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Painting the hull

8th October 2011

Gareth Martel

8th October 2011 at 8:00 PM

Hi all,

After some (…many) comments on the state of the paint on So.. we have decided that we want her sparkling for next season, so its goingnto be time for a paint job. We have no real experience in this area, so I’m not keen on doing the actual painting ourselves, so my plan is to prep the boat then get someone to paint her for us.

The problem I have is the usual one, ££s! Obviously can’t justify spending 2000+ to get a marine paint job. A couple people in the industry have suggested to me that the way to go would be to get a car paint job on her, should work out much much cheaper, and do the job just about as well.

I have it in my head that Apprentice down in Dabchicks did this and she looked great, but I’m not sure? Has anyone else gone down this route? Does anyone know the costs? Any other suggestions?

Many thanks

Gareth

Catherine Hartley

9th October 2011 at 6:12 PM

i hope you are still coming to windermere in 2 weeks!

Gareth Martel

9th October 2011 at 7:23 PM

i hope you are still coming to windermere in 2 weeks!

That’s a definite, crew organised, beer money saved, I’m good to go!

Mark Taylor

9th October 2011 at 9:25 PM

Gareth,

Leaving aside considerations of desecration of national maritime heritage if you actually do paint So and destroy the uniqueness of that boat, I think you are on the right lines regarding using a non-marine paint shop. As you have hinted, most of the man hours is actually in the preparation of the hull and that is where the savings can be made, leaving only the final wash down prior to entering the paint shop.

Saraband was apparently painted in a commercial vehicle paint shop in Sunderland and the finish has stood the test of time…..a Ford Cargo Dark Blue, by all accounts!

Regards and see you at Windermere.

Mark

PS……….I fear your earlier email jinxed both England and Ireland, so Saraband might have to sail under the Clwb Hwylio Y Felinheli burgee!

Andrew Smith

10th October 2011 at 6:22 PM

I too would be very interested to learn how to prepare and paint the hull. What’s actually needed to prepare the hull? Is it just wet & dry? We have a few small scratches – would you use epoxy + filler or what? Any advice much appreciated

We will also be at Windermere – see you then!

Andrew

Olly Bewes

23rd October 2011 at 9:37 PM

Hi

I repainted High Note a few years back using all-grip. It would cost a lot to get it done proffessionally. But the majority of time spent is prep and the expert is only needed for the final coats. It should take 3-4 days of your time and 2 days of a pro.

I was lucky because my dad was the proffessional. I’m not sure if you could find someone willing just to do the final coats but it would be worth a go.

Before:

High_Note%2520018.jpg

Sanding with electric sander: (1 day)

High_Note%2520027.jpg

High_Note%2520036.jpg

Primer 1 coat applied by professional but i could have probably done it then sanded back again by me (1 day):

High_Note_200407.jpg

Photo after 2 top coats applied by proffessional outdoors with a paint pad. The coat was sanded back first sanded back by me with electric sander (1 day):

High_Note_07052007%2520008.jpg

You can see your face in it!:

High_Note_07052007%2520007.jpg

As you can see the result is an almost brand new looking boat:

IMG_3226.jpg

Olly Bewes

23rd October 2011 at 9:50 PM

Actually I’m lookig back in the process with rose tinted spectacles. There was a few days of filling and fairing involved. But again you don’t need to be a pro to do this.

Chris Nolan

17th November 2011 at 6:21 PM

That’s a fantastic finish, Olly. High Note looks great.

Andy Fernie

28th November 2011 at 8:24 PM

Olly, She looks stunning, was she painted with awlgrip as per the sign in the background of one of the pics?

Andy

Olly Bewes

29th November 2011 at 9:30 AM

It was. Though the sign is a coincidence. The guys in the paint shop were impressed at the finish you can get with a paint pad. They spray everything which inevitably gives you slightly ‘orange peel’ finish close up.

The paint still looks shiny after four years. Though i’ve had a few knocks on my river mooring which has chipped it a bit. Still well worth the effort.

Olly

Andy Fernie

7th January 2012 at 3:08 PM

Thanks, I have some paint repairs to moonshines awl grip finish so your notes give me a bit more confidence. If I feel I can’t do it would your Dad be able to do a job at Gosport?

Andy

Olly Bewes

22nd January 2012 at 12:31 PM

I’m afraid he’s retired now.

Olly

Filed Under: Archives, Forum Archive, IPB Archive

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