Topside Paint Prep Question

[SailMaster]

Hello Fellow Sailors,

We have moved forward with the paint project on S/V Thalassa. We hired the local paint and fiberglass "Guru" who was recommended by our local DIY yard. He seems to know his stuff and is proceeding as per our specs.

One question I am wondering about is methods of smoothing out a hull prior to applying the top coat.

He is wanting to use many layers of primer and then board sand it to achieve the desired result of smoothness. He is also using Awlfair to fill in deep gouges.

My questions are this:

1. Is this method of using what he terms "sacrificial primer" and board sanding a proper technique?

2. And will it turn this into a smooth blemish free paint job?

3. Or should he be following the Awlgrip process of sanding to smoothness, fill gouges and then three coats of primer and then topcoat?

Thank you in advance,

Walt

 

[Tim R.]

That's easy, #3.

I would suspect Awlgrip would void the warranty if you did not follow their process.

 

[RichH]

#1 is the way 'outstanding' paint jobs on automobiles, etc. are accomplished. If the prepped primer surface isnt close to perfect the final coating will show up every damn pimple, and blemish.
He will probably also use a special powder on top of the primer when long-board sanding to insure 'flatness' ... sounds like you employed a REAL paint pro

 

[SailMaster]

"sounds like you employed a REAL paint pro"

I think you are right about this. I have gotten some good vibes about this guy. He is not the most organized type. But he has come with rave reviews about his past work.

 

[tommays]

I find you have to be a bit cautious about the materail used in filling gouges as they get bigger

When the hull expands and contracts it may not match the filler and and pop 3 or 4 years later

 

[Capt Strapfoots]

Hey I know this is none of my business but how big is your boat and how much did it cost. I just got a new boat and need to get it repainted also so trying to see what it is going to cost.

 

[Joe]

So.... you've hired the guy, he promises a perfect job, he's described his technique......he has rave reviews.... you've agreed on a price.

Now...... you ask if his technique is proper??????? Let me ask you this.... if you get a contrary answer here, from a non professional, what was your plan?

You've crossed the bridge already.......don't look for reasons to get stressed. Tell him what you want....... then back off and let him work.

 

[Sumner]

I'll vote with Rich and Joe. If you have the money for a 'great' paint job and this guy is know for doing that then #1 is the right route. 90% of a great paint job is all in the prep and the last 10% is good technique spaying the color coats the public sees,

Sum

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[KD3PC]

Hello Fellow Sailors,

We have moved forward with the paint project on S/V Thalassa. We hired the local paint and fiberglass "Guru" who was recommended by our local DIY yard. He seems to know his stuff and is proceeding as per our specs.

2. And will it turn this into a smooth blemish free paint job?



Walt

you can have a perfect surface, all the right prep, all the right sanding and undercoating....but if he can't paint, can't handle the gun, the compressor and hose, the weather, the humidity, the wind and the bugs, AND does not know everything about the product he is shooting with....

blemishes, runs and such are bound to happen no matter what the prep is like. Inside a calm building with the right stuff at his side.

1, 2, & 3 are all important for a great, long lasting, shiny, quality job. AWL has some very specific requirements for them to stand behind his work. It is sure worth a phone call for you to understand what they are.

You need to have already talked to his clients, and with him using AWL products, he should be able to go back 8, 10 or 12 years and have some still very happy people

 

[soldier1964]

this is very informative to me due the fact that my boat will need both a top and bottom coat soon. thanks to all of you for all the info....good sailing

 

[Steve Dion]

I would look at several of his jobs before you give him a dime.

 

[finding41]

Bugs! I still have a clients house that has ladybugs stuck to it. I painted it 11 years ago. Except for the lady bugs its still in great condition.
You can't control nature.
#1 sounds right. Do the proper surface preparation, things last. Don't and they don't.
Here is a picture of a porch that was painted last fall. The picture was taken this June or July. The owner did it. They just scraped. "No other prep. was needed..."
Thanks Big Box store staff for wasting peoples $ and time.