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waywardsuun · 09-04-2012, 07:04

I am in the process of painting my HC 43. It sits outside open to the elements. I have read a lot about Awlgrip and the process to get the boat ready to paint, safety issues, primer ect. I don't want to do this often so I want to use the best paint, is that Awlgrip? I'm not a painter. I have sprayed a 28 ft sailboat and a couple of cars with mixed results. Some overspray, some missed spots, runs in the paint and the like. Its been a while and I don't remember what type of paint I used last.
Anyway, at $279 a gallon it would be nice if it looked good . I guess my question is how hard is the stuff to spray? Also what Awlgrip paint looks the most like white gelcoat? I don't have much money so I need to do it myself. Your thoughts would be a big help.
Waywardsuun

westsail42 · 09-04-2012, 07:43

I have rolled & tipped Sterling with great results. That might be easier than spraying depending on your setup (no tent needed, etc). Others have reported Interlux Perfection is easier for the novice to apply over AwlGrip or Sterling.

A great paint job is always in the prep (priming and sanding). This paint is very high gloss and will highlight any surface imperfections. Pay attention to environmental conditions. AwlGrip can be finicky with temperature and humidity.

Also, LPU paint does not patch well (at all), so choose your application areas carefully.

**minaret** · 09-04-2012, 07:58

Awlgrip is undeniably the best product out there. However, if you are on a budget it is not your friend. I too would consider roll and tip Sterling, it will save you from lot's of extra effort. Result won't be as nice, but if you're careful it'll still look better than new. Do some searches on this website, there are many threads here on the subject.

S/V Illusion · 09-04-2012, 08:01

To do this properly so that it looks great, you need experience and the proper equipment. It may be expensive to have it done professionally but the difference between their job and a DIY one is usually startling. With a boat as pretty as the HC43, it deserves to be done perfectly.

Shoalcove · 09-04-2012, 11:38

I rolled and tipped my CheoyLee35 with Perfection 2-part paint 3 summers ago and am very pleased with the results. I know there are areas that aren't perfect but from a few feet back it looks great and I've had many complements (including a couple pro painters).
Everyone has a different viewpoint but mine was that eventually all paint jobs get dinged and chafed from dinghies, fenders and docks so why worry? Mine looks about 90% as good as a top quality pro spray job for 10% the price. My budget really didn't allow the pro route and in retrospect I'm glad. When it's time, I'll sand and roll on another coat and hope my skills have improved.
FWIW, I'm told that Alexseal is also good stuff for DIY painters but I've not tried it.
Best of luck with it!

**s/v Beth** · 09-04-2012, 15:06

I am using Perfection roll and tip as we speak. On my 3rd coat- I love it so far!

**bstreep** · 10-04-2012, 13:45

What newt and Shoalcove said above, about Perfection. It is supposed to be the one to give the best result from amateurs. We are on the final coat on ours. DO beware of the weather. Too dry or too damp can cause finish problems.

**minaret** · 10-04-2012, 13:57

IMHE Perfection lasts a fraction as long as Awlgrip or Sterling. And Sterling is easier to get really pro results with roll and tip.

shamrock · 17-11-2012, 19:16

Does anyone know why Perfection has a shorter life span then Awlgrip?

**s/v Beth** · 18-11-2012, 10:42

I don't think it adheres as well. Looks great though right now!

phorvati · 27-11-2012, 06:51

I am looking at similar process on my boat, did anyone consider going with gelcoat and rolling/tipping? Is gelcoat less durable then awlgrip? In 2004, I sprayed my deck with gelcoat and duratec high gloss additive. Finish came out very nice and shiny. So i am giving it a serious consideration, but i've never done topsides, and i want it to last.

shamrock · 28-11-2012, 19:32

Gel coat should be much more durable than any paint, but I was under the impression that it does not level like paint and would require a ton of wet sanding to fair.

phorvati · 01-12-2012, 19:00

The high gloss additive and spraying made my white gel coat finish look very nice on deck. No wet sanding needed. There seem to be way too many opinions on whats more durable gelcoat or alwgrip. I thought that original gelcoat that was laid out in the mold is more durable since its chemically bonded to the substrate. Spraying gelcoat on a 30 year boat is not as durable as that original one.