Repainting the top/bottom

[valiantjedi]

Hi Guys,<br /><br />You have all helped me a ton with my boat project and I wanted to thank you before I asked my question. So thank you And yes the search function does work for those who use it lol.<br /><br />Ok question is this. I am repainting a 16ft fiberglass Sanger. I'd stripped the paint off the top before realizing I might not have to take it down to the gelcoat to repaint. I bought primer thinking I could sand it and just use the primer instead of pulling all the paint off. How far down do I need to sand for the primer to work correctly? It's already been stripped of wax. <br /><br />Eventually it's going to be gloss black with a Jolly Roger painted across the bow. I was thinking of adding a falchion down each side but I'm not sure if it would look too cheesy or not. Thanks for your help guys.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Repainting the top/bottom

All I can say to that is "Arrgh", "sounds like a fine project"

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Repainting the top/bottom

Jedi, To assure the primer works correctly, the old paint must be in sound condition, and you should have an idea what kind of paint it is. It is likely some kind of urethane or enamel. Make sure the primer you use is compatable with these two paints. If you keep the boat in the water, you should use a two-part urethane, below the waterline, as well as antifouling bottom paint.

 

[valiantjedi]

Re: Repainting the top/bottom

Someone had painted over the gelcoat previously. It's not being kept in the water. I bought ablative polyeurethane(hard) from West Marine for the bottom. The paint is in decent condition with a few spider line cracks. I know about sanding those down already though. It looks like the previous coat was a urethane. The primer is also from West Marine for polyeurethane paints. <br /><br />And yeah, it's been a fine project lol. I've replaced the stringer/floor, carpets, ripped out the seats to redo the foam already. Fun stuff. Hehe.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Repainting the top/bottom

Jedi, I will assume the ablative paint is for anti-fouling purposes. However, you do not need it if the baot is not being kept in the water. You can use a 1 part polyurethane paint for topside and the bottom, if it is trailored. If the cracks will show through the paint, you will want to sand them out, or fill them and sand them. Sand it to 400 grit, prime and spray it with the polyurethane. Remember dark colors show imperfections. Do a good sanding job, or your gloss black paint will not have a good finish. "Arrgh, you'r on your way"

 

[valiantjedi]

Re: Repainting the top/bottom

I did more work on it last night with a 6" sander/grinder conversion disk. It's coming out pretty well. My poor garage is coated in an inch of dust