Paint

[Ram4x4]

Do you guys who build and/or paint use any special paint for your boats? Auto paint ok, or should one use marine specific paint?

[Guest]

I always used an oil based enamel paint on race boats. Most likely your boat going to get hit or crash during it's life time, so why spent a lot of money for paint. ACE was my favorite race paint source.

[ZUL8TR]

To cover all: I use an inexpensive easy to mix, apply and no amine blush epoxy just as strong to me as the other more $$ epoxies I have tried like West, MAS, etc. On the varnish I used to use Petit, Interlux, Epifanes, etc but find no significant difference (since stored inside between use) using Minwax Spar Urethane gloss at less than 1/2 the cost, as for paint I use Restoleum oil based and their rattle cans.

Reason: repairs and refresh are going to happen like ProHydroracer says and I have been there.

Some use expensive auto paint with hardeners and clear, their choice.

[dwhitford]

Me too: Minwax Spar Urethane Gloss + Rustoleum spray-can paint.

[Shane_B]

Agreed, personal preference on type... but would insure paint/varnish has a UV blocker as most epoxies may be degraded as a result of UV exposure (how much depends on where you store the boat). Some folks like Petit as it flattens out well when applied with a brush or roller... I just use a clearcoat with UV blocker over the epoxy but a spar polyurethane or varnish would work just as well.

[chuck w]

After i built my boat i painted with automotive base coat clear coat. It cost me $20 per pint plus clear and reducer. In the event my boat gets hit i have more confidence in myself getting a perfect color match blending with clear. That is just my preference though. Gotta love the shine of clear.
Good luck

[Ram4x4]

Yeah, I know it's going to get dinged and all, but I need a pretty paint job (and not just for personal vanity reasons). IF things go as planned, you'll understand :-)

I have some experience painting cars and body work, but wanted to make sure auto type paint would be OK vs some special marine paint.

[Shane_B]

auto paint will be fine if that is what you are familiar with... prep work makes all the difference on finish as you are undoubtedly aware. I used auto clearcoat on my boat and holds up great - easy to touch up with clear coat in a rattle can too... buffs out great.

[G Stillwill]

My boats are painted at Unlimited Auto Body with auto paint then clear coated holds up well but thet are in an enclosed trailer all the time the paint holds up well.

[Fastjack]

Duplicolor has "paint shop " pre reduced paint in about 10 colors about 25 $ a quart . It sprays well and with a little clear over it - holds up .