Painting the outside

[Foss62]

Dear all

Advice needed please
Next job as the weather has changed is to paint the outside of my boat,im happy to do it myself but not sure what sort of paint would be best.Seen posts about Dulux weathershield but had a chat in a paint shop and the man said best not as may not take very well.
Any thoughts please

Edited April 2, 2016 by Foss62

[David Mack]

Weathershield used to be good, but I think it is now water based and less durable. We have just used Dulux High Gloss from Dulux Decortator Centres. This is oil based, but only obtainable from trade suppliers. The stuff in the DIY sheds is water based, and not up to the job.

[stagedamager]

I use Dacrylate dacthane enamel. About 45 quid for 5 litres, goes on well and sets hard. They're based in the east Midlands but have distributors nationwide.

Regards

Dan

[jenlyn]

I'm doing mine at the minute. Using acrylic high gloss, and also some of it in vinyl wrap. The vinyl wrap actually works out cheaper than painting it oddly enough.

[romarni123]

Dont use any from Aldi, the black paint goes grey after a while.We got ours from Leyland paints mixed to any colour you want.

[Richard10002]

I'm using Craftmaster, and am very impressed so far - but it's not cheap.

 

Three of the boats on our moorings are doing a bit of painting at the moment and are using Rylards... looks OK, but doesnt seem to have the shine and depth of the Craftmaster Alpha Red that I've used so far.

[nbfiresprite]

Dont use any from Aldi, the black paint goes grey after a while.We got ours from Leyland paints mixed to any colour you want.

I agree Leyland's good paint, covers well and long lasting

[Phil Ambrose]

I found what I think is a decent paint on eBay, from Black Country Paints, did my roof last year and was so impressed I've got some for the rest of the boat , started prepping yesterday

Phil

[BoatyMCboatface]

Any single pack alkyd will do. I got mine fresh from the factory at HMG in Manchester, I used the coach enamel last year but its pricey so years before that I ordered the Speedline coating, not quite as mirror shiny but I also paint plant equipment with it no problem, so it's more than tough enough for the rigors of a canal. They make the coatings for a few brands including one that sells it exclusively as paint for narrowboats. If you give them a call they will give lots of good advice on choosing a top coat.

It's important to check that your top coat will not react with the undercoat so either find out what it is you are painting over or strip it back as much as possible, realy you should do this anyway. It's highly unlikely you are going to come across an odd primer like cellulose or lacquer primer so If it can't be removed with a big tin of elbow grease then it's probably okay to paint over. Remember the prime purpose of the coating is to protect the steel from oxidization. Alkyd is very forgiving some more than others, Speedline is one thats forgiving but not the only one.

Poor prep is the main cause of almost all failed coatings so get sanding and have fun!

Edited April 3, 2016 by BoatyMCboatface