Boat paint

[Jbyrum]

I'm thinking on doing a design on my new playboat that's about the same size of Stephen Wright's "Peanuts" boat (Picture of boat attached). Is there a certain kind of paint I should buy to do this? Any methods that have worked for you?

[Owl]

Depending on the complexity and configuration of the design you might also consider self-adhesive cut vinyl graphics such as are used for signage on vehicles, etc. Most sign shops have software that can convert image files or scanned images into files compatible with their vinyl cutters.

[Jbyrum]

I was thinking on putting 2 stripes running across my stern

[Eric Esche]

I'm not the paint expert that Painter Bob is, but here's my 2 cents worth of observations.

I've used Krylon Fusion spraypaint or brushed on Testors Enamel Modelers paint on some of my kayaks over stenciled/masked areas that I wanted colors or logos on. Cheap, lasts fairly well, and touches up OK when the occasional scratch shows up after contact with rocks. They were both generally impervious to tiedown ropes or straps if you let it cure between coats.

If you want it to stick better to an area that is "slick" and smooth, rough up the surface with course sand paper within the masked off areas. Clean and dry completely after sanding. If you use a dremel with ANY of the attachments, be careful. You do not need to go very deep in your surface treatment, and a dremel can run away with you very quickly and I find it hard to get a uniform surface treat ment with a dremel. "Day glow"/florescent colors and metalic flake tend to not stick as well. IF you want these colors. I would suggest you apply a thin layer of flat Bright white first as a kicker layer and then a thin sealer coat of Clear over the final day glow coat to help lock it in. Day glow paints also fade quicker and almost always need multiple thin coats to build up to the density you want. Mutiple thin coats allowed to completely dry between coats work better than one thick coat, which also have a greater chance of running and drips.

One last trick is to warm the area with a hairdryer to get the paint to stick better or cure faster. I try to paint boats when warmer than 50F, outside, and always in the dry, with good lighting.

Your milage may vary - If in doubt, ask Painter Bob - He is the expert.

Eric Esche

[Renee H]

You already got your new boat???? Wow! That was quick!

[Jbyrum]

I haven't got it yet. Just getting prepared to make the coolest boat out there And I just asked Stephen W. and he said his design is made from the vinyl sheets. Will the vinyl you get from Hobby Lobby work?

[Owl]

...Will the vinyl you get from Hobby Lobby work?

I'm not familiar with Hobby Lobby vinyl but if all you want are stripes, many auto parts and auto paint stores, both local and online, sell striping in various widths, lengths, and colors.

[Jim Krueger]

I agree with Owls suggestion. I have two Overflows, one came with stripes the other didn't so I got some vinyl pin-striping tape at NAPA and it has worked very well. I roughed the area with sandpaper then cleaned with alcohol prior to placement.

Jim

[flow]

After having been in the Vinyl Graphics business for 7 years
I would suggest visiting a local sign shop. They will have a very large assortment of colors-reflective,metallic, etc. Comes in 24" wide, any length. You should be able to get it for $4.00 per foot or less even if you just want 1 foot! They will have thousands of clip art images and stripe designs. These people are in dire straights with the economy we have! Give them a shot at doing it for you! ( I sold all my quipment and can't do it for you)
Hope this helps, Phil

Phil

[Jim E]

After having been in the Vinyl Graphics business for 7 years
I would suggest visiting a local sign shop. They will have a very large assortment of colors-reflective,metallic, etc. Comes in 24" wide, any length. You should be able to get it for $4.00 per foot or less even if you just want 1 foot! They will have thousands of clip art images and stripe designs. These people are in dire straights with the economy we have! Give them a shot at doing it for you! ( I sold all my quipment and can't do it for you)
Hope this helps, Phil

Phil

This is by FAR the best way to go about your graphic needs!! All computerized and they can make it whatever size you want/need. If it is totally custom, draw it out and then they can scan it.

[BMuu]

I like the vinal idea because you can take it off if you sell it.

There has to be a good way to paint it if you prefer. The boat makers use paint on the names of the boats and it's pretty durable.

[gannon_w]

Use colored duct tape! :)

[painterbob]

KRYLON FUSION.. is the bomb!

[johnnybiggun]

I went the sign shop vinyl route and it works well....I think I paid $20 for a fairly large print for both sides of the boat... If you get tired of it or if it starts looking shabby you can just take it off and slap on another....