Bootstripe or topsides first??

[KevinV]

So, a bit of an update on my paint choice thread here: Topsides paint choice... Opinions please

I've gone with Perfection pro - I've stripped back to bare gel, sanded, filled, primed, sanded filled, primed, sanded....now ready for the top coat

Colour is (lauderdale) blue for the hull, with a white bootstripe. Normal procedure would (I think) be to paint everything hull colour, then paint the bootstrip, giving double coverage* on the bootstrip. Problem is that the blue will shine through the white. I'm tempted to paint the bootstripe first, then bring the blue down to it, but this has two obvious drawbacks 1) there will only be single coverage on the bootstripe, and 2) there will be a seam on the top edge of the bootstripe, offering a point of failure. Am I wrong to even contemplate this? I have lots more of the white than I need, so additional coats aren't an issue from that point of view - it's just time really.

Opinions appreciated

*re coverage: there are at least two coats of each colour going on, so I'm counting single coverage as two coats, double coverage being 4 coats

 

[Tranona]

Normal is to work downwards - topsides, boot top, AF using good tape too ensure clean line. . If your boot top is enamel then use a grey overcoat and you should not see the blue. If using dedicated AF hard boot top you won't see it after 2 coats as the AF is heavily pigmented.

 

[seeSimon]

Mine, navy blue perfection topside, copper coat bottom.
Between them is a seajet emperor 034 boot top of white antifoul. Single stripe.
Very opaque, goes on and then stays white. Looks good.

No fouling, just mud stains from dirty river water.
Afloat on swinging mooring March to October.

Emperor is expensive, but seems to work here on river fowey.

Paint scheme is "as built " 2014.