Painting vinyl covering on bulkheads - what works?

[Jim Legere]

Hi, my 1983 Hunter 37 has some sort of vinyl (I think) laminated to some of the bulkheads in the head, aft cabin, forepeak, etc. I'm sure this was stock from the factory, but after 25 years its looking kind of tired. I plan on using a melamine alkyd enamel paint on it in the hope that it will stick and wear well. Anyone out there have any comments? Thanks.

 

[Paul F.]

painted head two years ago

Painted the head two years ago with an oil based paint. First primed with the paint and one half alcohol then two coats. Used a gloss tan tinted white paint. The color turned out to be the same as the weathered fiberglass in the head. That made it easy to paint the fiberglass where needed also. It has held up well. It took a long time to dry. I have since read that oil based paint never really drys. Made the head look like new. The priming seemed to allow the paint to hold better.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Same here.

So far only the "wallpaper" around the vanity. But what a difference! I used a cheap latex interior paint, white, from Lowes. Improves the brightness and is easily cleaned. After three seasons there is no noticeable difference from day one. Next is the v-berth, then the head.