Paint and preparation HPR 233

[mdonni]

Hi Guys,

I am new here and wanted some advice about preparing my hull for paint. It has been joined very well with only small deviations. I have started rubbing the high spots off and just wanted some advise.

Many Thanks Martin.

[Fast One]

The key is to get all the shine off the gel coat so it appears dull. This way the primer has something to bond or stick to. When the hull comes out of the mould it has traces of wax on it, you can not see it but believe me it is there. If this is not removed the paint will not take to it and will probably peel off.
Some people like to use a mineral spirit to wipe down the hull first for example acetone, thinners or metho.
Once it has been wiped down you can use a scotch brite pad or wet and dry sand paper to rub down the hull. Use a fine grit like 400 so you dont take to much gel coat off.
You need to fill in any pin holes or imperfections with body filler or auto car bog prior to painting.
Use masking tape to cover the parts of the hull you don't want painted, try to get the white paper looking tape and not the plastic clear tape as it it easy to work with and peels off nicely leaving you with a nice clean sharp line.

I hope this helps you, this is the way I do all my boats and I have never had a problem. I use the 2 pac automotive paint over the rattle spray can ones, but people get just as good results using them. With a boat of your size I would recommend going with the automotive 2 pac paint as its very tough and durable. If you have no spray equipment your self you could try taking it to an automotive pannel shop and asking them if they would paint it for you.

Cheers Shane