Cheaper Topcoat alternative - Steel boat?

[vquinlan]

Hi all,
Been working hard on our refit of BR steel 43'. After a few ups n downs (new engine!) we now ready to make her pretty. Budget running low - has anyone out there used 'normal' (vs marine grade top coat eg international / Jotun etc)metal paint as a cheaper top coat with good results?

I have seen a few comments on web about 'rustoleum' (US), and there's an old thread on ybw about dulux weather shield, others mentioned Hammerite. Any advice / feedback would love to hear experiences. We have dealt with rust / problem areas on deck & topsides (mostly rustbullet) and happy so far with results. Below waterline is sorted with coal tax epoxy so its from waterline up top sides and deck...
ta

 

[Bobobolinsky]

A phosphate rich etch primer (used to be called red lead, but the formulation has changed) and industrial single pack paint, three coats of primer two of top coat

On flat surfaces, a scabbler can be used to remove coatings quickly and economically

 

[chinita]

A few months ago someone around these parts was singing the praises of Tekaloid.

I thought it looked interesting.

 

[sailorman]

check out Jotun (big ship paints) available from shepherd marine

 

[rogerthebodger]

IMHO only way to paint a steel boat inside and out is to grit blast then paint with epoxy within 4 hours.

Above waterline epoxy primer

Below waterline epoxy tar.

I used a product called alexseal for my top coat, not cheap but will last a long time

http://www.alexseal.com/en/exterior.php

 

[ianj99]

Hi all,
Been working hard on our refit of BR steel 43'. After a few ups n downs (new engine!) we now ready to make her pretty. Budget running low - has anyone out there used 'normal' (vs marine grade top coat eg international / Jotun etc)metal paint as a cheaper top coat with good results?

I have seen a few comments on web about 'rustoleum' (US), and there's an old thread on ybw about dulux weather shield, others mentioned Hammerite. Any advice / feedback would love to hear experiences. We have dealt with rust / problem areas on deck & topsides (mostly rustbullet) and happy so far with results. Below waterline is sorted with coal tax epoxy so its from waterline up top sides and deck...
ta

On the places on my 32yr old steel ketch's side decks where rust had reared its ugly head and lifted the Treadmaster, (fortunately looked worse than it was), I sanded it down and then gave it two coats of Epoxy mastic paint from rust.co.uk followed by International Precoat and then Toplac. After 2 years its been fine.