Re: Painting boat bottoms
What's been chalky, the existing topcoat?? Best way to do it is getcha some 50 grit and 80 grit sandpaper, and sand the crap outta it. A air-powered sander might be the best way to go, depending on size of craft. Start with 50, go to 80, then maybe even to 120 after that. Depending on whether or not there are any cracks (crazing) or otherwise minor damage, you might want to get some filler (west marine carries some good stuff), and then primer over that. Topcoat, and you're done. There's a book called "Runabout Renovations" that's sold on Amazon.com or half.com (ebay) for about $20. It's a fantastic guide to showing you how fix 'er up. I'm in the middle of doing my fiberglass work on my piece, and the paint will come within a month. Let me know how your project turns out. If you weren't ever even planning on doing this yourself, sorry for the detail, but the preparation makes the project, bad prep, and the paint'll be flaking off in a matter of months, make sure you clean the ENTIRE surface with acetone to get of all the dust and especially any grease, etc. Later
