How to Paint Wood Hull?

[AndrewT]

Okay, I'm getting closer and closer to being ready to brush some stuff on the outside of the hull. Now I need to know how you guys paint a hull.

I'm thinking the process is something like...

• Fill holes/dents/dings
• Sand & fair
• Primer
• Sand
• Primer
• Light Sand
• Paint
• Sand
• Paint

...but I've never done it before so I'm not positive. Would like to hear how you guys do it. I don't need an Awlgrip mirror finish, but my son and building partner has asked on numerous occasions, "How are we going to make the boat all shiny?" Help me make it shiny, folks.

[Mrleft8]

I'm thinking chrome plating might be the answer.....

[wizbang 13]

review please, bring us up to speed on the construction?

[AndrewT]

Lapstrake construction with 1x12 Cypress planks. 1"-thick cypress cross-planked bottom. No fiberglass. Basically want to turn bare wood into glossy hull.

[Brian Palmer]

I think you have the basic approach down. Your biggest enemy will be paint that is too thick and poor surface preparation (not enough sanding).

Oil-based alkyd enamel is the type of paint you want to use on this boat (I looked at your earlier posts.) It won't look like an automobile finish, but it will fit with the style and materials.

If you fiberglassed the bottom, you will need to wash the epoxy surface to remove the amine blush that will affect your paint drying. Do this before sanding with warm water and some soap. Rinse off the soap and allow to dry.

Sand through the grits and finish up with about 150 grit before you apply the primer. Use 180 or 220 between coats. Avoid runs and sags in your paint by thinning it a little (read the can) so you do not apply too thick a coat. I like to use foam brushes and I store them in the freezer between coats, wrapped in plastic.

Hope that helps. Others will chime in for sure.

Brian

[Ian McColgin]

If you use a traditional oil paint, it's really hard to find a better primer than just the paint, well thinned.

[Eddiebou]

You can only expect what is reasonally possible. Cypress has that swirling sort of grain that shows itself under paint. Really. I don't care how smooth you get it, you're gonna be able to see the grain. So don't expect a mirror smooth paint job.
Rustoleum marine paint has gloss if you want it. The primer is high build and dries quickly. I can't say that it is any better than a premium alkyd house paint. It certainly is more expensive. It doesn't seem to allow mildew to grow as quickly as some house paints.

[Ian McColgin]

Cypress may show its grain under housepaint. On Goblin's cypress hull I used Kirby's for a nice smooth finish, no sign of grain at all. Almost all traditional lead based paints will do this just fine. Once you've got your first coat on, a semi-annual quickie will keep it up. Just wear proper dust protection and clean up and isolate the toxic dust.

[Michael D. Storey]

Because of the recent dearth of oil paint available at less than the national debt per quart, I use rustoleum oil based. Anyone else had success with this product?

[AndrewT]

I ordered primer and paint from www.marshallscovemarinepaint.com. Read good things about it in a few places. They're helpful and the paint is not expensive (three quarts - 1 primer, 2 color - shipped to Texas for about $70). Will let you know how it works out.

[David G]

I ordered primer and paint from www.marshallscovemarinepaint.com. Read good things about it in a few places. They're helpful and the paint is not expensive (three quarts - 1 primer, 2 color - shipped to Texas for about $70). Will let you know how it works out.

I'll be quite interested in your report!