIGH Gloss finish. I Thank you for all the time you are putting in on helping me with my project. I will definitely be taking pics every step of the way,how she looks now and when done. the only thing I will not be doing my self is the graphics. So yes, please send the info. It will not be a waste of your time, Thanks >>>Pat

 

[Sorrento 25]

Re: Painting the hull ????

The quality of your buffing/polishing job will do more to determine the quality of the final shine than whatever product you use for a protective wax. 3M performance, Zaino, Meguiars, Nu-Finish, etc. all will work well.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Painting the hull ????

What I have been using is "Meguiars Gold Class" I do believe they also make a marine one now haven't tried it yet..Maybe some one else has.>>>Pat
Check out the "chat forum" I posted new thread With more boat pics.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Painting the hull ????

Just got back a little while ago from the graphics installer, He told me to go ahead and do all the work I needed to get done including the top coat too, checked out some pretty cool looking graphics, I believe I found the one he is going to install "sharp". I will be taking the before pics. today hopefully.I've decided not to wait until the fall, I want to enjoy the new look this season

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Painting the hull ????

Let me know if you want to invest the 30-40 hours and $500 or so into restoring that finish and I'll give you the exact details on what you need and how to do it well and efficiently.

I am ready any time you are after seeing the graphics, yes I'm ready !! >>>Thanks again,Pat

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Painting the hull ????

Good Thread. I would also like to know the "details" for the best shine.

Since I will only do same day launch and recover (maybe a rare overnight once or tiwce a year), is Interlux perfection good for top AND bottom?

THANKS!!!