Painting Steel

[Keithw]

I am preparing to hall out my 36' steel ketch in about 2 weeks. I plan to grit blast above and below water line, and to use a two pot epoxy system below water, followed by antifouling paint. Above waterline, I will use a zinc primer, epoxy undercoat and polyurethane topcoat. Can anyone suggest the best epoxy systems to use.

 

[Joe_Cole]

I've used Blakes and found it excellent but, to be honest, I doubt if there is much difference between all the big names.

I'm not sure that zinc primer is always needed. As far as I can remember most systems don't need it.

If you are gritblasting then you should end up with a long lasting finish, but it is important to apply the first coat of paint very soon after blasting. Blakes recommend no more than 1 hr, so the work needs some careful planning.

You're doing the job properly, but it won't be cheap!

Sorry I can't be more help.

Regards

Joe

 

[philmarks]

I had mine done by Jenks Marine Blasting (who did the sub at HMS Dolphin). Good job and reasonable too - they used Blakes. First coat is quite thin and must be done very quickly after blasting to prevent flash rusting from moisture in atmosphere. Try to avoid doing it in wet weather.

 

[PaulJ]

I have been very impressed by Jotun's "Jotamastic 87" system. It is easy to apply and is tolerant of less than perfect surface preparation. I agree that zinc primer is not needed, in the Jotun system the first coat is silver coloured "Jotamastic 87 Aluminium" which is applied to the bare steel and then followed by as many coats as necessary of Jotamastic 87 which is available in a variety of colours. The hull is then painted with two-pack polyurethane straight onto the epoxy..... it is a good system, make sure you include it in your considerations.

 

[BrianJ]

Keith.. I am away that week he he he
BrianJ