Hull and Deck paint over fiberglass

wildgse

Recruit
Joined
Sep 27, 2010
Messages
3
Ive been restoring a 78 midland cc. Replaced the deck and fiberglassed, Im looking for a good non slip coating to apply, any suggestions? Im also going to paint the hull and topside which already was painted once, Its still in decent shape with no peeling, Would I still need to use a primer? If so what primer, also what is a good paint for a fiberglass hull.....Thanks
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,099
Re: Hull and Deck paint over fiberglass

Welcome to iboats.

For the decking...... research durabak on google.

As far as the top paint it really becomes budget dependent. Yacht Dr will chime in but....you might have to identify and possibly strip off the old paint before you move forward.
 

We're Here

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 14, 2010
Messages
39
Re: Hull and Deck paint over fiberglass

I did some research on this very topic not long ago. If you want opinions, you'll find lots by searching here. If you want mine, read on.

I called a few of the truck bed liner shops, thinking I'd be saving some money. The price hoverered around $14 a sqft, closer to $20 for a custom color. I'm sure it's a great option if you can find it cheaper, but it was out of my budget.

I looked at swimming pool deck paint. It's non-slip, but doesn't handle stress well.

Finally went with Behr 2 part epoxy garage paint. I got the look and color I wanted, added the non-skid powder for footing, and plan to finish with the flakes for added effect. A gallon was $85, I put down three coats, and had about a third left that went unusable in a few days when the hardner finally hardened in the can.

You can't use epoxy where there could be any hydrostatic pressure, so I wouldn't use it on a wooden deck without checking with someone smarter than me first. I'm happy with the results on my bass boat, though.

Good luck!

http://www.behr.com/dsm-ext/v/index...006f1010acRCRD;view=17;channel=PROJECT_CENTER
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,932
Re: Hull and Deck paint over fiberglass

I would really advise you to think hard and long before using Garage epoxy on your boat. It is NOT rated for Marine use, Does NOT have UV protection and the EXPERIENCE here on iBoats has proven that it will NOT hold up well. Even Rustoleum's sales reps DON'T recommend using it.

I'm just sayin...:D
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Hull and Deck paint over fiberglass

I'll be interested to hear how that stuff holds up We're Here. Unfortnately, in my opinion, $85 is way to much to spend for something that appears to really be designed specifically for concrete and may fail. I think I'd stick with Rustoleum with sand in it or one of the other available non-slip coatings like Durabak or Kiwi Grip.
 

sasto

Captain
Joined
Jun 1, 2010
Messages
3,918
Re: Hull and Deck paint over fiberglass

You can use gelcoat with non skid particles on the raw, sanded deck. I've used US Paints primer and Awl Grip paint with non skid added. You will find many options here. These are my 2 favorite. Good luck in your decision that works for you. :)
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
5,581
Re: Hull and Deck paint over fiberglass

Hiyas Wild.

There are alot of " non skid " coatings available from rhino liner to what Sasto said Awlgrip ( Top of the line but expensive after reducer and converter costs ).

I prefer Gelcoat with Extra cource "Griptex" ( us paint product ) added to it. Just mix and roll on.

IF you wanted gel there are some things your going to have to do and be aware of before you start. let us know if gel is even a consideration so we can guide you further.

Any way you choose I would suggest you do a test panel with before you start rolling or spraying it on your new deck :) .. juuust to make sure kinda thing...

As far as paint for your hull and topsides. Knowing what kind of paint thats on there now would be a great help.

Without knowing whats on there your left with 3 options. 1. sand the paint off to origional then prime and paint with whatever system you choose. 2. prep prime and paint. Or 3. scuff and paint.

#1 is the only surefire way of Knowing the application. #'s 2 and 3 are kinda roll the dice ways ..

Pics would be helpful if you have any.

YD.
 

sasto

Captain
Joined
Jun 1, 2010
Messages
3,918
Re: Hull and Deck paint over fiberglass

I prefer Gelcoat with Extra cource "Griptex" ( us paint product ) added to it. Just mix and roll on.

YD.

I've seen everything used from walnuts to play sand......I am using nothing but Griptex Fine Grit. The finer the grit the easier to clean. My opinion.
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
5,581
Re: Hull and Deck paint over fiberglass

I've seen everything used from walnuts to play sand......I am using nothing but Griptex Fine Grit. The finer the grit the easier to clean. My opinion.

Crushed walnuts and regular sand .. yup seen those too lol .

I agree with the fine griptex is easier to clean..but its not to me grippy enough.

I will revise my Griptex xtracoarce statement. I use medium and coarce/xtracoarce in my mix. seems to flow/pattern better. But you would need to buy 2 cans of this .. for a one off it would be just another expence.

BTW for those reading .. using just SAND will eventually give you dark blotchy spots in wear areas. Thats why I and probably Sasto recommend "griptex". When the paint starts to wear you will be glad you didnt use anything else.

IF your using Awlgrip.. coarce would be too heavy as well ( Sasto is right on with fine for Paint ) .. Im only talking about gel.

YD.
 

sasto

Captain
Joined
Jun 1, 2010
Messages
3,918
Re: Hull and Deck paint over fiberglass

Crushed walnuts and regular sand .. yup seen those too lol .

I agree with the fine griptex is easier to clean..but its not to me grippy enough.

I will revise my Griptex xtracoarce statement. I use medium and coarce/xtracoarce in my mix. seems to flow/pattern better. But you would need to buy 2 cans of this .. for a one off it would be just another expence.

BTW for those reading .. using just SAND will eventually give you dark blotchy spots in wear areas. Thats why I and probably Sasto recommend "griptex". When the paint starts to wear you will be glad you didnt use anything else.

IF your using Awlgrip.. coarce would be too heavy as well ( Sasto is right on with fine for Paint ) .. Im only talking about gel.

YD.

I'll second that!
 
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