bottom paint

[steplift20]

ok guys after a long time im going to paint the bottom but i would like to know what my friends would recommend. i am going to keep it on my traier so i need to know what paint would be good for launchng and going back on the trailer, some thing good for a trailerable boat thanks

[jasoncooperpcola]

I used Sherwin Williams Tile-Clad HS epoxy on the 250 Sportsman. Its tough as nails. But pricey. Each component is $108 (two components, part a and part b mixed 1:1). But you will have two gallons of paint. I rolled it on then tipped it and it looked great. Just my 0.02.

It was a better paint than the interlux perfection in my opinion.

[tartuffe]

I've been researching bottom paints myself lately. At this point I think I'm going with the sterling paint system. I keep my boat on a trailer as well but the idea of blisters if I leave my boat in the water for a long weekend has me a bit freaked out.

Can anybody add to this concern with using a topside paint on the bottom?

[phatdaddy]

why would you paint a bottom on a boat that is going to live on a trailer? not being wise guy, just wondering if i am missing something. i've keep mine in the water for as long as 2 weeks at a time with no problems.

[Kracker Jack]

Interlux VC performance epoxy. Thats whats going on mine. I have researched for the past 4 weeks and this product has had great reviews on all the forums im on and great reviews on the internet. I was told by the Interlux rep that you can paint the bottom with a Brightside interlux paint and keep it in the water for 4 to 5 days with no issues.

[Destroyer]

why would you paint a bottom on a boat that is going to live on a trailer? not being wise guy, just wondering if i am missing something. i've keep mine in the water for as long as 2 weeks at a time with no problems.

I totally agree with Phatdaddy. My 78' V20 has no bottom paint and has lived her whole life on a trailer or in the water.. Look at the my avatar. Not a single blister. If your bottom is already painted that's one thing, but if it's not, and she's going to live her life on a trailer then don't paint her...just a cleaning, wax and buff every now and then will keep her looking like new.

My 96 V21 was bottom painted by the PO... and it's not in the budget for this year, but next year she'll get soda blasted and sealed and get rid of that potentially performance robbing paint.

Besides, they just look so much better with a clean, bare hull.... (Kinda like a woman) :love:

[steplift20]

the bottom was painted before and now i always keep her on a trailer but it looks horrible so i want to paint the bottom for purely cosmetic reasons

[Destroyer]

the bottom was painted before and now i always keep her on a trailer but it looks horrible so i want to paint the bottom for purely cosmetic reasons

OK, so it's already got paint on it, so you're choices are getting the paint removed or making it nice. Difficult situation, because if you paint it with the wrong paint you might have a compatability problem with the present paint. Some paints are designed to leach during their lifespan. The leaching of the chemicals helps prevent growth of barnicles etc on your hull. These paints are used mostly for boats that live in slips all year. So if you have that kind of paint on already, then you may need to use that kind of paint again. Talk to your paint pro where you buy the paint for any compatibility issues.
If it were me and I was painting my hull I'd go with any of the epoxy paints or plastic based paints that are out there. They are all good and what you want is a nice smooth hard finish that will stand up to the launching and retrieving of the boat on the trailer. :head:

[Stinky_Hooker]

Ive always used International Interthane 990. Ive used it over the years on about 6 boats, topside and bottom. One left in the water on vacation for a week with no problems..just the regular staining a cleaning took care of.

Its tough, high gloss and where I get it locally at a Industrial marine supply runs $60-$75 a gallon depending on color. If prepped correctly Id put it up against imron, awlgrip or any of these overpriced marine paints. It is what will be going on my current project as well.

[reelapeelin]

If it's cosmetics and durability you're after, there is a SAILBOAT epoxy paint Spareparts has spoken about...leaves a good, slick surface and hard enough to resist trailer loading....hopefully he'll see this and tell us exactly what paint it is...I'm sure you know, you'll have to sand the existing bottom paint, then PRIME, then apply the finish coat...and probably at least two coats of finish coat...if yer doin' it all yourself, you got a job ahead of you...:clap:

[Zarkohl]

My v20 already has bottom paint on it that starting to fade and peel. I would like to simply remove it and go without paint as it will be trailered. How hard is bottom paint to remove? What steps do you need ot take? I have heard of folks sandblasting it with baking soda, but what does that do to the underlying gel coat?

[Kracker Jack]

If it's cosmetics and durability you're after, there is a SAILBOAT epoxy paint Spareparts has spoken about...leaves a good, slick surface and hard enough to resist trailer loading....hopefully he'll see this and tell us exactly what paint it is...I'm sure you know, you'll have to sand the existing bottom paint, then PRIME, then apply the finish coat...and probably at least two coats of finish coat...if yer doin' it all yourself, you got a job ahead of you...:clap:
Interlux brand have an ablative called Performance epoxy which was made for fiberglass hulled racers that stay in the water, and they have a non-ablative called VC performance epoxy which does not have any anti fouling qualities but is a great paint for trailered boats. Pettit also makes a product called VIVID which i hear is good paint also. All these paints mentioned come in many colors.

I painted the ALBEMARLE with brightside by Interlux on the sides it has held up well which leads me to the point while doing my research on brightside, interlux said you can paint your bottom with it but your boat truelly limited on how long it can stay in the water, I dont trust it. Its seem to soft to paint bottom side with.

[Kracker Jack]

[QUOTE=Zarkohl;186917]My v20 already has bottom paint on it that starting to fade and peel. I would like to simply remove it and go without paint as it will be trailered. How hard is bottom paint to remove? What steps do you need ot take? I have heard of folks sandblasting it with baking soda, but what does that do to the underlying gel coat?[/QUOT

sandblasting is very abrasive, but soda blasting on the other hand is only abrasive enough to remove the soft bottom paint and not harm the gelcoat.

[Destroyer]

My v20 already has bottom paint on it that starting to fade and peel. I would like to simply remove it and go without paint as it will be trailered. How hard is bottom paint to remove? What steps do you need ot take? I have heard of folks sandblasting it with baking soda, but what does that do to the underlying gel coat?

Soda blasting is the only way to remove bottom paint safely. Keep in mind that after it's gone (the paint) you will still need to reseal the bottom.

[Road King Cole]

Any type of a true albative will wear off easily, that is what it is designed to do. Not the best for a trailer'd boat.

I painted my bottom with pettit vivid white, its a hybrid paint.

It could use some touch-ups now, but still looks great a couple seasons later...

ok, I think this pic is from a year or two ago...

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad320/roadkingcole/v20.jpg

rkc

[Kracker Jack]

Any type of a true albative will wear off easily, that is what it is designed to do. Not the best for a trailer'd boat.

I painted my bottom with pettit vivid white, its a hybrid paint.

It could use some touch-ups now, but still looks great a couple seasons later...

ok, I think this pic is from a year or two ago...

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad320/roadkingcole/v20.jpg

rkc

RKC that is on sweet looking rig you have there. That VIVID looks really good on there. Doesnt that VIVID paint kind of wear off like a bar of soap? constantly keeping fresh paint on the surface?

[garagenc]

If youre going to paint the bottom Why not use automotive paint?
4 years ago I removed everything on my transom, filled, patched the holes sanded it down and had it painted with automotive paint.
We have brackish water here so we get a yellow water stain. when I come home I just break out the water hose and rinse the yellow water stain off.
It still looks new no scratches or fading or chipping

When I decide to paint the entire hull I'll do it in automotive paint.
My 2 cents worth.

[reelapeelin]

If youre going to paint the bottom Why not use automotive paint?
4 years ago I removed everything on my transom, filled, patched the holes sanded it down and had it painted with automotive paint.
We have brackish water here so we get a yellow water stain. when I come home I just break out the water hose and rinse the yellow water stain off.
It still looks new no scratches or fading or chipping

When I decide to paint the entire hull I'll do it in automotive paint.
My 2 cents worth.

When I saw you'd weighed in on this post w/your background I figured we were gonna get some special deep dark secret sauce to finish our Vs with...and danged if I wasn't right...car paint...who'd have figured....:head:

[Road King Cole]

RKC that is on sweet looking rig you have there. That VIVID looks really good on there. Doesnt that VIVID paint kind of wear off like a bar of soap? constantly keeping fresh paint on the surface?


There's a couple spots where it could us a touch up now, but it holds up pretty good. It does not rub off like an ablative.

It looks good from that angle...

rkc

[Disturbed]

Has anyone tried using the Kleen-Strip fiberglass paint stripper on there V20? I bought a gallon and I'm just about to try it to use it this coming weekend to start stripping my bottom due to the paint being old and nasty looking. I read in some other forums about some people having success with it and others saying that it was garbage. I would rather "cheat" a little if the stripper works than to spend hours sanding.

West Marine sells it for 28.99 a gallon.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_11151_10001_265651_-1?cid=chanintel_google&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=265651

[jasoncooperpcola]

I used the Aircraft paint stripper by Kleen Strip. I had about six layers of bottom paint to remove. It takes three applications of stripper to get it off then i still have to sand. I swear stripper gummys the remaining paint and clogs the sandpaper fast.

[Curapa]

I started stripping my bottom paint a few days ago. I bought the aircraft stripper but didn't bother with the scraper. I applied the stripper, waited about ten minutes and took the pressure washer to it. The pressure washer works much better than the scraper. In many spots it would take the paint of right to the hull with just one application of stripper. I have a total of about 45 minutes work in mine and I'm about half way done.

[jasoncooperpcola]

Looks like i am renting a pressure washer. I thought about that but did not think it would work. I have about 12 hours in mine and almost half way done.

[Disturbed]

Thats really good to know. I have a pressure washer and also had thought about it. Now I know for sure that I will be definitely using it. Thanks for the great tip!!:clap:

[Destroyer]

Just be careful with the pressure washer. If you have a powerful one (2800 psi or more) and get too close for too long you can actually damage the fiberglass on your hull (don't ask me how I know). :head: And since you're usnig chemicals that can and will splash MAKE SURE you have goggles on.

[Disturbed]

Thanks Destroyer. Will do. And trust me, I work in the aerospace industry and wear safety glasses 10 hours a day. It is kind of second nature now for anything I do in the garage or outside the house. We can't replace our eyes!!

[Curapa]

Yeah, watch the pressure. It's better to apply and wash several times than damage the gelcoat but honestly I would rather repair gelcoat than sand bottom paint. Anyone that doesn't already own a pressure washer, it's a must have around the house. I never realized it until I got one and they can be picked up for less than $200 all day long on craigslist.

[Curapa]

Where are you located Disturbed?

[Disturbed]

South Florida. Specifically Stuart.

[Curapa]

Oh, O.K. You said aerospace and I thought you might be around Savannah at Gulfstream.

[tartuffe]

Sounds like this months site project is stripping bottom paint. I have my hull flipped over and it is still a real *****. I've gone through (50) 80 grit disks and now up to (10) 50 grit and still am not half-way done after around 8 hours.

I couldn't imagine doing this work on my back.

I'll be making my way to West Marine this week and Neff shortly thereafter.

[Disturbed]

Sikorsky Aircraft. We build Blackhawk helicopters amongst many other things at my site.

[tartuffe]

That aviation paint stripper is really amazing. Put on one coat, pressure washed, put on another coat, pressure washed....bottom paint gone. Started at 5:42, done at 7:19

[jasoncooperpcola]

Glad it worked! I might get another gallon of aviation stripper and rent a pressure washer this weekend.

[Disturbed]

I wish I was having that luck. I put on the stripper, let it sit 10 minutes, and pressure washed it, repeated, and barely made a dent. I'm not sure if I just have more layers or I need to let it sit longer. :head:

I'm gonna try again tomorrow morning and then its gonna be time to look like a smurf with my palm sander.

[jasoncooperpcola]

I wish I was having that luck. I put on the stripper, let it sit 10 minutes, and pressure washed it, repeated, and barely made a dent. I'm not sure if I just have more layers or I need to let it sit longer. :head:

I'm gonna try again tomorrow morning and then its gonna be time to look like a smurf with my palm sander.

I have been using a heavy duty Porter Cable sander with 80 grit paper and its still a b**ch. I tried 50 and it cut thru it fast but gouges the gelcoat. Maybe a palm sander with 50 aint so rough. Also are you only brushing the stripper in one direction? If you brush it like paint it evaporates fast.

[Destroyer]

Two words.....soda blast

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=soda+blaster

Tent the boat with visqueen, wear a mask for the dust,.. done in less than a day with no damage to your hull. It WILL make a dusty mess, but it's a clean mess that you can just vacuum up with a shop vac.

[Disturbed]

Ok, A new soda blaster wasn't in my budget, so hand sanding it is!! Palm sander is crap, so away I went with my Dewalt drill today. I'm about 75% done, and plan on finishing up in morning followed by bottom paint. Holy $h!T. Talk about looking like a smurf!! Lmao.

I had to have a little instant gratification and painted just the aft section. Nice!!! I love it. All the hard work is definitely going to be worth it. I will post pics when the entire project is done. I bought it on June 1st and plan on splashing it July 1st.

New Cherry dash is done. New Cherry cuddy door is done. All decals removed. New decals installed. New Teak Cuddy guides installed. All wiring redone. Rod holders have been reglassed, cleaned up and painted and reinstalled. Mama is busy at work recovering all the cushions for the cuddy. All that will be left after this weekend is to paint a 3" black stripe where the original decals were.

It has been well worth the experience so far and for my first boat, I love it!! And it damn sure doesn't look 22 years old.

Stay tuned for upcoming boat porn!!

[tartuffe]

I'm glad you were able to find something that worked for you. I can tell others that if it sits too long it resolidifies and doesn't work as well. There is a sweet spot in the amount of time it takes to soften the paint and then get hard again. If I had not tireds to do it all at once I could have done it in one application.

Also, you're right, palm sanders aint ****. Orbitals with 50 grit is the minimum for this type of job.

[reelapeelin]

I wish I was having that luck. I put on the stripper, let it sit 10 minutes, and pressure washed it, repeated, and barely made a dent. I'm not sure if I just have more layers or I need to let it sit longer. :head:

I'm gonna try again tomorrow morning and then its gonna be time to look like a smurf with my palm sander.


I THINK...you may have had the same trouble as me...EPOXY paint...regular bottom paint apparently comes off w/stripper...but mine, and sounds like yours just LAUGHED at stripper...I think it's epoxy paint on there...sanded all mine off w/60 grit disc on a drill motor...then two coats of regular West Bottom Shield...

[Randall220]

If youre going to paint the bottom Why not use automotive paint?
4 years ago I removed everything on my transom, filled, patched the holes sanded it down and had it painted with automotive paint.
We have brackish water here so we get a yellow water stain. when I come home I just break out the water hose and rinse the yellow water stain off.
It still looks new no scratches or fading or chipping

When I decide to paint the entire hull I'll do it in automotive paint.
My 2 cents worth.


What type of automotive paint did you use? This is my first boat and the bottom paint really needs to be removed. Looks like it has 2 different colors on there in some spots, black and blue. :head: Will the automotive paint hold up if left in salt water for and extended period of time?

[jasoncooperpcola]

Automotive paint on a boat bottom is for cosmetic reasons only. It will have no antifouling properties, and my guess is within a week you have barnacles.

[tartuffe]

What type of automotive paint did you use? This is my first boat and the bottom paint really needs to be removed. Looks like it has 2 different colors on there in some spots, black and blue. :head: Will the automotive paint hold up if left in salt water for and extended period of time?


If you plan to leave your boat int e water for more than 72 hrs at a time you should really use bottom paint. There are several types to choose from dependant upon how you typically use your boat and the amount of time it stays in the water.

Using something other than bottom paint will cause your paint to blister.

[tartuffe]

I'm on my 4th coat of Interlux A2000 primer. I'll be sanding down what I have before applying my last coat of primer, sanding again with 80 grit and I hope to begin application of the Interlux VC Performance next weekend.

[Randall220]

Thank you for the heads up on the automotive paint. I'm still up in the air if i'll be trailering next year, or bit the bullet and make the wife happy with a slip.

Once you have sanded off what you can of the bottom paint, and patch in what needs to be patched, does the primer act as a "sealer" or is there something different that needs to be done before you prime and paint?

I'm a real newbie at this sort of stuff,:you: and appreciate all the help and tips i've been reading on this forum. :sun:

[tartuffe]

Your gel coat is your sealer. Once you get your bottom paint off you go from there. The primer binds the paint to the gel coat. If your gelcoat is very damaged then you need a sealing primer. Primer generally is not a sealer. The bottom paint is for the antifouling. Before deciding on the paint, you should make your best guess because trailer queens get "special" paint.

[jasoncooperpcola]

I can attest to the effectiveness of a pressure washer on bottom paint. Had to pressure wash an axle and borrowed my neighbors pressure washer. After getting the axle cleaned up, I applied aircraft stripper to a 2x4 section of the V20, waited about 20 minutes and spent five minutes to clear that section down to bare hull. Then i ran out of stripper :cry:.

[Kracker Jack]

The difference in automotive and marine paint is the flexibility. Marine paint has a flex additive in it already. If you use automotive I highly recomened buying a flex additive to mix with the paint before application.