Topside Paint

[Step to the Rear]

My wife and I were discussing our newly purchased Pearson 30 and maintenance we would like to do right away. As this is our first boat, I'll probably be posting lots of questions to get as many perspectives on repairs and such that we are about to undertake. Any suggestions and/or stories are so very much appreciated! After a good scrubbing of the cabin and decks, one of the first things that we would like to do is paint the topside and cockpit. One of my biggest questions is does the prepwork require me to compromise the nonskid or can I just give her a light sanding and repaint? What types of paint would you reccomend? What should I do prep-wise? Thanks in advance!

 

[Tim R.]

Welcom. The P30 is a great boat. My previous boat was a P28.

It sounds like you are speaking of the deck. The topsides is the area between the waterline and the gunwhale. Some here are very picky about terminology and will flame you for getting it wrong.

You should be using a different procedure to paint the nonskid as you do the smooth deck areas and cabin sides. You have to decide which paint you will use first and then follow their prep procedures. Perfection is an excellent DIY paint that can be made to look nearly as good as any sprayed finish.

Sorry I could not give you any more details but it is not a "one size fits all" procedure.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Deck painting.

Did you try a very light wet sanding of the gelcoat on the decks and cockpit? You might be surprised how it will shine with a little wax after that. I did that and then painted the non-skid in the first go around.

Eventually I had to paint the gelcoat areas. It is easiest if you also do the non-skid as part of the project. Then you can paint and not worry about the gelcoat/non-skid edges. I masked the toerail and some cockpit hardware and wood trim. My portlights were out so that was not an issue. The hardest part are the cabin sides, have the right paint(I used Interlux Toplac) and do not paint in the sun. I rolled three foot sections and immediately tipped with a good brush.

I used Interlux Interdeck for the non-skid. The masking is the time-consuming part. I just slathered it on with a brush, no real need for a roller and there are no brush strokes.

 

[sailormanbigd]

I might add that Ed's boat looks good, and appears to be easy to maintain? Thanks again for the ride. patrick

 

[Warren Milberg]

Deciding to paint the topside and decks of a boat is a difficult decision. I assume you have considered all the various ways these surfaces can be restored or brought back to life prior to deciding to paint? I ask that because my previous experience as a broker suggests that once you paint a boat's hull, you have more or less permanently reduced the value of boat compared to those not painted. Of course, being happy with how your boat looks is always a key factor.

But should you decide to paint the topsides, I really like Interlux Perfection. Take a look at Tips 21 and 22 in the Don Casey library for prep advice and how to "roll and tip." Also look at the Interlux site for product info and their application tutorial. A little practice thinning the paint and rolling and tipping on a piece of glass or plastic is a good idea before touching paint to hull... Good luck with your new boat.

http://www.boatus.com/boattech/TipPaintTopside.htm


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