Time to paint topsides!

[Matt Middleton]

Hey y'all
I finally go the boat hauled out (whew!) and since I had so much of a time getting that done, I haven't had a chance to gather my thoughts and formulate a plan for doing topside paint. I know I have to wash & sand a bit first, but I want to get my shopping list as completed as I can.
First off, I'll be using Kirby paints. (It's gray/pink/green now, fixin' to be white/blue with cream deck.)
Mr. Kirby recommended adding a little Penetrol to help with flow, so my 1st question is this: How do some of you mix your oil based enamel with thinner and Penetrol (what ratios)?
Question #2: Since I'll be rollin' and tippin', what brush ought I to be using to tip the paint? I noticed in the latest WB in the article about paints that they were using a foam brush to tip, but the author mentions that he likes his unnamed 65 dollar brush for enamels. So which is it?
Thanks
Matt

[Albie]

I use foam brushes for all paints and varnishes.I use Interlux Brightside topside paint and Interlux Clipperclear Varnish. I get excellent results. If you are concerned about the environmental aspect, i.e. disposal etc. consider the use of solvents to clean and your time. "Brightwork" by Rebecca Wittman (available through the WoodenBoat store) covers this subject well. It is a great book. However, this is another subject where there are many prejudices and beliefs and they all work and give good results. Good luck.

[Scott Rosen]

You won't be able to use a foam brush with Kirby's paints. The paint is too "hefty" and has too much body for the flimsy foam brushes. When using one-part enamels, like Kirby's, it's usually true that the better the brush, the better the finish.

If you're painting indoors, you only need a little bit of Penetrol, maybe 5% or less, and just a drop of thinner--I think turps works best.

Outdoors you will need more of both, depending on the wind, temperature and humidity. I've probably gone as high as 25 to 30% Penetrol, with an additional 10% turps on a really windy and sunny day.

You'll know you've got the mix just right when the brush marks level out and you can keep the wet edge long enough.