Flow coating vs Headlining

[NigelBirch]

I was looking at Dec 07 PBO last night where an article described how to do flow coating. This seems like it would be a good solution to the droop in the quarterberth of my Konsort. It does mean having to sand the grp back to give a decent key but I think I'd have to do that anyway to apply fresh vinyl. I like the idea of something that I can apply with a paint brush......

Anyone tried this?

 

[LORDNELSON]

Would you lose some insulating effect and encourage condensation? The idea of flow coating upside down does strike me as having some problems.

 

[simonfraser]

if you don't sleep on your boat, condensation is unlikely to be a problem, mine is painted on the inside, no vinyl. easy to get to the fittings. for a day boat i'd have it again.

 

[Athene V30]

I took down the headlinig of my boat and painted the deck head. Not had any significant condensation issues since but then I normally have a hatch open when sleeping (even at start / end of season) so pleanty of airflow.

 

[miko]

I am considering doing this on my corribee. What sort of paint did you use?

 

[milfordman]

Is the surface that you are concerned with is flat or nearly flat? If so you could make up 3 mm ply panels, and cover them with foam backed vinyl. These panels can be fixed up under the deck head, and will overcome the drooping problem. You will still have access to all deck fittings with out the risk of bumping your head on sharp corners. Sanding over head can be very tiring and uncomfortable. Due to mask, goggles and full fitting paper overalls. Not to mension the mess in the boat. I speak from experience of doing this job 30 years ago. Not somthing I would want to do again.

 

[oldsaltoz]

G'day Spike57,

I must have applied about an acre of flow coat in the last 5 years and never used a brush for anything but an area an 80mm roller would not fit into.

Use a 10 mm nap roller 80 mm wide and you will have it done in minutes. A 40 grit paper will make short work of removing any old glue or remaining gloss.

Some flow coats have up to 50% solids so do the sums when adding Catalyst or you will get a stiff and sticky mix too soon.

Hope this helps.

Avagoodweekend.