Re: What type of paint to use?
I picked up a 14' fiberglass Sea King boat. The boat was in the middle of restoring when I purchased it. This boat won't be in the water everyday and I was wondering what type of paint could I use? Would automotive paint work, for the simple fact of the boat would be trailered after use and not be in the water for more than a 5-6 hrs at a time? I have also had a few people say oil based paints work well too? Don't know who to believe!
Thanks Zeb
Quality paint is matched to the thermal expansion and flex properties of the underlying material. Note that most automotive paint makers make a fiberglass or marine variety - gotta be able to paint that Vette.
Example, DuPont Imron Marine polyurethane
Some brands are formulated for multiple substrate types, but you need to check the paint's Data Sheet at the company web page to see what's recommended.
In today's world of paint, epoxy appears to be toughest - longest lasting, polyurethane is next, followed by oil base. Prices are commensurate to the quality. We all used oil base paints a couple of decades ago and we all repainted our boats more frequently.
Rust-Oleum Marine, an oil base paint, is probably the lowest cost paint made for boats. You get a couple of good years from it, sometimes more depending on use and upkeep.
