painting bottom

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by Kracker Jack

Sherwin williams has a awesome 2 part poly system. And they will crossreference and tint any color you want. The reason i went with Awlgrip is because of the insane deal i got on my paint system from a local boat yard. The VC performance epoxy was originally made for race sail boats. The vc is what i will paint my bottom with. No primers required just paint over preped gelcoat!

Yep...that's what I'm talking about. That 2 part poly system is actually a ConLux formula. They willalso match ANY color paint chip you bring in... they have a special computer that scans the chip and then makes the paint formula to match it..
As to a primer, that's why I said "if called for". And Awlgrip is an awesome paint. I know several people that have used it for their boat's decks with great results.

[spareparts]

just to clarify, if you are going to leave your boat in the water for extended periods of time, you will need a barrier coat/bottom paint/antifoulant on the bottom, if you use a top side paint on the bottom of your boat, you should be fine unless you leave it in the water for extended times. How long are extended times? Depends on where you are, temperature and type of water you are in. I left my McKee in the water with no bottom paint from before thanksgiving till after new years with no issues, but the water was cold and growth was down. During the summer, two weeks and it would have an inch of hair and silver dollar size blisters on the bottom. If you leave a boat in the water with topside type paint in the water for long times, you are going to have blisters on the bottom.


As far as topside paint goes, I've used all kinds. Awlgrip is not the easiest paint to work with, their primers are hard as concrete, but it is a very good paint. Alex Seal is quickly overtaking Awlgrip and offers many more choices of finsihes and colors. Cheap paint vs expensive paint? Ask yourself what your prep time was worth.With the amount of time I spend on sanding and prep, its hard for me to justify cheaper paint that "May" not be as good


Keep in mind my personal boats are usually pretty ugly bare, chalky, unwaxed gel

[Kracker Jack]

Originally Posted by Destroyer

Yep...that's what I'm talking about. That 2 part poly system is actually a ConLux formula. They willalso match ANY color paint chip you bring in... they have a special computer that scans the chip and then makes the paint formula to match it..
As to a primer, that's why I said "if called for". And Awlgrip is an awesome paint. I know several people that have used it for their boat's decks with great results.

Im am with ya bud. I like to think side of the box when it comes to products like that.

[GB87]

My boat spends it's summers at a mooring in RI. so I have to use an antifouling bottom paint. For the past few years I have been using Interlux ACT. It goes on fairly thin when applied with a roller and since it is ablative it doesn't build up. I usually buy a gallon and get two to three seasons out of it.

George