Repainting an old GRP boat

   I have a nice old GRP Solo that I’d like to (cosmetically) spruce up before I sail it a bit next year and decide whether I want to stick with the class. Any recommendations r.e paint for the floor in particular? Brands/types/tips would be much appreciated!

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EmmyC Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 30 Oct 10 Location: Berkshire Online Status: Offline Posts: 39	Post Options Post Reply Quote EmmyC Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Repainting an old GRP boat Posted: 29 Nov 19 at 3:04pm
	I have a nice old GRP Solo that I’d like to (cosmetically) spruce up before I sail it a bit next year and decide whether I want to stick with the class. Any recommendations r.e paint for the floor in particular? Brands/types/tips would be much appreciated!

JimC Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 17 May 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 6180	Post Options Post Reply Quote JimC Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Nov 19 at 3:24pm
	Painting GRP boats overall is a bit problematic, in that the most effective paints are viciously expensive and unpleasant to handle. However if you only want to do the floor I've found International Interdeck to be surprisingly durable and straightforward to handle.

Sussex Lad Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 08 Jun 18 Online Status: Offline Posts: 86	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sussex Lad Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Nov 19 at 6:45pm
	for the outside the international 2 packs are very durable if you use the primer but add a bit of weight. I've used interdeck with good results. The grey looks very smart. It's very non slip i.e. quite abrasive.

piglet Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 04 Jan 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 480	Post Options Post Reply Quote piglet Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 04 Dec 19 at 9:58pm
	Nooooo, don't paint a GRP boat. Once it's painted it will always have to be repainted. And unless it's sprayed it looks kak. imo

ColPrice2002 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 25 Nov 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 164	Post Options Post Reply Quote ColPrice2002 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 23 Dec 19 at 6:01pm
	Sorry to be late... I painted my old grp Solo :- Using a conventional paint (International), brush painted using about 4% flow modifier (IIRC Thinner 333 - I suspect that isn't available now!) Reasonably good finish, but you will need to sand the gelcoat all over, then degrease to get good adhesion. It may also be worth using a grp primer. Colin

Rupert Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 11 Aug 04 Location: Whitefriars sc Online Status: Offline Posts: 8375	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rupert Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 Dec 19 at 8:21am
	I've painted many, using most of the ideas from above, but in the end came to the conclusion that it took away one of the few advantages of GRP over wood - maintaining the thing. Scratched paint on GRP looks far worse than a battle wound.
	Firefly 2324, Lightning 130, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446

Do Different Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 26 Jan 12 Location: North Online Status: Offline Posts: 1022	Post Options Post Reply Quote Do Different Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 Dec 19 at 11:29am
	I've known people liven up faded gel coat with cutting and polishing compounds. There is no way back after painting anything, houses, boats, all a very last and reluctant resort to my mind.