Which roller is best for VC 17 bottom paint?

[senormechanico]

I'm getting ready to repaint my Dragonfly 1000 bottom using VC 17M and do
not wish to repeat problems I previously had with dissolving paint rollers.

According to the recommendations, I'm supposed to use a short nap roller.

It doesn't specify which type will hold up against the agressive solvent.

The V172 solvent can says it contains Isopropyl and N-Propyl Alcohol.


Recommendations are appreciated!

Steve B.

[kgs113]

I've used the thin foam rollers for epoxy on my last two boats to get the VC 17M. They don't hold a lot of paint but the alchohol evaporates quickly so you don't want a really thick roller to hold a lot of paint when the solvents dissappear!

[GordMay]

You want a roller with a solvent-resistant phenolic core.

From the VC17M Data Sheet:
http://www.yachtpaint.com/Images/15_20215.pdf

VC 17m Extra with Biolux is applied with a short nap roller or solvent resistant foam roller, 4-6” wide or an electric airless spray gun (Full Pressure, 60-70 thou. Tip).
When rolling, pour only small amounts into a steel roller tray, and roll quickly in one direction only.

[Vasco]

A tip for using VC17 as it evaporates so fast is to put it in one of those plastic squirt bottles for ketchup or mustard and squeeze it onto the roller. In a tray it just disappears.

[senormechanico]

Thanks Gord. I knew about the instructions, but they weren't specific enough.
I was hoping for Brand X roller available at Y store.

I had also found someone's ideas about putting the stuff in a pop bottle:

Bottom Painting with VC-17 - BoatingABC.com

It sounds like a good way to do it, but the squeeze bottle sounds even better!

[GordMay]

You want a very low nap (1/4" or 6mm) Mohair or Polyester roller cover, on a Phenolic core - suitable for epoxy resin coatings.
Any paint supplier will have them.
I prefer single-use covers.

[senormechanico]

Originally Posted by GordMay

You want a very low nap (1/4" or 6mm) Mohair or Polyester roller cover, on a Phenolic core - suitable for epoxy resin coatings.
Any paint supplier will have them.
I prefer single-use covers.

Today I got a Mohair roller. It took some doing though, the Mo didn't like giving up his hair!



Steve B.

[Bob Mulhall]

I use a 3" foam roller on a phenolic base (buy 9" roller and cut to size). To simplify application, I punch 3 holes (screw driver) in the paint can lid and dribble the paint into a baking pan (4x8"). To prevent evaporation, I fill the pan with only 1 or 2 follers full. To prevent settling of the copper, simply swirl the paint can. No clean-up needed. I have use the same bread pan for 15 yrs without cleaning. Fresh paint solvates any dried paint. 23' sailboat - it works for me.

[clockwork orange]

I use the very thin 7" yellow foam roller covers on phenolic cores which are used for epoxy work, but beware,ive seen yellow foam covers at paint stores which are a little thicker and on a cardboard core but not phenolic impregnated,they are useless with strong solvents.
Steve.