Fiberglass Boats

[Bass Thumb]

Can you paint fiberglass?  I have a white and blue fiberglass bayliner I would like to paint black.  Can it be done?

[ernel]

Yes you can repaint a boat a different color. However, remember that just like when a car is painted that the cost is more when doing a color change. There is more prep work to be done. The amount of time that it takes to bring a paint job up to professional standards is more consuming as well. If you are wanting to add the glitter back into the finish this brings in another step or three. Then there is also the clear coat to bring everything back smooth as glass. Let's not even talk about the amount of wet sanding to be done during this little project.

[Calvin]

I successfully re-painted our 20 year old ski boat. Lots of prep. Remove all hdwe.; patch nicks & dings; sand ENTIRE boat with 100 grit for "tooth". Wipe down entire hull with lacquer thinner to remove all silicones,waxes, and fingerprint or skin oils. This is most important. Use Dupont Imron. It's 2-part, with hardener, get it at auto paint shop. I shot several coats of primer, ($75 per gal.); 6coats of color(red $150 per gal., the most expensive color), then two clear coats.($75 per gal.).You recoat in 45 min.-8(?) hours, or it hardens so much that you must wait 3 days, resand for tooth. I shot all coats in one day. Ten years later it still looked fine, and held up to weekly use and normal abuse. (P.S.) the prices were in 1986.

[monarkman]

Calvin, don't forget non-sanding-self etching primer or primer sealer.