Paint Pads

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jimbojan45

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Hello,

I intend painting the hull (above the waterline) of a GRP 29 footer using International Toplac. I'm not too handy with brushes so was thinking of using a paint pad. Has anyone tried this before and if so, was it successful and are there any tips and tricks as I've never used a paint pad before either?
Dont tell me to call in a pro. I'm determined to have a go.
Thanks
 
I wouldn't use Toplac, it is as difficult to use as two-pack with nowhere near as good a finish. If your going to the trouble of doing a proper job, use two-pack with someone applying with a roller while you follow quickly with the pad smoothing it off.
It will then last 20 years or more. (Mine has!)
 
Paint pads are horrible things. Use a roller as PCUK says. Follow up with a brush.

I think that the International site advised against using pads, but that advice may have referred to their two pack materials.
 
I agree with PCUK, go for the two-pot International and you won't regret it. The finish lasts for YEARS longer than Intn'l claim and the gloss finish is stunning.

I've done a couple of my boats with it now, and using a roller followed by a couple of VERY high quality brushes to 'tip-off' with, will produce fabulous results. Two brushes are needed so that they can be cleaned turn and turn about as you go. if you don't do this, you'll find the paint hardening and leaving bits/marks.

Obviously you'll have a few rollers to avoid the same thing, though we just change the roller and ditch the old one.

Fully agree that, having done all the hard work of preparation, it would be crazy not to use the far higher quality paint.
 
G'day Jimbo and welcome aboard the forums,

Now I know you said you want to do this yourself, but have you considered; Paying a spray painter for about one hours work.

You can do all the preparation, sanding, cleaning, masking, scaffolding etc, then get the spray painter to walk round the hull a couple or 3 times while you mix the paint. Leaving only the masking to be removed.

Cheap and a much better finish that will last longer and improve the resale value.

I hope this helps.

Avagoodweekend......
 
Well thanks for that fellas (I assume).
I should have posted this before I bought the paint. I've already forked out for Prekote and Toplac.
As it seems unanimous I'll go for the roller and tip-off with a good qualiy brush. Many thanks for that.
Jimbo
 
I'm sure your supplier would exchange what you have bought for the more expensive two-pack. We're talking chalk and cheese here. For all the work involved you will ultimately be disappointed if you persevere with Toplac.
Good luck whatever you decide!
 
'fraid I have to disagree. Toplac is an excellent product and much easier to apply. I painted my hull dark blue and it does not fade. It can be touched up locally very easily and seems to last well. It is much easier to apply than 2 pack - I use a brush, but roller plus brush is probably better if you are not confident with a brush. As always the secret is in the preparation. Go for it with what you have. Don't think you will be diappointed!
 
I'm not very good with some paints!
Best job I have ever done is an Impala topsides using foam brushes (Jenny Brush tradename?). I couldn't get on with the yacht enamel I'd bought, so I went and got some Dulux Trade Gloss! This was in January, outdoors, but I did pick a nice day.
The boat still looked OK 6 years later.

Suggest get some practice in on a door or two or a sheet of hardboard? using different tools/paints before doing it for real.
Paying a sprayer to do the final coat is another good option, have seen some good jobs done with car paint. Honestly!
 
Thats all taken onboard. Many thanks to you all for the advice.
I also forgot to mention that the boat already had a coat of Toplac when I bought it so that would have to be removed in order to use a 2 pack system. I'll persevere with the Toplac.
Incidentally, just had a phone call from International Marine Paints and the guy tells me that good results can be achieved with a paint pad. Obviously need to practice first.
Thanks again
Jimbo
 
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