Topside Paint

[dscribner]

My Lancer 25 is in need of a little spiffing up so I plan on stripping an painting her this spring. I've been researching paint on the internet (what did we do without if?) and have decided that a single component polyurethane topside paint is what I need. I know that the two part polyurethane is better but if I balance the time, cost, durabiltiy and did I mention cost, I come out with single part being my option. Every manufacturer claims to be the hieght of technology and the only true choice. Can anybody reccomend a paint the is truly above the others? On a side note, my Lance is a trailer sailor so I plan on using the topside paint below the waterline. Many brand allow this if the boat only spends a day or two at a time in the water.

 

[Ed Schenck]

My very favorite one-part is Interlux Toplac. I used it on my decks and cabin trunk when I was having trouble getting Brightside to not run. But then I had so much Brightside left that I used it on my one-design. I think it came out just fine. And it is a little less expensive. . .or was.

So your plan is to start at the toerail and do the entire hull, sides and bottom? If you roll and tip in the shade, definitely in the shade, it should come out looking like gelcoat. Just be sure to start with a clean and smooth surface.

P.S. Just read Maine Sail's post and always defer to his expertise. Cripe, he lives the stuff. BUT my Toplac decks are six years old with people climbing all over her in all kinds of shoes. Much shinier and easier to clean and looking good than any gelcoat. And waterproof. Same with the Highlander beating against the dock fenders for two seasons. The problem with 2-part is application. If you have a friend to work with and first test on some other surface and can afford it then absolutely. Don't try 2-part by yourself on large areas.

 

[Maine Sail]

The real cost is the prep in any of these jobs. The price difference vs. longevity vs. labor involved always leads me to a two part paint. I have used single part "marine" paints and while decent the longevity and durability is just not there with a single part on gelcoat. Mooring balls, fenders etc. will void the surface of a single part paint far easier. Interlux Perfection or System Three WR LPU are two DIY paints that should hold up quite well.


Jamestown Dist.

Two Part:

Epiphanes Two Part Polyurethane = $56.99
Interlux Perfection (two part) = $54.99 Qt
System Three WR LPU (water based) = 56.45

Single Part:

Toplac = 43.42 Qt
Brightsides = $27.99 Qt
Easy Poxy = $29.99 Qt
Epiphanes Mopnourethane = $35.99

For the price vs. durability issues I'll take the $11.00 difference between Perfection & Toplac or evne the $25.00 differnce every time. You'll spend far more than that in sand paper alone... Single parts are good paints but two part paints are significantly more durable. Perhaps once you get done with the prep you'll re-evaluate the cost difference of the paint.

 

[MagothyBoy]

Main Sail nailed it in his comments. I would go with a two-part in lieu of a one part too.

Kevin

 

[Tim R.]

I have used both single part and 2 part urethanes. Spend the extra couple of bucks. After all the prep work you will be doing you will want to finish it with the paint that will look good the longest.

 

[BobM]

Have you tried to buff it out? My L25 looked beat when I bought it but it buffed out quite nicely. Also, unless you really want to change the color, poliglow will make it look like new too.

 

[rod1029]

I did a good cleaning, wet-sand/rubbing compound, and now it looks incredibly better... and this was a highly neglected boat