Thread: lookin for real tuff paint?
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12-09-2004 06:26 AM #8
Tough paints
Awl Grip has a basic secection of around 60 standard colors, after that they will color match for you on a custom basis. We're doing the '37 with Jet Black on the fenders and Claret for the body and rims, these are both standard colors.
They list an "International Orange" as standard, close to the Hugger Orange you were thinking about.
They do offer a clear top coat that I have used on the ski boats deck. At the end of the season I scotch brite down the travelled surface that have been scratched up by the kids walking around with sand on their feet, then roll on a fresh layer of clear. All looks new again.
Painting with a roller does bring out the comments from the neighbors. They figured it was going to be a disaster, and when first applied it looks pretty rough. As the day progresses and the paint begins to cure it gets smoother and smoother, by the end of the day it looks like it was shot. And yes I did feel like a hick out in the driveway answering questions about painting a boat with "Sears Weatherbeater".
A secondary benefit of rolling is the cost involved - dirt cheap to do! You need 1/8" thick roller sleeves in a couple of widths and a couple of good brushes. To paint a 21' ski boat I used less than 1 quart or red and a cup of white that was left over from the big boat, plus the catalyst and reducers. Total cost was less than $100 plus my labor. Don't even need a drop cloth if you're careful.
Like all skills, practice first. You lay the paint on with the roller then SOFTLY draw the bruch across to remove the stipple and burst small bubbles in the finish. You need to brush vertically on vertical surfaces, horizontal brushing invites runs in the paint. Once the paint is down leave it alone, it will do the rest of the work.
Dammit, another good ol boy gone. Condolence to the family. RIP Mike
RIP Mike Frade, aka 34_40