Painting

[rockybgrant]

Hello,
What should I use to paint the bottom of my boat? What type of paint? Does it need to be sprayed or rolled on? I want to do a great job, buy try to keep the cost low? Also what color do you suggest? I will be redoing the top red.

 

[shrew]

Do you intend on using anti-fouling paint? or are you trying to change the color or fix cosmetically? Awlgrip makes good deck and hull paints (cosmetic). Interlux and Petit make antifouling paints. cosmetic would be better sprayed. anti-fouling can be rolled.

 

[gm280]

Paint options are really a very personal choice. If you are wanting a really great finish and don't mind doing the prep work, there are lots of quality paints for doing that. But if you are simply looking for something to make do, then that is a different option as well. I will say this, if you want the finish to look really good, take your time doing the prep work. Because contrary to what anybody thinks, paint does not cover over scratches or nicks even a little. So if you can see the problem or feel that problem in the prep work, it will certainly show up in the finish as well. JMHO!

I like using PPG automotive paints and clear coats myself. But others have their favorites as well.

 

[rockybgrant]

Yeah, Im wanting to use something that will last. I do not plan on doing a anti-fouling because it will be out of the water a lot. I am wanting to do the bottom black.. But is metal flake worth doing? Do I need a primer coat also with a clear coat?

 

[rockybgrant]

I have found options I like for top, but I have not been able to find a good option for under the boat

 

[Chris1956]

If the boat sits in the water for any length of time (like days), you need a waterproof paint, like a 2 part polyurethane. If she stays in the water for weeks, you may need an antifouling paint. What water will it be in and for how long?

 

[rockybgrant]

This will just be in the water for a day at a time. Maybe two or three. It will be on a trailer most of its life.

 

[flipbro]

Rustolium bottom paint. Cheap and works good. Algrip and interlux are Great but not on a job you want to do cheap

 

[Chris1956]

You can get a one part polyurethane that looks good and is tough. There are all kinds of brands, but make sure it is marine. "Roll and tip" is a good application method, if you do not or cannot spray the paint. I used Interlux Brightside on my speedboat, with good results. It was about $40/qt at a marine store. Cheaper alternatives are avail, but I would stick with polyurethane. Heck, Home Despot carries a marine topside paint for $25/qt.

Awlgrip and Imron are premium 2 part polyurethane paints, They are the best but very pricey, and can be tricky to apply.

 

[Woodonglass]

You might be interested in this...Paint Your Boat with Tractor Paint...Say What!!!

We've had a LOT of members use this method to paint their boats with GREAT results. The Paint comes out HIGH GLOSS, Very Durable, and you can do your boat for under $100 bucks.

 

[Chrisravosa36]

Heres my say in this...Ive used Jamestown distributors "Topside" paint for the two boats im working on. One was a fiberglass sealiner for the 60's, I got one gallon on Blue (70$) and only used not even a forth for the bottom side. We used it for a few days (In and out of the water) in the ocean, paint held fine and once or twice in the lake and it held up fine, no algea or anything. It definitely on the cheaper side for marine paint. And its very simple to apply, you just roll it on, and then tip it with a brush! It is VERY durable to! Ive beached the boat a few times without scratches! This is my opinion, though not all may agree with it, its what ive tried, and it works for me! Alot of the other people on this forum have great ideas, and would work great! But at the end of the day, its up to you. So look at all of the options and price it out! Good luck!