spray painting outboard

cowboyup

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 5, 2004
Messages
155
my sun bleached cowling and midsection are in desperate need of tlc. I've wet sanded (220) the cowling and mid section and wiped with acetone. Is there a better product for fiberglass? It seems to leave a smudge that's incredibly difficult to remove. Also, should i use a primer/sealer first? Or just plan on using 8-10 coats. Thanks for your ideas.
 

Winger Ed.

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 24, 2004
Messages
649
Re: spray painting outboard

Originally posted by Winger Ed.:<br /> Acetone is perfect for what you're doing after you've washed it with some pretty harsh soap & water or somethig like 409 first.<br /><br />I'd prime it first. Then re-sand it with 400 wet or dry to really slick it out, plus the primer tends to stick better on a fresh or old surface. <br /><br />I wouldn't put any more coats , usually two or three, than it takes to cover and look good.<br /><br />Thicker isn't better with paint films. The thicker it is, the less flexible it is. And the more prone to chipping and cracking it will be. <br /><br /><br />
 

cowboyup

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 5, 2004
Messages
155
Re: spray painting outboard

Thanks Winger. Would you recommend sanding between coats? What about using a clear coat as a topcoat? Thanks for your reply.
 

Winger Ed.

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 24, 2004
Messages
649
Re: spray painting outboard

sanding between coats? What about using a clear coat as a topcoat? [/QB]
That sanding between coats (unless you got some trash or bugs in it) business is from what I call 'The brother in law syndrome', and has been perpetrated like many other urban myths.<br /><br />*<br />The brother in law syndrome goes something like this:<br /><br />I used to know a fella who had a brother in law that used to know a guy back in the 50's who had a neighbor that painted cars. This is how he said to do it..................<br />*<br /><br /><br />For what you're doing-<br /><br />Prime it. sand it with lots of water, a little bump of soap or windex, let it dry.<br /><br />Spray 2 or 3 coats of color on it about 30 minutes apart. If it looks OK, wait a hour or so, then shoot a coat or 2 of clear over it. The clear raises the gloss level a bunch. Then, live happily ever after.<br /><br /><br />There's lots of other ways to do it, but this one will do you as good of a job as any,,, and better than most.<br /><br /><br />All that sanding between coats does, is make a lot of extra work for your self. The extra work of which can't be detected in the finsished product.
 

mattsaks

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 7, 2004
Messages
156
Re: spray painting outboard

Would you use an etching primer? Or just a regular one?
 

cowboyup

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 5, 2004
Messages
155
Re: spray painting outboard

thanks winger. I did as you said and wow! I used 600 wet after priming, followed by 3 lite coats of paint. The motor doesn't run yet, but it sure looks good sittin' there. I'll hit it with 2 coats of clear tomorrow. Thanks again!
 
Top