Re-Painting my Fiberglass Boat

[teneyckd2002]

Hi,
I purchased my first boat last year and I really enjoyed working on it. I replaced the entire floor, recarpeted it, and replaced most of the electrical as well as the seats. The boat is a 1977 Sportcraft. I would like to do the painting myself but have no idea if you can even re-paint fiberglass? Any advice would be great!

Thanks,
Denis

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Re-Painting my Fiberglass Boat

Denis, Painting of fiberglass is done all the time. Most of the big expensive yachts are painted fiberglass, since they need a finer finish than gelcoat provides. There are excellent one-part Marine polyurethane paints, which is probably what you want for the topside of the boat. Spraying the paint is the best finish, but requires some equipment and technique. I have heard the "roll and tip" method is very close to spray-quality, but have not tried it. You can also do all the prep work, and take it to a auto body shop (that has some experience painting boats), and have them spray it.

You will want to fill all suface inperfections with Marine polyester putty, and sand the entire area to be painted with 400 grit wet/dry paper. Now prime according to the paint's directions, and then apply the paint.

 

[teneyckd2002]

Re: Re-Painting my Fiberglass Boat

Chris1956,
Thanks for the info. One of my best friends actually owns a painting business, and has access to all types of sprayers! I think I will get him involved.

Thanks again,
Denis

 

[OhioLowell]

Re: Re-Painting my Fiberglass Boat

If you have access to an "airless" sprayer they are awsome. Although they are alot more work than a cup gun to celan up. If you have any weird angles to spray at the airless is great because it doesn't loose its prime when turned on its side or even upsidedown.


Good Luck!
Lowell

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Re-Painting my Fiberglass Boat

Denis...lo m8...

No no no nono..

I just dont know where these guys come up with this stuff...

Why peeps just dont know..and will post things is beyond me..without questions they know best..id like to ask questions... is the surface gel ?

You have a 30yr old boat...You ( or anyone else ) wants to put on a 1 part paint on ANYTHING ! if its not 2 part catalized then you dont want it..cheep will get you poor if you plan on keeping it anytime soon..

1. GEL 2. Awl-grip 3. Imron .. after that...dont waste your cash..its not that much more..really if you research and find your paint ..

2. Dont paint unless yoiu have to! really folks..learn how to gel then paint..its Much better in the long run

3. People ! please stop posting unless you KNOW ! your talking THousands of dollars in the long run for others just wanting to know the bottom line..if you Dont know..then Dont Post ! Or I will ..

YD.