Painting

[bob wilkins]

I want to paint the top side of my F32 starting with the fly bridge.
What is the best paint system to use considering I'm using a brush or roller.

Bob

[gjrylands]

Awlgrip is the best paint to use. The shine and durability is outstanding. Awlgrip is not cheap. You'll need to do prep work. You will need to prime the furfaces to be painted. Mul;tible coats are required. Your efforts will be rewarded. Be aware, there are some powerful chemicals in this product and safty measures must be followed. You won't find a better paint to apply with a brush and roller.

Check out their web site:http:

//www.awlgrip.com/Pages/home.aspx

[jav]

I want to paint the top side of my F32 starting with the fly bridge.
What is the best paint system to use considering I'm using a brush or roller.

Bob

"best" paint can mean many things to many people. If you expect "best" to mean "most durable and best shine" - then any of the 2 part polyeurethanes like Awlgrip, Awlcraft, Imron, Sterling etc are excellent. They are not very forgiving in application, prep, weather or working window. They are also relaitvely expensive and more hazardous than 1 part paints. Many can't be touched up without a halo effect and you need to really make sure the base you put them on is sound and compatible with the paint. That said- a good 2 part paint job is stunning and durable.

If you expect "best" to mean easiest to work with and most forgiving, then 1 part paints are the winners. The ease of use, abiltiy to touch up and repair, cost and forgiveness of substrate and application are far better than the 2 part paints. The shine and durability is not as good though.

[bob wilkins]

I'm not looking to enter my boat in a show , but I would like a respectable appearance. I know that two part systems are difficult to deal with.
With respect to the single part systems what would you recommend.

Bob

[jav]

I did my F-32 with interlux Brightsides and I was pleased with the results. It's only been 2 years but seems to be holding up well. Tough to see in pics.

[prowlersfish]

Awlgrip is great stuff but it is very unforgiving .
Bright side works well and is easier to redo if you screw up and its a lot cheaper . good bang for the buck IMO

[jimbo36]

Absolutely ditto on the interlux brightside 1 part polyurathane. Go to an interlux supplier and pick up the free interlux painting guide. Personally I think the gloss is exceptional and I am fussy. Good luck.

[jav]

here's some better shots of the sheen of brightsides.

[prowlersfish]

Jav that has got to be the niceist look F32 around . Are you ready to make my new vents yet ??

[jav]

thanks Paul - It's still a little too cold up here for fiberglass work but with the coming time change.. the itch will start back up.

[bob wilkins]

Thanks for all of the help. I will check out the Bright Side Paint.

Bob

[Paul]

I have to agree with Jav. We did our hull from the rub rail to the waterline with Brightsides 7 years ago and it still looks as good today as it did when we originaly painted it. Easy to clean as well.

Cleaned ithe hull to remove any old wax and dirt, scuffed it with Scotchbright pads, wiped it down with reducer and then applied 2 coats using the roll & tip method.

Hope this helps.

[bob wilkins]

What is the roll and tip method.

Bob

[gjrylands]

Apply the paint with a roller. ( A foam roller works well) Once the surface has been painted use a dry brush and VERY lightly brush the surface. Hold the brush at about a 45 degree angle. Use long strokes, go in one direction, and wipe excess paint off the brush regularly. The brush will knock off any bubbles or roller marks the roller left.

ROLL THE PAINT THIN. HEAVY COATS WILL RUN OR SAG.

[bob wilkins]

Gerry

Thanks for the advice.
I hope to get this project started as soon as the weather brakes.
I will let you know how things turnout.

Bob