I really don't like the 1970's Sky blue color of my boat's topsides. Any hints on painting that increases durability and types of paint to use? Thanks Bryan
Painting Fiberglass
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Sheesh - they look just fine.
Your nice white topsides look great. Now then - if you were thinking of changing the blue deck - - -
Your nice white topsides look great. Now then - if you were thinking of changing the blue deck - - -
Sorry about the semantics...
Topsides: 1) The sides of the vessel above the waterline 2) on deck as opposed to below deck. I was trying to spare writing "I don't like the sky blue color of the deck, cockpit, cockpit sole, gunwales, and cabin." Anyway, Any thoughts on durable painting techniques for areas that are going to get walked and sat on? Is roller as effective as spray applications? Bryan
Topsides: 1) The sides of the vessel above the waterline 2) on deck as opposed to below deck. I was trying to spare writing "I don't like the sky blue color of the deck, cockpit, cockpit sole, gunwales, and cabin." Anyway, Any thoughts on durable painting techniques for areas that are going to get walked and sat on? Is roller as effective as spray applications? Bryan
The blue deck........
Bryan, your posted image is beautiful, the sky, the water, the scenery....and most of all the boat beached. That alone is something we'd all love to be able to do and enjoy! I think your Capri Blue gelcoat deck looks beautiful, tropical, relaxing, fun, and appropriate for your sweet trailerable daysailer/overnighter. If your gel is in good condition, or it can be restored to good condtion, I'd keep it. Once you paint, you'll always have to repaint. If it's just to change the color, you'd be making a regrettable mistake. IMHO only paint a deck or topsides when absolutely necessary. Pretty boat just as it is Bryan! Great image! Jim
Bryan, your posted image is beautiful, the sky, the water, the scenery....and most of all the boat beached. That alone is something we'd all love to be able to do and enjoy! I think your Capri Blue gelcoat deck looks beautiful, tropical, relaxing, fun, and appropriate for your sweet trailerable daysailer/overnighter. If your gel is in good condition, or it can be restored to good condtion, I'd keep it. Once you paint, you'll always have to repaint. If it's just to change the color, you'd be making a regrettable mistake. IMHO only paint a deck or topsides when absolutely necessary. Pretty boat just as it is Bryan! Great image! Jim
I did my Rhodes 19 deck Gray with non skid ...
and it lasted well after I sold the boat ... a 1969 model. Easy to touch up ... used a roller and brush but it wasn't glossy and I didn't want glossy ... just something good to walk on.
and it lasted well after I sold the boat ... a 1969 model. Easy to touch up ... used a roller and brush but it wasn't glossy and I didn't want glossy ... just something good to walk on.
Sky blue deck
I have a '65 Vancouver built cal 20. It has the same colors. Think of it as a classic which it is. Most experts who restore anything try to reproduce it original. Once you paint it, you'll always have to keep repainting it.
I have a '65 Vancouver built cal 20. It has the same colors. Think of it as a classic which it is. Most experts who restore anything try to reproduce it original. Once you paint it, you'll always have to keep repainting it.
blue deck
I'm with the others, that's a beautiful boat, beautiful color! Don't mess with the original . . . but then again, it's your damn boat, do what makes you happy because that's kind of the point of sailing isn't it. Maybe a nice lime green, banana yellow, or solar orange - they would all be fitting of that boat, but not plain old white
I'm with the others, that's a beautiful boat, beautiful color! Don't mess with the original . . . but then again, it's your damn boat, do what makes you happy because that's kind of the point of sailing isn't it. Maybe a nice lime green, banana yellow, or solar orange - they would all be fitting of that boat, but not plain old white
Check with Dealers and boat yards
I suggest checking with a few dealers, perhaps some boat yards and ask around for others experiences. There are some really good products on the market now and they should last 10 years or so if properly applied. But the key is a good product, a properly prepped surface, and properly application! I recently bought a boat that a previous owner had painted (with house paint)... It is a project boat so I considered this in my bid price but the paint is peeling off of the fiberglas. The hull had not been prepped or sanded. I'm dealing with some other issues with the boat right now and the cosmetics will come later.
I suggest checking with a few dealers, perhaps some boat yards and ask around for others experiences. There are some really good products on the market now and they should last 10 years or so if properly applied. But the key is a good product, a properly prepped surface, and properly application! I recently bought a boat that a previous owner had painted (with house paint)... It is a project boat so I considered this in my bid price but the paint is peeling off of the fiberglas. The hull had not been prepped or sanded. I'm dealing with some other issues with the boat right now and the cosmetics will come later.
Try Interlux
Go to Interlux website and you will find a lot of inf. on what paint to use. The roll and tip technique gives you a professional (almost ) look. But remember that 95% of success is in preparation. By the way, I like the color on your boat, but it is you who has to like it!
Go to Interlux website and you will find a lot of inf. on what paint to use. The roll and tip technique gives you a professional (almost ) look. But remember that 95% of success is in preparation. By the way, I like the color on your boat, but it is you who has to like it!
Wow!
This is the first time I've been complimented on the color...Thanks! I actually have several reasons for painting. PRACTICAL There are 2 large patches in the deck on the cabin top and port stanchion with attempted matching of color, and the gelcoat is worn to black in some areas. Nothing major and I actually don't mind too much. However, the non-skid is worn to anything but non and will have to be redone at some point. AESTHETIC This is my second sailboat in a row with the same color and sometimes I yearn for a change. Also, there is a lot of wood (including rub rails) and I thought it would be nice to accentuate the mahogany with a lighter color. I'm also considering Tek Dek over the nonskid areas and the blue would probably clash. SKILLS I've been restoring this 37 year old boat and am developing skills for future boats (albeit-this one will probably remain a permanent family member). BTW, I plan on being on the water more this summer rather than in the yard working on a project so this would probably be a winter event. Thanks again for the compliments and advice. I have read somewhere that the amount of gloss can be an issue due to glare and was wondering what others have experienced. Bryan
This is the first time I've been complimented on the color...Thanks! I actually have several reasons for painting. PRACTICAL There are 2 large patches in the deck on the cabin top and port stanchion with attempted matching of color, and the gelcoat is worn to black in some areas. Nothing major and I actually don't mind too much. However, the non-skid is worn to anything but non and will have to be redone at some point. AESTHETIC This is my second sailboat in a row with the same color and sometimes I yearn for a change. Also, there is a lot of wood (including rub rails) and I thought it would be nice to accentuate the mahogany with a lighter color. I'm also considering Tek Dek over the nonskid areas and the blue would probably clash. SKILLS I've been restoring this 37 year old boat and am developing skills for future boats (albeit-this one will probably remain a permanent family member). BTW, I plan on being on the water more this summer rather than in the yard working on a project so this would probably be a winter event. Thanks again for the compliments and advice. I have read somewhere that the amount of gloss can be an issue due to glare and was wondering what others have experienced. Bryan
Use some Penetrol
with some good urethane paint. Roll and tip done well looks like it was sprayed on. See archives for more.
with some good urethane paint. Roll and tip done well looks like it was sprayed on. See archives for more.
Interlux and Sailnet
I agree with Andre(and the others), check out the Interlux site. Also see what Don Casey has to say over on Sailnet(Related Link). My own experience is with Interlux, both Brightside and Toplac. I found Toplac to be easiest for a runless finish. If I had help I would use a two-part. But it sets up too fast for a solo painter. You can roll and tip Toplac and it will look like a spray job. I mixed white(2/3) and offwhite(1/3) to somewhat reduce the brightness. I used straight offwhite for the non-skid but will repaint this spring. My wife thinks gray but I am leaning toward beige(picture).
I agree with Andre(and the others), check out the Interlux site. Also see what Don Casey has to say over on Sailnet(Related Link). My own experience is with Interlux, both Brightside and Toplac. I found Toplac to be easiest for a runless finish. If I had help I would use a two-part. But it sets up too fast for a solo painter. You can roll and tip Toplac and it will look like a spray job. I mixed white(2/3) and offwhite(1/3) to somewhat reduce the brightness. I used straight offwhite for the non-skid but will repaint this spring. My wife thinks gray but I am leaning toward beige(picture).
Paint
Ed, I used the Interlux beige non skid on my 82 Hunter 33, when I finished I thought maybe tan would have been a better color to go with all the white, and the blue stripes and canvas, but I got used to it real quick and I get a lot of complements on it. To the origional poster, the one step paint process with the Interdeck paint is the easiest part, scuffing the surface and masking before applying the paint is where all the real work lies! p.s. if you decide to use brass wool to scuff with get plenty, don't make the mistake of trying to use I believe its #3 steel wool ( comparable ) you will spend months removing rust particles off it from your boat! Stan.
Ed, I used the Interlux beige non skid on my 82 Hunter 33, when I finished I thought maybe tan would have been a better color to go with all the white, and the blue stripes and canvas, but I got used to it real quick and I get a lot of complements on it. To the origional poster, the one step paint process with the Interdeck paint is the easiest part, scuffing the surface and masking before applying the paint is where all the real work lies! p.s. if you decide to use brass wool to scuff with get plenty, don't make the mistake of trying to use I believe its #3 steel wool ( comparable ) you will spend months removing rust particles off it from your boat! Stan.
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