Over the winter I purchased my first "big" Boat. A Cat 27, 1975. The previous owner used the VC anti-fowling system. The boat has a nice coat of VC Tar on the bottom. My Question is three fold. Do I need to prepair the surface again. The boat has not seen the water in three years? Should I just tape and roll the new VC on, invest in a sprayer or pay sombody to spray it on. Will it make a difference? How long will the VC Tar last? I have a launch date April 13th. So the next day over 40 degrees I want to get this done. Thanks Skip
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Ken Palmer
You are going to get different answers here.
You should go right to the manufacturers of the paint. They have a web address at http://www.interlux.com/. They have an excellent Q&A section, FAX tips, and other forms of technical service. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
You should go right to the manufacturers of the paint. They have a web address at http://www.interlux.com/. They have an excellent Q&A section, FAX tips, and other forms of technical service. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
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Steve O.
VC-17
Ken's advice is sound. Check the Interlux website for details. How long the barrier coat lasts depends on how good a job was done when it was applied and how well it was maintained after applicatoin. You should be able to power wash the bottom and paint right over the existing paint with no sanding needed, providing the barrier is sound. Since you are a beginner I would not try to spray the VC, use a roller and you will get satisfactory results. You can pay your yard to spray it on, but it will cost lots more $$$. Its really pretty easy paint to work with, just follow the directions.
Ken's advice is sound. Check the Interlux website for details. How long the barrier coat lasts depends on how good a job was done when it was applied and how well it was maintained after applicatoin. You should be able to power wash the bottom and paint right over the existing paint with no sanding needed, providing the barrier is sound. Since you are a beginner I would not try to spray the VC, use a roller and you will get satisfactory results. You can pay your yard to spray it on, but it will cost lots more $$$. Its really pretty easy paint to work with, just follow the directions.
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Barry
My VC-17 Experience
I stripped the bottom of my boat in 1994 and applied 5 coats of VC Tar and a top coat of VC17. Each year I have it power washed when it is hauled for winter storage. The first year I sprayed it with a Wagner airless sprayer. Looked great when done. The following year I did a touch up with a roller, mostly near the water line. It doesn't look as nice when applied with a roller but after it sits in the water you could never tell. In both cases I used acetone or VC thinner to thin the paint before application. Some yards thin it too much when spraying. Looks great after application but the thin coat is almost gone in the fall. In your case I would wipe the bottom lightly with fine sandpaper any apply new paint by roller or spray. This will give better adhesion but don't try to remove old paint. I've seen many folks go 2-3 years on a VC17 paint job. They have it painted only when most of the paint is gone and the tar shows through on the waterline and wear areas. It's great stuff to use in fresh water since there is no buildup. No reason to ever spend more than 2 hours/year after the initial application. Barry
I stripped the bottom of my boat in 1994 and applied 5 coats of VC Tar and a top coat of VC17. Each year I have it power washed when it is hauled for winter storage. The first year I sprayed it with a Wagner airless sprayer. Looked great when done. The following year I did a touch up with a roller, mostly near the water line. It doesn't look as nice when applied with a roller but after it sits in the water you could never tell. In both cases I used acetone or VC thinner to thin the paint before application. Some yards thin it too much when spraying. Looks great after application but the thin coat is almost gone in the fall. In your case I would wipe the bottom lightly with fine sandpaper any apply new paint by roller or spray. This will give better adhesion but don't try to remove old paint. I've seen many folks go 2-3 years on a VC17 paint job. They have it painted only when most of the paint is gone and the tar shows through on the waterline and wear areas. It's great stuff to use in fresh water since there is no buildup. No reason to ever spend more than 2 hours/year after the initial application. Barry
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Ron Barrow
VC Forever.
Previous responses are rignt on the money. (IMHO), since you must pull the boat every year in your neighborhood, don't even think of putting any other paint on the bottom. An annual coat of VC-17 will keep your bottom fast and happy. RB
Previous responses are rignt on the money. (IMHO), since you must pull the boat every year in your neighborhood, don't even think of putting any other paint on the bottom. An annual coat of VC-17 will keep your bottom fast and happy. RB
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Steve O.
more VC
VC-17 is a very quick drying paint. Under certain conditions when spraying, it can actually dry while misted in the air and not stick to the hull. Unless you are a pro painter, I would not recommend spraying. Use a short nap or foam roller and roll one strip at a time. Do not try to roll over fresh paint as it drys so quick and you will lift off the paint. It takes a little getting used to but once you get it, its pretty easy to do it yourself and save $$$.
VC-17 is a very quick drying paint. Under certain conditions when spraying, it can actually dry while misted in the air and not stick to the hull. Unless you are a pro painter, I would not recommend spraying. Use a short nap or foam roller and roll one strip at a time. Do not try to roll over fresh paint as it drys so quick and you will lift off the paint. It takes a little getting used to but once you get it, its pretty easy to do it yourself and save $$$.
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Ken Palmer
When using a roller...
I roll my VC-17 on. The paint evaporates very quickly. To get the most on the boat and not into the air, I use a large plastic bottle that has a nozzle for the cap. After mixing in the copper, pour the paint into the squeeze bottle. Get into position, squeeze paint onto the roller, and quickly paint a large "W" on the hull. Go over the paint in verticle strokes to spread out the "W". I can get about a 3-ft X 3-ft area with a roller full of paint. When taking a break, place the roller in a plastic bag. I usually use one coat with extra touch-ups and double up on the front of the keel, rudder, and bow. When done, remove the roller and toss it away. This method saves a lot of paint over using a roller pan. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty http://www.LakeOntarioSailing.com/
I roll my VC-17 on. The paint evaporates very quickly. To get the most on the boat and not into the air, I use a large plastic bottle that has a nozzle for the cap. After mixing in the copper, pour the paint into the squeeze bottle. Get into position, squeeze paint onto the roller, and quickly paint a large "W" on the hull. Go over the paint in verticle strokes to spread out the "W". I can get about a 3-ft X 3-ft area with a roller full of paint. When taking a break, place the roller in a plastic bag. I usually use one coat with extra touch-ups and double up on the front of the keel, rudder, and bow. When done, remove the roller and toss it away. This method saves a lot of paint over using a roller pan. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty http://www.LakeOntarioSailing.com/
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