Painting the hull

[Leif]

I'm getting ready to paint my DSII hull. It's a '77, and looks like a faded creamsicle. I'm tempted to paint her a dark blue or black--I hate orange, and the spars are black, so that's appealing to me. One member here advised against black, as he said every scratch would show. I'm pretty careful with the boat in general, and I don't mind touching her up.

I guess if anyone can recommend a brand or a process that would be great--how much sanding, any solvent I should use to clean before painting, etc. I used to be a professional house painter, so I'm not concerned about my ability to do a good job. Just a little unsure about materials.

Thanks.

[Lloyd Franks]

My hull is black...Painted by the previous owner. I did get get a few scratches when I first got the boat, but I sprayed them with Rustoleum Black enamel. I used a mildly abrasive wax to feather the new paint, and it looks fine. And most people think it's a new boat (it's a 73) Since then I've not had any scratches, so the paint must be thick, or I'm less klutzy. Probably the former. Any paint will get dinged, but if you have some touch up left, fixing is no big deal. Paint it a color you like...It'll sail faster!

[Reef]

I had the same color as yours - like a faded "international orange" lifeboat. I used an Interlux product (just a one-part enamel) and it's perfect. Yes, you will need to touch it up each spring, though it's no big and the boat looks oh so much better. I used a banana roller and foam brushes.

[markst95]

My 73 is the orange color too but not faded. I'm not fond of the color but wasn't going to paint her. You guys got me thinking though. Maybe a nice green or dark blue??? Has the rustoleum held up well?

[Roger]

I used it on the hull. As long as I trailered it, it was fine. Once I started keeping it in a slip, the bottom paint suffered a bit, but the hull above the waterline was fine. I sanded below the waterline, and added bottomkote and everything was fine.

[Leif]

Got her downside up in my driveway, ready to paint. What brands of paint would any of you old hands recommend? (Old hands, figuratively speaking, of course.)

[mike smith]

Leif,

I painted my son's boat hull with Interlux Epoxy One Part hull paint. That was (3) three years ago, and it still looks good. If you have specific questions you can call Interlux or go on line at www.yachtpaint.com. There are other very good marine coatings available also such as Petit and Woolsey. The important key to a good finish and coverage is to always follow the manufacturer's prep and procedures. Time after time good paint gets a bad reputation because folks don't follow the manufacturer's instructions.

We sprayed on the coating, but you need to be careful.