Best paint for the cockpit?

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

I have given up trying to keep the old (43 years old ) gel coat in good order and I have decided to paint it; part of the cockpit has been painted by the previous owner anyway. I am looking for a good hard two part paint; is epoxy based paint more suitable for cockpits than two part polyurethane paint?

I know that the preparation is important and I would have to remove any existing paint to avoid compatibility issues; the International Perfection two part polyurethane appears to be popular, any other types?

 

[ripvan1]

Sandtex smooth

 

[geem]

You can order Jotun paint online from shepherd at reasonable cost. Use an epoxy high build primer, at least two coats by roller then sand back smooth. Then apply two or ideally three coats of two pack poly by roller. You can get a great finish with a little care. Very please with our cockpit

 

[Scarboroughsloop]

You can order Jotun paint online from shepherd at reasonable cost. Use an epoxy high build primer, at least two coats by roller then sand back smooth. Then apply two or ideally three coats of two pack poly by roller. You can get a great finish with a little care. Very please with our cockpit

Any pictures? It's a job I have in mind so very interested in this thread.

 

[PLEIAS]

I used Jotun 2parts 6 years ago to paint the whole deck and cockpit.Overall the result is satisfying even today.In the cockpit though as it is more in use it started flaking after the 2nd year.When i talked to a dealer in a show he said it was moisture trapped that caused it so be carefull.Oh by the way mine was profesionally sprayed and the results were stunning at the beginning.

 

[Avocet]

2-part polyurethane is very hard, but is also really fussy about drying conditions. I wouldn't dare attempt it outdoors in this weather. It needs to be dry, below a certain humidity, and warm - 15-20 degrees is ideal.

 

[Jim@sea]

I always use 2 Pack Car/Van/Truck Paint (Ford Diamond White) which I paint on with a brush.
Available from most Motor Factors and cheaper than the Boat 2 pack.