Why can't I paint with automotive paint instead?

[Darkhorse1201]

I need to repaint my boat. Why cant I just prep the surface like I would a car and paint the outside with Centari acrylic enamel with the gloss overall hardner? Isn't a boat which is fiberglass just like a corvette ? I have been painting cars for years and this seems like it would work. My boat is trailered and only sees fresh water. If I used auto type paint I would get a great gloss that way. Any reasons why I shouldn't?
Thanks in advance!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Why can't I paint with automotive paint instead?

It works great. For most boats there is no reason to only use "marine paints", many are just repackaged products that are sold under other names to other markets.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Why can't I paint with automotive paint instead?

If you do good prep work it will hold up fine.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Why can't I paint with automotive paint instead?

I Agree,...............

Except I'd go for 1 of the 2 part Ureathanes........
MSU from NAPA is what I've been shooting.........

And,..... As Mark says,+ You probably all ready Know,........

It's All in the Prep Work..............

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Why can't I paint with automotive paint instead?

The biggest problem is you won't be giving those poor struggling boat part suppliers the business they need. As you may well know the profit margin on marine related items is very low!

 

[Kevin70]

Re: Why can't I paint with automotive paint instead?

Don't mention "marine profit margin"...you may start a firestorm with the FORCE OF A THOUSAND SUNS, AND THOSE SORRY BASTAR.. .............oh.............I'm sorry.......I blacked out for a second..

Anyway, I would spend the few extra dollars to get the name brand stuff as they tend to have much better "flex" under stress.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Why can't I paint with automotive paint instead?

:% Ok i have taken a close look at ingredients, how many auto paint's use kerosene as a active ingredient plz explain?

 

[kfraser]

Re: Why can't I paint with automotive paint instead?

The hull of my Searay SRV220 was painted at an auto body shop several years ago (before i bought it) and has held up beautifully for me. Still shines nice...

 

[andy6374]

Re: Why can't I paint with automotive paint instead?

If you don't feel like coughing up the money for something like awlgrip (which seems to go up in price daily :devil, auto paints like Imron work great.

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: Why can't I paint with automotive paint instead?

If you use a non-marine product on a boat the sun will implode and suck the entire universe into it....other than that...it will be fine.

Seriously...if trailering...automotive paints will be fine...if mooring/slip...you will want the antifouling below waterline.

-JMW

 

[ztim]

Re: Why can't I paint with automotive paint instead?

Yup. Imron works good on planes too. A boat would be a piece of cake.

 

[smwwoody]

Re: Why can't I paint with automotive paint instead?

Can you paint the entire hull with imron then go over the imron with anti foul stuff from the water line down?

Woody

 

[andy6374]

Re: Why can't I paint with automotive paint instead?

You could, but why use the extra paint. I'd rather go over the gelcoat with some anti-gelcoat blistering 2 part epoxy then go with anti-fouling paint.

 

[rost495]

Re: Why can't I paint with automotive paint instead?

When I started work out of school in a boat building shop, we did repairs a lot also.
Imron was the paint of the day back in the 80s and I recall it being mentioned about Imron being formulated for planes.
Anyway we sprayed a lot of it. I never saw an issue in the years I saw the boats around.
Would think it to last as long as gel or any good paint.

Jeff

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Why can't I paint with automotive paint instead?

I just rode on a friend of mine's boat, used to be my boat. I painted it about 19 years ago with Imron. It's still shiny! Painted a couple of boats with the NAPA stuff, they did quite well also.

 

[evilwind1]

Re: Why can't I paint with automotive paint instead?

I have some experience with painting and spraying ( cars, planes for Grumman , boats, etc.) and some of the most durable stuff I have used has been Sikkens catalyzed enamel. It is 3 part; 1enamel1, hardener1activator,( reducer if it is hot and dry ). All sprayed through a HVLP setup for bathtub and tile reglazing- . I did a couple of boats (cars too) and had excellent results. Also 2 part epoxy primer helps with adhesion and durability.

 

[Chachi420]

Re: Why can't I paint with automotive paint instead?

thanks for this interesting thread and supporting comments!