Topsides paint choice

[George ( C&C 40 )]

Hi Guys,


As I've mentioned before, I plan to re-paint my C&C 40 "Delphinus" at the end of August. I was going to wait a bit before bringing this question up but as everyone is painting boats I thought now is as good a time as any to ask my question.

My original thought was to haul the boat, prep the surface, and roll/tip-out some flag blue Awl-Grip, slap on a boot stripe and some lettering, splash her, and go kick some more butt out on the race course. The roll/tip process works well for me as we are not allowed to spray paint in my marina's boatyard. I also have experience roll/tipping Awlgrip from the mast job I did ( which came out great ! )

However... The manager of one of the area's competing boatyards said that we could haul the boat there and as long as I tented the boat I could spray the topsides. He also suggested using the new Alexseal Yacht Coatings products. Said the spray application was much easier than Awlgrip and produced a better, more long lasting finish.

It's only the topsides so I wouldn't think it's a horribly difficult roll/tip job, and I already own some of the primers, reducers, etc. Also, I would have to rent / borrow the spray equipment for the Alexseal if I went that direction. I am open to suggestions however.

Idea's, thoughts on the two products and application?


Thanks,

George

[dasein668]

If you don't have experience with spraying, I would suggest roll/tip. The results can be just as good, I think. Spraying can be tough to get just the right mix of material flow, air flow, reducer, and actual application technique to get a nice finish.

That said, if you are interested in learning to spray, go for it. There are lots of benefits to that method too. Not insiginificant among them is the ability to put on 3 coats in one day!

Tim, I'm sure, will have plenty of feedback on this topic!

I really liked the Alexseal. Nice stuff.

[Tim]

Spraying is nice, but there's a definite learning curve to get the application right. The biggest advantage to spraying is that you can apply all your topcoats in a single day with no sanding, assuming that you don't make an error that requires sanding out.

I think one would be nuts to spray this stuff without supplied air, so you have to factor that in as well. Awlgrip and Alexseal are extremely nasty when atomized. Others you speak to might poo-poo the need for supplied air when you're talking a single job, but in my opinion it's important. Only you can decide how much you like your lungs. At the least, rig up a long hose like the rig that Peter (see another thread on this forum) used.

I'm now using Alexseal products, and have been pleased with each one. If you're following the Daysailor site, you've probably read my comments on each product I've used. (If not, here's the link: http://www.thedaysailor.com/sidebars/alexseal.htm).

It's hard to say whether Alexseal is better or easier than Awlgrip. I think many of the benefits of the new product are based on its workability and repairability after the fact, which may not be an issue. I found it very similar in application to Awlgrip, which I have also sprayed (and rolled/tipped, too). Cost is the same for all intents and purposes. Money isn't everything when you're looking for the best job, but already having some of the required supplies is a good head start, too.

Alexseal hasn't been in use here long enough for anyone to say it produces a longer-lasting finish than Awlgrip, but it definitely looks nice. Nathan's boat Dasein is painted with Alexseal Dark Green--extremely glossy and deep. Conversely, the Flag Blue Awlgrip I used on Glissando looked exactly the same as the new Alexseal does when it was brand new. Both paints are outstanding. A good Awlgrip (and presumably Alexseal) paint job will retain excellent gloss and color for at least 10 years and quite often more, barring collision or what have you.

There should be no difference in appearance or longevity between a spray job or roll/tip job, with either Awlgrip or Alexseal. A brush job can come out just as nicely in the end. It's hard to say which technique is more challenging; both require different skills and have their own ups and downs. It's just as easy (or easier) to screw up using spray equipment as with brush and roller. Both methods will provide an outstanding finish at the end. Painting dark blue topsides is more challenging than a white mast, but the same basic techniques apply.

To me, the best thing about spray application with these products (either one) is that you can get each product applied in one day only, minimizing down time and sanding between coats. This is a huge time-saver.

Good luck, and if you have any specific questions about Alexseal, let me know.

[George ( C&C 40 )]

Hi Guys,

As always, thanks for the info. Based on what you've said, I think I'll just roll/tip the Awlgrip. I have a bunch of the stuff already and I won't have to tent the boat. The weather us usually very good that first week in September and I think it will just be easier even if it takes me an extra two or three days.

Thanks again,

George