Old Interlux Paint Not Leveling Out

[marsbar]

I have a can of Interlux Brightsides that is about 5 years old. The can was half full and the paint was skinned over. After breaking through the skin and stirring the paint, it looked fine.

I thinned the paint some with 333 then I rolled and tipped a smooth primed transom with a foam roller and brush and it seemed to go on real nice. Unfortunately, the paint isn't leveling out too well and you can see brushmarks. Should I add more 333 to thin it some more for the next coat, or should I chuck the paint and get a new can?

Is there any use for Penetrol to improve the paint's ability to level out?

Thanks for your advice......Mark

[Bob Adams]

I wouldn't use Penetrol in a polyurethane. Thinning it a tad more may help.

[pcford]

Toss that crap! Jeebus!!!?

[marsbar]

Transom was sanded smooth and all previous brush marks removed. With a brand new can of Brightsides, I rolled and tipped (vertical tipping). I thinned the Brightsides with 303 about 10%. The result was MUCH better but still there are brushmarks. Are there any other suggestions for helping the paint level out better? Maybe I am expecting too much from a non-sprayed paint finish?

[J. Dillon]

I used to have the same problem with Brightsides. Then one day I decided to use Penetrol, the ordinary kind . The results were much better. In what proportions you might ask ? I don't know but as I remember it was a healthy amount. Interlux discontinued the color ( teal) now I use Kirby's.

JD

[marsbar]

Thanks JD, I will try that on the next coat....that is, after sanding out the brush marks first!

[pipefitter]

Horizontal brush strokes show less than vertical. You would have to eyeball down it's side to see them at all unless they are obviously coarse. Also, if the paint is fresh, expect it to shrink as the weather warms up and the brush strokes to shrink with it. I tried vertical tipping initially on the stern of my boat and I could see them from 3-4 ft. Horizontally I cant see them until a foot or closer and when someone squats down to try to find them, they are in perfect position for a kick in the pants which is a big distraction from trying to pick brush strokes.

Ok, I just went outside to try to take some perspective shots to show brush strokes but there isn't any to be found. Even the touch up spots have disappeared. What are you using for a brush? The ultra fine badger brush from Jamestown Dist. made all of the difference over the ordinary Purdy brush as far as brush texture was concerned.

The badger brush is what I consider a blending tool. I used to use a similar brush when doing touch ups over spray work. It is ideal for brightsides.

[marsbar]

I have been using a foam roller and a foam brush.

[pipefitter]

It helps if you really hustle. The 333 thinner is the right stuff added as directed. I painted in over 80 deg weather so I really had to move. It looks from the picture as if you are right on the verge of getting it. That's a really nice color. I had the roller between my fingers, a chisel brush and my tipping brush and the roller tray so I Had everything ready right away with no time wasted setting anything down etc. I basically had one chance to get it right in the span of about 20-30 seconds.