Painting fiberglass HELP!

[Adam Z.]

I would like advice on painting my hull and deck. I looked into Interlux products. What else is out there that might be better. I was told about something called owlgrip. I gather this will be a two part system no matter what I use?

Has any one used the Interluxs Interthane or Interspray before. Tell me about the pitfalls to watch for. I have gone to Interluxs home page and printed most of the info available to me. Now all I need is some real life testimonials. Thanks.



azazz@ix.netcom.com

[Tom Coons]

I would like advice on painting my hull and deck. I looked into Interlux products. What else is out there that might be better. I was told about something called owlgrip. I gather this will be a two part system no matter what I use?

Has any one used the Interluxs Interthane or Interspray before. Tell me about the pitfalls to watch for. I have gone to Interluxs home page and printed most of the info available to me. Now all I need is some real life testimonials. Thanks.

I haven't personally done it so I can't help you there, but I used to sell Awlgrip in my chandlery (now closed)and know people who have used it. Awlgrip is a two part Linear Polyurethane (LPU)that was originally developed for supersonic airplanes that would strip normal paint right off. Most paint companies now make their own version of LPUs, in fact, I think Interthane is Interlux's version of LPU -- isn't it? LPU is normally sprayed, however I've seen it brushed on and looks as if it were sprayed. It is extremely hard and high gloss and is great for hulls. A lot of people don't like glossy finishes on decks because when the sun is low it reflects and tends to blind you.

Incidentally you want to follow the directions carefully. Normal tack rags don't work because they leave some substance on the surface that screws up the LPU. They sell special tack rags for LPUs. Get the special thinners and all that and they can produce a terrific finish. Hopefully somebody who has actually done it will follow here with the practical tips.



TacCambria@thegrid.net

[jtstull]

I would like advice on painting my hull and deck. I looked into Interlux products. What else is out there that might be better. I was told about something called owlgrip. I gather this will be a two part system no matter what I use?

Has any one used the Interluxs Interthane or Interspray before. Tell me about the pitfalls to watch for. I have gone to Interluxs home page and printed most of the info available to me. Now all I need is some real life testimonials. Thanks.

Adam
We painted our CD25 this spring with two part Interthane (dark blue hull and ivory top-side.) We learned a lot in the process but the final results were outstanding.
The key factor that we found,(not in any of the books we read), was to sand and rub out the paint. The final finish looks as good as the best factory gelcoat.
e-mail me if you would like to discuss specific problems.
Jim



jtstull@icubed.com

[Patrick]

The October issue of Cruising World has an article on painting a boat hull.



patturner@earthlink.net