Anyone heard on painting a sail with outdoor paint?

[downwinder]

So this sailmaker told me since my sail is already 6 years old and the sunbrella part is ripping up instead of fixing all the sunbrella i should eliminate it. Then use a high quality outdoor paint like Bear to paint the area that is going to be exposed to the sun when it is rolled up. Any thoughts on this. Cheers

[model 10]

I would use an aircraft paint made for polyester fabric.

[Calif.Ted]

I'd find another sailmaker.

[JPA Cate]

Hello, downwinder,

My 2 cents: I think your sailmaker is not interested to put new sunbrella on there.

If you can take a #2 pencil, sharpened, and push it through the fabric of the sail, it has been time to replace that sail for some while. If not, then it may be worth replacing some or all of the sunbrella cover. Dacron sails may be worth re-stitching, but not if the pencil goes through. Sail cloth, dacron and nylon, can easily be torn by hand when rotten.

If it is a dacron sail and has been used a lot, your boat will sail better with a new sail.

As to using exterior paint on it, it would chip off when you furl the sail. I do not think that was a serious suggestion.

Ann

[Tillsbury]

Six years isn’t old unless you’ve been doing a great deal of sailing. Get a new sailmaker. I just had the UV strip replaced on my genoa, and luff tape fixed, and it’s 12 years old but perfectly good.

[SSgtPitt]

Sail Care for sail cleaning, sail repair, new sails, roller furlings and sailing equipment
I found these guys from CF referrals, now I’m referring them. They refurbished my jib and staysail. Beefed up my staysail and added reef points so I could use it as a storm sail.
They look brand spankin’ new.

[lars]

Yes, your sailmaker is giving you good advice I have used this method for years. exterior paint will block UV . Use a good quality exterior paint and a dark color .. latex will cover dacron just like you were painting a wall. I would not to this on a new sail but for your purposes it is the way to go. You will need to recoat every 2 years or so also you will need to paint both sides of the sail due to print thru. The sail will furl fine and the paint does not flake off or peel. Also you need to remove the current sun cover and paint the dacron directly

[foufou]

Great idea. If you find the right paint

[cptandy]

Painting a Dacron sail is not going to work for long.
Several sailmakers tried to coat the leech with acrylic paints, Sunbrella is made of acrylic fibers, so the thinking was correct but the application went totally wrong. Lots of white flakes all over your deck.
After 6 years of use your sail should not have to be replaced, try to refurbish it www,vacuwash,com would be a good place to start.

[Wulf]

Originally Posted by Calif.Ted

I'd find another sailmaker.

x2. Wow!

[sailorchic34]

Cough,

Having been a budget cruiser for way too long, I painted my Jib, 6 years ago, where sacrificial clothe would go. I used a latex exterior paint which provides UV protection.

It has to be touched up (one new coat every two to three years) for light flaking. A quart can was enough for my #4 working jib and costs about $14. A small 6" roller and tray, does it proud.

Added bonus is custom colors that match the other Pinks. Very important!.

[lars]

also your sail will have a better furled shape because there is less bulk. Here in florida you will pay $15 per foot to have the sunbrella replaced. whereas a gallon of high end paint is about 30 bucks ..use a small foam roller and blue tape..you will not regret it

[lars]

is that a lecomte?

[unbusted67]

Originally Posted by sailorchic34

Cough,

Having been a budget cruiser for way too long, I painted my Jib, 6 years ago, where sacrificial clothe would go. I used a latex exterior paint which provides UV protection.

It has to be touched up (one new coat every two to three years) for light flaking. A quart can was enough for my #4 working jib and costs about $14. A small 6" roller and tray, does it proud.

Added bonus is custom colors that match the other Pinks. Very important!.

Very nice!!! I love the pink.

[sailorchic34]

Originally Posted by lars

is that a lecomte?

A rare and old Islander 34. Actually the yachtcraft Kit version of the I34. Interior is not quite stock.