House paint as topside paint?
 

I was surfing the web and came across a article that claims that certain outdoor house pain can be used as topside paint and is cheaper aNd has. Better gloss than a lot of marine paint. What do you guys know of this? It makes sense but what real world experience doe.s anyone have with it?

all I know is if it says "cleans up easy with water, no smell or fumes" it probably ain't worth the can its in

if money is the key factor then consider this Lowes sells it ...

OVERVIEW:
Rust-Oleum Marine Coatings Topside Paint provides gloss retention and UV resistance in extreme weather conditions. Apply to fiberglass, wood or metal surfaces above the waterline. Flexible formula is easy to apply.

http://rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=4

I painted a skiff once with house paint, everything below the waterline peeled off within a week. Topside only might be ok depending how it looks.

The cost of paint isnr a real big deal
I just thought the idea was a good one... IF it worked

If cost isn't a consideration, why take the chance?...NYMack's suggestion is as close to the edge as I would go...If Rustoleum sells it as Marine paint, I'd take a shot at it...

Marine Paint is for boats, House paint for houses
 

The guy who sold me my V20 either did not prime the gelcoat finish or used house paint, probably the former as most of it is still hanging on. So, I am going to have to sand the entire boat (topside).
You don't take a knife to a gunfight.
I have far more experience in painting/maintaining a couple of old properties on the coast. I bought a book from a very helpful, congenial fellow who operates historichomeworks - a genius, a guru, and down to earth guy. His explanation on paint was interesting. He explains that in humid areas - like the east coast, one uses latex for top coat because the vapors in the wood need to expel through the paint, versus the midwest where moisture isn't a problem one can use oil top coat. He then explains that house paint, especially latex is permeable enough to allow water transfer WHEREAS marine paint is impervious and prevents water from coming through. Two different animals.
I am looking a spray job with primer and 2 coat epoxy - in this lifetime or maybe the next...
But no knives or house paint.

welcome to v20.com BUT this thread is from years ago

X2 on the welcome aboard. Good to have you stop by. Hope you come around some more. Smokes right, this is an old thread, but it still applies. House paint is for houses, not boats. Depending on what area you want to coat there are a few alternatives. For instance, you can use pickup truck bed liner like Rhinoliner
or similar on your cockpit deck with very good results. Likewise, 2 part Epoxy works really well in live wells etc. And plastic based paints like Plasticote work very well as a hard shell bottom paint if you're trailering your boat.

i had to replace about a third of my deck 10 or 12 years ago. when i repainted the deck the first time, i used marine paint, it lasted about 3 years. after that i started using glidden porch enamel, it also last about 3 years. i think once you paint, you will always have to repaint, especially in high traffic areas.