Painting interior GRP

[Colvic Watson]

The refit of the Halcyon continues (thanks for all the great advice so far!). Need to paint the interior which has a speckled and very rough feel. About two thirds is lined with painted ply so it's basically a cosmetic exercise. Thought of domestic oil based eggshell because of its semi-matt finish, but will it peel off with the damp conditions? No point painting it with something that will come off later, but on the other hand want to avoid 'special' paint prices. There is a good key on the surface and we'd make sure it's free from dust and grease.

Thanks in advance for the help.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Evadne]

I just used gloss white on both the interior grp (no gelcoat) and the plywood that wasn't varnished. International yacht enamel the first time, and toplac last time, because the better the paint, the less often it needs doing. I'd be surprised if you saved much more than a tenner, on something you will look at every time you go aboard and which should last for 10 years anyway. Being prone to condensation and the odd drop of mildew over the winter, we found a gloss finish is easier to clean and disinfect, but maybe one of the proprietary bathroom paints would do just as well.

I would wait until it's warmer and do the painting early in the day, or better still install some sort of background heating (electric) overnight. Unless it's insulated the coachroof cools rapidly and if the paint's not fully dry, then you get a funny eggshell finish where condensation forms.
Preparation is as you describe: if it's clean and dry enough to paint and doesn't get wet as it dries, you should have no problems.


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[fireball]

We used bathroom paint on the old boat, started peeling after a couple of seasons - but that was probably lack of prep!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[rex_seadog]

Last winter we painted our heads (painted ply and some areas of bare GRP) with a kitchen and bathroom type emulsion. This is a semi-matt finish and is claimed to be resistant to damp and steamy environments. I think we used Dulux but they all brands have something similar. So far it has done everything claimed and very pleased that we didn't pay through the nose for a yottie specific product.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[richardandtracy]

I have to confess that the only emulsion I've ever had peel was Kitchen/Bathroom type. The normal stuff with a silk finish seems pretty resistant.

Regards

Richard


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[machurley22]

I used Thompson's Damp Seal paint. It has a good stain-blocking action (stops those midewed bits showing through) and doesn't mind a bit of moisture - in fact I'm sure it says on the tin it can be applied to a damp surface. Two seasons so far and still looks good as new.

Dave

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[l'escargot]

If you don't mind a gloss finish, use Danboline. Basically a bilge paint but goes on well, stays on and isn't exorbitantly expensive.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[paulrossall]

I agree that Danboline is the paint to use, International paints bilge paint. It is easy to put on, dries well and the finish is really good. It is not worth trying to save £10 on a tin of paint by skimping. IMHO You get what you pay for. Paul

<hr width=100% size=1>" there is nothing-absolutely nothing-half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats".