M1 Supercat EZ paint

[Stealth Assassin]

Yes light 600 grit wet sanding Is the way to go before paint. Mainly what I am saying also Is that more than likely you will or have painted over gel coat unless you sanded It all off to the glass.

Nothing to freek out over or anything But I thought I would point out the mold release Issue. Most people do not know about It. It's best to try and cut It down with the proper degreaser just for gel coat from your local body shop supply.

[ReddyWatts]

So cleaning it with paint thinner will not take care of the gel coat?

[Stealth Assassin]

The degreaser I am speaking of Is totally differant than paint thinner, laquer thinner or acetone. Also when you wipe It down with the degreaser you have to be sure and wash your hands very well and not touch the surface cleaned with you bare hands before painting.

The degreaser Is not as harsh as the thinners listed above. It Is what Is needed to clean the gel coat of mold release and oils.

[ReddyWatts]

Ok, but the rustolean paint was engineered to go on without sanding. That is why I chose to use it and the reason for this thread. I agree that any paint will bond better to a ruff sanded surface, but I am not into spending time prepping the hulls. If the paint performs like it says I will be happy. Thanks for your input.

[Stealth Assassin]

That's cool. I was not meaning you did wrong. I just wanted to give a little helpfull Input on my experience.

[skeeler]

Thanks Doug and Stealth Assassin.

I think my plan is to use Krylon Fusion for plastics, but to sand the surface and maybe use the special degreaser to ensure proper bonding. Stealth, is there a particular brand or model of degreaser you would suggest?

There doesn't seem to be a clear coat specifically for this paint. (I'm not counting the prismatic stuff.) I may just go without, since Doug reports that it holds up well.

[skeeler]

Paint First or Last?

While we are on the subject of paint, can anyone tell me whether it is advisable to paint the hull before installing the hardware and electronics or afterwards?

[Stealth Assassin]

Do the Install first and take It back out/off then paint.

[skeeler]

Stealth Assassin,

Thanks for the tip. That sounds like the right approach.

[ReddyWatts]

Final paint job.

[Doug Smock]

She looks good Mr.Watts! When is the maiden voyage?

Doug

[ReddyWatts]

I am waiting on some parts. Probably not until the end of the month. I read about someone using the same setup as mine. They said it is running 47mph with the KB45 and 24 NiMh cells in a M1. I do not know how experienced the guy was at setting up boats.

[ReddyWatts]

I have been running the "EZ Paint" job for 3 months now. This brand of paint has worked great without prepping the hull as the instructions on the can directed. Just clean the fiberglass with paint thinner, then spray it with Rustolean Paint for Plastic.
If you are going to add a clearcoat? I would apply it within 1 hour as directed. I waited for 7 days and had a problem with the clearcoat coming off in one spot from the hatch tape.

This is for the guys that dont get excited about prepping and painting a hull.