Gareth Martel
Hi all,
After some (…many) comments on the state of the paint on So.. we have decided that we want her sparkling for next season, so its goingnto be time for a paint job. We have no real experience in this area, so I’m not keen on doing the actual painting ourselves, so my plan is to prep the boat then get someone to paint her for us.
The problem I have is the usual one, ££s! Obviously can’t justify spending 2000+ to get a marine paint job. A couple people in the industry have suggested to me that the way to go would be to get a car paint job on her, should work out much much cheaper, and do the job just about as well.
I have it in my head that Apprentice down in Dabchicks did this and she looked great, but I’m not sure? Has anyone else gone down this route? Does anyone know the costs? Any other suggestions?
Many thanks
Gareth
Gareth Martel
i hope you are still coming to windermere in 2 weeks!
That’s a definite, crew organised, beer money saved, I’m good to go!
Mark Taylor
Gareth,
Leaving aside considerations of desecration of national maritime heritage if you actually do paint So and destroy the uniqueness of that boat, I think you are on the right lines regarding using a non-marine paint shop. As you have hinted, most of the man hours is actually in the preparation of the hull and that is where the savings can be made, leaving only the final wash down prior to entering the paint shop.
Saraband was apparently painted in a commercial vehicle paint shop in Sunderland and the finish has stood the test of time…..a Ford Cargo Dark Blue, by all accounts!
Regards and see you at Windermere.
Mark
PS……….I fear your earlier email jinxed both England and Ireland, so Saraband might have to sail under the Clwb Hwylio Y Felinheli burgee!
Andrew Smith
I too would be very interested to learn how to prepare and paint the hull. What’s actually needed to prepare the hull? Is it just wet & dry? We have a few small scratches – would you use epoxy + filler or what? Any advice much appreciated
We will also be at Windermere – see you then!
Andrew
Olly Bewes
Hi
I repainted High Note a few years back using all-grip. It would cost a lot to get it done proffessionally. But the majority of time spent is prep and the expert is only needed for the final coats. It should take 3-4 days of your time and 2 days of a pro.
I was lucky because my dad was the proffessional. I’m not sure if you could find someone willing just to do the final coats but it would be worth a go.
Before:
Sanding with electric sander: (1 day)
Primer 1 coat applied by professional but i could have probably done it then sanded back again by me (1 day):
Photo after 2 top coats applied by proffessional outdoors with a paint pad. The coat was sanded back first sanded back by me with electric sander (1 day):
You can see your face in it!:
As you can see the result is an almost brand new looking boat:
Olly Bewes
Actually I’m lookig back in the process with rose tinted spectacles. There was a few days of filling and fairing involved. But again you don’t need to be a pro to do this.
Chris Nolan
That’s a fantastic finish, Olly. High Note looks great.
Andy Fernie
Olly, She looks stunning, was she painted with awlgrip as per the sign in the background of one of the pics?
Andy
Olly Bewes
It was. Though the sign is a coincidence. The guys in the paint shop were impressed at the finish you can get with a paint pad. They spray everything which inevitably gives you slightly ‘orange peel’ finish close up.
The paint still looks shiny after four years. Though i’ve had a few knocks on my river mooring which has chipped it a bit. Still well worth the effort.
Olly
Andy Fernie
Thanks, I have some paint repairs to moonshines awl grip finish so your notes give me a bit more confidence. If I feel I can’t do it would your Dad be able to do a job at Gosport?
Andy
Olly Bewes
I’m afraid he’s retired now.
Olly
Catherine Hartley
i hope you are still coming to windermere in 2 weeks!