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11-07-2017, 19:36
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 5
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Painting artwork on interior fiberglass
Hi there,
I finally decided I should join the community and just post my questions instead of always leafing through all the posts trying to find answers.
I have a Tartan 30 and want to add to the homey feeling by painting something above the bed directly on the wall. I'm very certain it's painted fiberglass. Now I've done some research about two part paints and epoxy paints, but I'm not sure if those are only for painting the wall interior of boats or also for artwork. I also doubt they have nice colors. In addition, I've looked into Nova Colors, which are ok to use on "fiberglass sculptures". My wall isn't rough fiberglass though, but smoothly painted white fiberglass.
Has anybody done some artwork on already painted fiberglass before? I'm guessing I have to roughen it up, but do I need primer and what paint is best?
Thanks!!
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11-07-2017, 20:32
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 5
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Re: Painting artwork on interior fiberglass
Turns out it isn't fiberglass but gelcoat!
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11-07-2017, 21:13
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Ohio but the boat is in Georgetown, Maine
Boat: BLock Island 40 Yawl S/V Honeymoon
Posts: 305
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Re: Painting artwork on interior fiberglass
I own an art supply store I can tell you. We sell one shot paint to all the sign painters who do most of the names on the back of boats here. It lasts over 15 years outside longer If taken care of.
__________________
James Cook
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12-07-2017, 00:57
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 9,145
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Re: Painting artwork on interior fiberglass
Any of the exterior boat paints should do fine. For interior, a 1 part enamel should work fine for durability. You'll probably have to tint it for specific colors yourself. What I don't know is how well they work for artistic use. Are you just using stencils or is this something more elaborate?
Biggest thing would be to thoroughly clean and de-wax the surface (pre is everything in painting). After that a little scuffing with some very fine grit sandpaper wouldn't hurt.
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12-07-2017, 03:26
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Spain
Boat: Sunk by Irma
Posts: 3,569
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Re: Painting artwork on interior fiberglass
The One Shot paint is great stuff or could just use artists acylic paints out of a tube. Easy to work with, more colors than you will ever want, and cleans up with water. As mentioned above, surface preparation is everything.
Regardless of what type of paint you use, PLEASE WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES when working overhead!
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12-07-2017, 04:21
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#6
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Senior Cruiser

Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario - 48-29N x 89-20W
Boat: (Cruiser Living On Dirt)
Posts: 41,271
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Re: Painting artwork on interior fiberglass
Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Pan.
__________________
Gord May
"If you didn't have the time or money to do it right in the first place, when will you get the time/$ to fix it?"
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12-07-2017, 08:17
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Everywhere
Boat: 2011 FP Orana 44 M
Posts: 955
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Re: Painting artwork on interior fiberglass
I think doing something to the interior is a great idea, but I'd probably go easy with it. Too much color and the space could seem even smaller than it already is.
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12-07-2017, 08:19
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Long Beach, CA
Boat: Tayana Vancouver 42
Posts: 2,585
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Painting artwork on interior fiberglass
Good quality artists acrylic will do fine on interior gelcoat. A light sanding will give better tooth for the paint. However, since you want to create a "homey feeling" I take it you are not an artist. My strong suggestion is NOT to paint on your gelcoat but to paint on something like a canvas, sheet of acrylic, or thin plywood primed and sealed then attach that to your boat where you want it. You idea of decoration may change or might not be appealing to a future owner.
PS I am a professional artist and that is what I would do on my own boat. www.michaelwitenstein.com
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12-07-2017, 08:36
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Skagit City, WA
Posts: 23,633
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Re: Painting artwork on interior fiberglass
My wife used to do a lot of art. I was really surprised how tenacious Acrylic paint is.
__________________
"I spent most of my money on Booze, Broads and Boats. The rest I wasted" - Elmore Leonard
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12-07-2017, 10:34
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Saint Lucie county FLa
Boat: 35' Pearson sloop
Posts: 389
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Re: Painting artwork on interior fiberglass
Always consider resale value when doing something like that to a boat. Most folks don't keep boats overly long.
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12-07-2017, 10:57
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Spain
Boat: Sunk by Irma
Posts: 3,569
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Re: Painting artwork on interior fiberglass
Quote:
Originally Posted by lesterbutch
Always consider resale value when doing something like that to a boat. Most folks don't keep boats overly long.
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Will not damage gel coat. If it makes you happy I say go for it!
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12-07-2017, 18:00
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Houston
Boat: Beneteau Sense 46
Posts: 324
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Re: Painting artwork on interior fiberglass
I did add some sea life art on the interior of the boat but when I sold the Catalina 42 I had to remove it. The brokers don't like stuff that personifies the PO. So b4 u paint think about how long u plan to keep the boat. The next guy may lower the price because he may not appreciate ur art choice.
Ernie on the Mary Jane
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18-07-2017, 16:04
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 5
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Re: Painting artwork on interior fiberglass
I'm very thankful for all the good advice!!
For the record, my partner and I won't be selling this boat. Period the end. It's our home.
Also, I am actually a product designer and have a lot of experience with painting. I try to do research, however, before starting on a project that is new to me. Like painting on gelcoat! 
I've decided to simply test the acrylic in a small area. It turned out nice! Sadly it's easily scratched off :/. I will try what some people advised: scuffing up the area before painting. Again, I'll test it in a small inconspicuous place.
( Pan stands for Panacea, the name of our boat )
P.S. I'm so happy to have signed up. All the advice helps a lot!
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18-07-2017, 16:11
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 5
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Re: Painting artwork on interior fiberglass
Here is my small test! Not sure if I'll keep it...
I do understand the opinion of putting artwork on a canvas. It's true taste changes. It'll be a huge world map though, detailed and perfectly proportioned (if I don't mess up), which will illustrate our journeys, dream locations, home etc. I'm fine with that being permanent.
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18-07-2017, 23:24
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#15
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Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: aboard, cruising in Australia
Boat: Sayer 46' Solent rig sloop
Posts: 21,106
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Re: Painting artwork on interior fiberglass
Pan 30,
Welcome aboard CF. Have fun with your project. Other cruisers will appreciate it when shown.
Ann
__________________
Who scorns the calm has forgotten the storm.
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