See full version: What is Fiberglass Paint
There is a significant cost and amount of work that goes along with the use of fiberglass paint, so the cost that you are willing to put into the job is the first consideration. There are also different types of fiberglass, such as epoxy resin, for which epoxy-based paint will produce the best results. For polyester-based resin, polyester-based paint should be used. Using similar compounds will make the paint adhere better to the surface. here
Fiberglass paint consists of volatile organic compounds, polymers, and pigment. Volatile organic compounds are liquids which quickly evaporate. They keep the pigment, or color, in suspension while the fiberglass paint is applied and dries quickly. The polymer is the binder, which causes the pigment particles to bind together. It is a plastic chemical compound which contains polyurethanes, polyesters or epoxy. Other types of paint binders may include acrylics, melamine resins, or oil, but these will not produce an effective result on fiberglass.
To understand fiberglass paint, it is important to understand fiberglass itself. Fiberglass is a thin, yet light, material that hardens into a substance much like plastic. Both water and sunlight damage it over time, due to water incursion or sunlight causing the resins to break down. Painting the fiberglass does not only improve the way it looks, but also creates a barrier between it and the elements. This paint is commonly used for fiberglass doors, bathtubs, showers, boats, fiberglass car fenders, and more.
Preparing the surface for painting is important, as is the climate in which it is painted. Humidity should be below 60 percent and temperature should be between 65 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If there is too much humidity, water droplets will be trapped in the paint and the coating will be dull, and can also cause the laminate to break down. If the ambient temperature is too low, the paint will not harden, and if it is too high, it will harden almost immediately. Paint needs time to level out and become smooth. here
Fiberglass paint will not adhere well to oily, greasy or glossy surfaces, so cleaning and sanding the fiberglass is an essential step before painting. A fine sandpaper should be used to ensure just enough roughness for the paint to adhere. Using a primer will help provide a bond between the surface and paint, and will add an extra moisture barrier.
As previously mentioned, this kind of painting includes painting the boat below the water level. Hence, not all boats are bottom painted since most boat owners do not consider this practical value. However, your boat can benefit maximally with bottom painting if it is continuously on the dock. more
Most boats with a deck can opt to have their decks repainted and refurbished. This area in the ship can get slippery; hence it may require more frequent repainting than its body. This painting job can stand alone, compared to having the whole topside of the boat painted. here
Aside from getting a new look for your boat, there are still boat painting preparations that can cost on top of your anticipated fees. [links]
When your boat has worn off its previous paint, most professionals strip the previous paint away. It gives them the chance to inspect for other boat damages. Stripping off the paint entirely also gives the professionals an opportunity to prime it better. [links]
Link- thanks for your help. I think that is the way I am going to go. But with the clear coat issue, I thought about the slickness, but I've also had a concern about the paint chipping or scraping off real easy. Do you think w/o the clear coat it will get a decent amount of wear out of it before this becomes an issue? here
Re: Can I spray paint the inside of boat? here
harpjames35:<br /><br />Hi <br />OK here is another idea. We did this with a friends 1969 boat. We ordered marine carpet through Cabela's (or where ever) and picked up some water proof contact cement. We carpeted the sides and floor! Looked like a new when we finished. A light or dark brown would go good with the color of your boat!<br /><br />However the splatter paint mentioned (I think we are talking about the same thing) Is called zolatone and there is a rattel can version of it in the hardware stores. It really covers up a lot of mistakes and looks real good also. I did the inside of my boat with a blue zolatone and am putting in Blue carpet on the floors<br /><br />I don't know what the splatter paint is called but I am going to Lowes in a few mintues and will look.<br />After looking at all the nooks and odd angles on your boat I'm thinking that a spray or roll on would be easier. <br />By the time I get back some one will have suggested roll or paint on pickup bed liner so I'll just say it now <br />Here is a site for idea's also<br /><br /> http://www.cabelas.com/ <br /><br />Hey you wanted idea's <br /><br />Link more
Re: Can I spray paint the inside of boat? more
Wow I'm really out of my league on this. Mabe Bill H: or someone else will jump in with some help since you now have setteled on what way you want to go. Like I said I've never used the rattle can stuff. But have seen it used on car dashes, speaker boxes etc and it looks great.<br />But if it does become a issue you could alway go<br />back to the old stand by with the rubber floor mats. I have been in my friends boat and they are<br />real soft to walk on <br /><br />TTYL<br />Link here
Paints for Fiberglass Boats more
Yes, painting a boat is a big, time-consuming job. Sure, it requires some expense. But remember, there’s no better way to make an older boat look new again than to give it a fresh paint job.
Painting a boat’s hullsides is usually a lot easier than painting the topsides, simply because you’re dealing with a large, smooth surface area. There will only be minimal hardware to remove (in this case you may want to simply protect it with masking tape, though this rarely provides as good a final finish), and you won’t have to worry about angled surface areas or tight corners. [links]
Then, simply keep it clean, and rinse it thoroughly after use in saltwater. Remember, before you paint a boat always read the warning labels on all of the supplies and be sure to use the proper protective equipment.