Painting the deck

Summersdawn · Post by **Summersdawn** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 12:26 pm

I'm going to paint the deck of my boat this summer. It is a 24' San Juan. I am currently undertaking the seemingly endless task of grinding out and filling the cracks/imperfections in the deck (actually, I'm making fairly good progress, taking less time than I thought). My plan is to paint the skid parts with brightsides, and the non-skid with interdeck.

The non-skid parts are a molded in random stipple pattern. My plan is to sand this down somewhat, but not bother to sand it completely smooth, as the interdeck on top of the mostly sanded random stipple should come out looking good. Has anyone tried this? I am going to try it on a locker lid first to see if I like the look, unless someone has tried it and it was a complete disaster. I don't mind the non-skid portion being slightly proud.

The interdeck doesn't require primer, but I'm thinking that it would be just as easy to prime the whole deck as it will be to mask and prime. Any one see any issues with this? I will of course mask when I get to the painting stage.

Post by **Tim** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 5:45 pm

Summersdawn wrote:...the interdeck on top of the mostly sanded random stipple should come out looking good. Has anyone tried this? I am going to try it on a locker lid first to see if I like the look...

I think I can visualize the sort of nonskid you have, and I agree that you might have success applying the Interdeck over a somewhat flattened (by sanding) pattern. However, the test sample is a great idea and will show you what you're in for.

Your type of pattern is about the only type where I think you might get away without sanding all the old pattern smooth. Generally, I don't think most molded patterns look good with paint over the top, though a lot of people do it this way. Give it a try and see how you like it, and go from there.

Summersdawn wrote:The interdeck doesn't require primer, but I'm thinking that it would be just as easy to prime the whole deck as it will be to mask and prime. Any one see any issues with this?

Interdeck should be compatible with just about any primer you might put down. You won't have any trouble with something like Pre-Kote or other Interlux primer product that could be used with Brightsides.

Summersdawn wrote:I will of course mask when I get to the painting stage.

Yes, the "free-form" look for nonskid deck patterns simply hasn't caught on!

Summersdawn · Post by **Summersdawn** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 6:01 pm

Thanks Tim. I will have to remember to bring the camera with me and snap some pictures (unless everyone is bored of seeing decks being painted).

I bought the boat 11 years ago. It sat in somebody's backyard for 8 years - he brought it home to do some work on it, and never got started. Needless to say, it wasn't pretty. When I bought the boat, I thought of taking some before, during and after pictures, but figured I would end up being the only one interested in looking at them, so unfortunately, I didn't bother. When the majority of the work was done, I found this forum, and realized my folly.

Post by **Tim** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 6:40 pm

Summersdawn wrote:...(unless everyone is bored of seeing decks being painted).

Never!

Bring on the photos!

Summersdawn · Post by **Summersdawn** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 7:39 pm

Heh heh! I figured at least someone would want to see them. Also if I keep posting photos of my progress, it will keep me on track.

My wife is redecorating the bedroom. I got home today, and she had bought various "stuff". She asked if it was ok (after the fact - I think she learned from me it is easier asking for forgiveness after than permission before). I said I didn't mind, but I hope she realizes that now I am putting on a new deck organizer, some rope clutches, etc. to go with my new paint job!

Harry James · Post by **Harry James** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 3:53 pm

I am putting the Triton under cover in Feb for total topside refurb if everything goes according to schedule. If I read the previous on this thread correctly I am going to have to sand the old anti skid smooth, is that correct? It has been painted sometime in the past, paint is shot.

HJ

Rachel · Post by **Rachel** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 8:48 pm

I don't want to sound too much like a didact here, but I would like to mention that "topsides" refers to the sides of the hull (above the waterline). So topsides and deck are two different parts of the boat.

Okay, back to the previous (worthy) discussion :-)

And yes, I'd love to see photos!

--- Rachel

CharlieJ · Post by **CharlieJ** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:36 am

YAH Rachel.

Jason K · Post by **Jason K** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 12:00 pm

Harry,

Yes, the old non-skid will need to be sanded smooth - that is, if you are talking about the molded non-skid that was original to the boat. I couldn't tell from your post if you were referring to that or old painted non-skid with aggregate mixed in.

If it is the molded non-skid, sanding it smooth is the only way to go. The molded pattern is too uniform and painting over it looks, frankly, cheap.

However, if you are recoating painted on non-skid that contain the tiny particles, then the texture isn't the problem - the paint is. When I sanded my deck, I had to get rid of the old paint, plus poorly sanded molded nonskid (PLUS treadmaster at the base of the mast!). If you are sanding to remove shot paint, then it will be, of course, need to be removed - the good news is that is considerably easier than removing the molded pattern.

If the paint was in good shape, I wouldn't be concerned about overcoating with new painted non-skid, as the pattern is completely random and the aggregate is generally about the same size.

Summersdawn · Post by **Summersdawn** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 1:04 pm

I am almost done (just putting deck gear back on). I have taken some photos during the work, which I will post soon.

The Interdeck ontop of a molded in random stipple pattern looks great. Any other type of molded in non-skid doesn't look that great with interdeck on it (In my opinion). I have before and after shots of the non skid.

Harry James · Post by **Harry James** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 3:29 pm

Yea I am talking about molded in pattern which has been painted over some time in the past. What kind of tools? I had planned on a random orbit with 60-80 grit and the vacuum hooked up to, has worked pretty good in the past.

I have used an air disk sander for a bit on the bottom, I am not sure about controlability.

Jason K · Post by **Jason K** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 3:45 pm

I'd recommend the Porter Cable 7335 or 7336 (depending on whether you like a 5" or 6" diameter disc) with sandpaper from McMaster-Carr. I would say 60 grit would do the job. The PC is a Dual Action sander and, I think, superior to a random orbit.

Lowes sells the unit (at least in my area) for $100 with no vacuum attachement. Recently, I ordered two from Coastal Tool with the vacuum attch. for about $150 each.

The Triton molded in non-skid that I've seen is not that aggressive. Keep the sander fairly flat and don't be afraid to swap out fresh sandpaper frequently - otherwise it makes for an unfair surface and takes longer. I know you know that, as it is common sense, but it took a bit for that to sink in for me.

Good luck with the project and keep us updated. Take lots of photos, too.