I want to repaint my '76 Catalina 22. Deck, cabin, sides, bottom , cockpit. Have catalog from Jamestown Distrib. Can anyone recommend a resource/s for how to do it?
First.... make sure you actually need to paint your topsides.. My 1977 C27 has original gel coat and it responds quite nicely to a clean and buff. When I haul out to paint the bottom every few years, a couple hours detailing on the hull makes it look brand new.
Okay, regarding painting:
Actually, you will find a quite complete set of instructions on the paint can or at the manufacturers website. That would be my first resource. Why? Because they will specify conditions, additives, and application products to make your job finish better. Use the recommended primer. Use their thinning and brushing agents when needed. Follow the guidelines regarding atmospheric conditions and how they effect drying time. This is very important when working with epoxy paints. On hot days you can add a retardant, cooler days may require an accelerator.
For technique, the most popular is the "roll and tip" method... again, you will find quite a few YouTube examples that will give you confidence. My preferred tools are 4"- 6" foam rollers and tipped with 3"- 4" foam brushes. Applied in 2 ft vertical sections. Inexpensive and disposable. Yay.
Your biggest decision is what you will do with the boat's bottom. Whether to paint the entire hull with the same paint... or put a separate treatment on the bottom. On my beach cat... the whole thing is painted with Interlux Brightside. Even though it doesn't stay in the water.. it will still get algae scum if you don't clean it off regularly... but that is easy. However,
if you leave your boat in the water for more than a few weeks at a time... I would consider an anti fouling bottom treatment. The best thing to do is ask your locals what they use... for this.
Finally, once you have a plan, map out your strategy for prep and application. How well you prep the surface will directly relate to the quality of your finish. You may have to attend to some nicks and gouges... don't be afraid of this... it's just part of the process. Like when painting your house you need to fill the holes and repair the cracks... I highly recommend you divide the job into separate projects... such as bottom, topsides and deck. The deck will be more involved because you have non-skid to consider, plus you must decide whether to remove hardware or simply tape the heck out of everything... but it can be done in smaller sections making each job more manageable.
Good luck.. have fun.. you will find that repainting your boat can be a very, very satisfying accomplishment.