How to paint a boat

[JohnZ]

I vote for Krylon Fusion as well. Quick and easy as long as you're not looking for a showroom finish. They have a decent color selection.

I agree, but you will get a pleasing finish if a little time and effort is spent. I treated it as if I were using a more expensive paint. The results can be as good or as bad depending as to how much effort is put into the job. After all, using high quality paint does not guarantee perfect results either.

[RandyatBBY]

screw primer i dont use it on boats unless its really rough. i spray waterbourne ppg paint and urethane clear. waterbase paint uses air to dry, NOT heat. simple air flow will dry it whether or not you use heat, a common misconception. most people prime everything.... when in fact some primers dont adhere well to certain substances, and actually become a weak point for the paint to fail. jmo but i paint 3 to 4 cars a day for the last 5 years.... ive screwed up more paint than all of you lol, and pushed the limits of what certain paints will do, what works and what doesnt. i find that if the finish on the boat is smooth.. no matter what it is, its best to just sand and go straight to paint. the more products you slap on there the more things to go wrong. K.I.S.S. keep it simple stupid!

I have to agree with you some times. It all depends on the brand of the paint. I have been painting since 1964 my first paint Job at 16 years old was a D9 tractor. Paints have changed over the years. With Dupont and HOC paints primer is not needed, with Dupla Color Paint Shop I would not do it with out. I rarely use rattle can paint so I am no expert with it and try to refer to others on that. I do paint about 1 or 2 boats a month.

[JohnZ]

I have to agree with you some times. It all depends on the brand of the paint. I have been painting since 1964 my first paint Job at 16 years old was a D9 tractor. Paints have changed over the years. With Dupont and HOC paints primer is not needed, with Dupla Color Paint Shop I would not do it with out. I rarely use rattle can paint so I am no expert with it and try to refer to others on that. I do paint about 1 or 2 boats a month.

How about an Oval master painted in John Deere green and yellow?
I remember some of those old tractors that have gone by the wayside. I used to watch a farm show on Dish Network and every once in a while they would feature and antique tractor show. Talk about some real beasts!

[hazegry]

I thought Dana was full of it but I went to buy some automotive paint from sherwin williams and talked to the guy he said nope not unless I am covering a glazing putty or bondo type filler. I am going to give it a go and see what happens.

[DISAR]

I agree on that. Something else to add, when finish sanding I wash the boat well let dry-clean with aceton or alcohol then paint .When washing-cleaning the boat I do not touch the surface with bare fingers.
Also the surface must have a uniform color before spraying the final color.

[JohnZ]

Absolutely. Any contaminate can only cause grief . I have had problems in the past with fisheyes appearing after applying the paint. That is a real PITA to get rid of. A lot easier to prevent them by solvent cleaning than having to sand the area to get rid of the fisheye. I mostly use denatured alcohol. I know some people like to use rubbing alcohol but that stuff contains water and other additives.
The reason I use alky is because I was painting an ABS boat hull. Acetone and plastic do not get along with each other very well.

[Eodman]

I read somewhere, I think it was in the now defunct RCMB magazine - that when working with rattle cans if you heat the cans the pressure in the can is raised and you get a finer spray!

Now don't go and get a blow torch -- hair dryer, hot water, hot radiator the can shouldn't be to hot to handle!

I have done this & it seems to work - the paint is sprayed out faster for sure! Put then I am an old fart with glasses and hearing aids!

[JohnZ]

I do this too. It also helps the paint to flow out better for a smoother finish. Dries a little faster too.

[Old Sloppy]

do not touch the surface with bare fingers.
before spraying the final color.

This has messed me up a few times...
Easier said than done....

Harry

[dana]

Put gloves on

[dirty]

put gloves on,get a tack cloth,or some wax remover or degreaser from a paint store. Like stated above,primer is for covering body work and bare metals(etching primer).Just get some red or gray scotchbright to scuff the surface,and you should be good.You could wet sand in between paint and clear if you want,or just nib sand after the clear.

[Brushless55]

I read somewhere, I think it was in the now defunct RCMB magazine - that when working with rattle cans if you heat the cans the pressure in the can is raised and you get a finer spray!

Now don't go and get a blow torch -- hair dryer, hot water, hot radiator the can shouldn't be to hot to handle!

I have done this & it seems to work - the paint is sprayed out faster for sure! Put then I am an old fart with glasses and hearing aids!

great tip that I use all the time

[martno1fan]

Actually when painting a gelcoated hull theres no need to use any primer,just sand the gelcoat with a very fine grade paper.Gelcoat is actually better than any primer so if the hull is sound and has a good surface finish simply scuff lightly just enough to dull the surface and paint.
Mart

[Brushless55]

Actually when painting a gelcoated hull theres no need to use any primer,just sand the gelcoat with a very fine grade paper.Gelcoat is actually better than any primer so if the hull is sound and has a good surface finish simply scuff lightly just enough to dull the surface and paint.
Mart

Mart, that's good stuff to know!

[SweetAccord]

I read somewhere, I think it was in the now defunct RCMB magazine - that when working with rattle cans if you heat the cans the pressure in the can is raised and you get a finer spray!

Now don't go and get a blow torch -- hair dryer, hot water, hot radiator the can shouldn't be to hot to handle!

I have done this & it seems to work - the paint is sprayed out faster for sure! Put then I am an old fart with glasses and hearing aids!

This is true. We car guys do this trick to pint our clear bodies.

Thank you all for your tips. You have got me through painting my first "free" hull. So far so good. Next is the clear coat.