>
> > sand a fiberglass boat a little to get some tooth for the paint to
> > grip. Marine paint is generally pretty toxic too. A lot of it has
> > anti-fouling agents to retard algal and animal growth. It handles
pretty
> > well, but you may be pretty limited in color choices. Rust red,
battleship
> > grey, that sort of thing.


I think Rick may be referring to BOTTOM paint as described above. As I
remember, there is a fairly good selection of marine paint colors.

>
> If you choose marine paints (extremely expensive), be sure to wear
> breathing filters.... I helped refinish a sailboat from the hull out...
> many layers(7) of fiberglass paint plus marine paints. Am trying to
> remember if the marine paints included sealant. I am almost positive
> they do, but whatever your choice of paint (you might try the new
> faster drying oil paints....oil and water don't mix), I would certainly
> top it off with 3 to 5 layers of clear sealant....marine varnish. It
might
> be worth the time to experiment with mixing regular oil paints with the
marine
> varnish or marine paints to see how they interact before you begin
> applying it to the boat. The growth retardants may cause some
> bizarre catalytic action...eat into oil paint.....grow warts....: )


This seems reasonable - but be careful with varnishes, as they will
yellow. Epoxy sealers will break down in sunlight.

>
> I'm assuming the boat is in dry dock at the moment and you will
> have a month or so to paint, dry, varnish. Boat work is slow
> business but if you have enough time for the paint to dry well
> before applying varnish layers all should go well.
> Good luck with this project. Can you tell us what your subject
> matter will be?
>
> Also, Cindy Shaw is a sailboat owner....maybe she can give you
> some valuable tips.
>

There are also a few fast-drying varnishes that may speed things up a
bit. If the boat is in the water and you're sitting on the dock, or in a
dinghy, you could rig up some sort of screen to block any splashing.

Those 'ole sea dogs'll probably have a few good suggestions.

Sounds like a fun project - next thing you know you'll be redoing decks.


Cheers,

Cindy, soon-to-be EXseadog.

(It's really true - the two happiest days of a boater's life: the day
the boat is bought and the day it is sold)