I have an 1980 O'day 25 and need to do some topside paint work. What is the best way to match paint, if that is possible for a 1980 boat? It is all one color, a little off white. Any suggestions on type of paint. Thanks for any advice.
Matching topside paint
- Thread starter Gary Maxey
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Gary, there is no paint on an O'day sailboat unless it has been added by an owner, and that is highly unlikely. The cosmetic surface you see is gel-coat, a non-reinforced, colored resin sprayed into the mold before the layup of glass and resin begins.
The work you want to do is a complex subject and volumes have been written on it. Not knowing your specific problem/situation, it is hard to answer. You need to research it a little to know the possibilities.
All that aside, I saw a mid 1970s O'day 23 on Saturday that had the topsides coated (painted, to some) with Imron in the early 80s. It still looks fantastic after 30 years! Amazing! Imron is, or was, the automotive equivalent of the two-part polyurethane coatings such as Awlgrip or Interthane used in some boat refurbishing. Not really a DIY job for most, however.
The work you want to do is a complex subject and volumes have been written on it. Not knowing your specific problem/situation, it is hard to answer. You need to research it a little to know the possibilities.
All that aside, I saw a mid 1970s O'day 23 on Saturday that had the topsides coated (painted, to some) with Imron in the early 80s. It still looks fantastic after 30 years! Amazing! Imron is, or was, the automotive equivalent of the two-part polyurethane coatings such as Awlgrip or Interthane used in some boat refurbishing. Not really a DIY job for most, however.
There comes a time in most fiberglass boats when the decision to paint or not to paint must be made. Failed non-skid is a fine example. But worn gelcoat that won't allow further buffing is another. And sometimes just plain battle scars. Once you've painted the boat, you'll have to continue painting it to some degree or another. 2 part polyurethane paints can be very hard, and can mitigate the additional scars to some extent. Interlux Perfection 2 part polyurethane is (reportedly) designed such that it is pretty good for amateur "roll and tip" painting methods, and can give close to a sprayed finish look. But a professionally sprayed Awlgrip job is extremely nice....
Brian
Brian
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