Painting sticky headlining

[webcraft]

4 years ago I painted the inside of our boat with Dulux Kitchens and Bathrooms emulsion. It has always remained slightly 'tacky' to the touch (though not enough to be a problem). This is, I believe, because in most places it is painted onto vinyl.

It is now looking very grubby in places and I want to repaint (while living aboard)

What type of paint offers the best option for overpainting and getting a non-tacky finish? A friend has suggested outdoor acrylic.

(I can't remove the vinyl, so please don't suggest it)

- W

 

[webcraft]

Can't believe no-one else has come across this issue

- W

 

[Greg2]

Painting vinyl inside a boat might be something of a niche topic as I suspect that not many would consider doing it.

A quick play with Google revealed these words of wisdom:

The best paint for vinyl is water-based 100 percent acrylic paint, or urethane-modified acrylic paint. Avoid lower-cost latex paint. Acrylic paint remains very flexible. Vinyl can expand and contract significantly with temperature changes, and lower quality paint will crack and peel under the stress.

It also turned up these up but I have no idea if they are any good:

Jawel Paints

Kolorbond

Might not help at all given that it is already painted with kitchen/bathroom paint unless you strip it off and start again.

 

[scozzy]

Tricky one..I'm not sure the manufacturer thought too much about the interior of boats instead of kitchens for the spec anyhoo maybe try a blocking sealer/primer like zinzzer or the like? There is a water based version that might be bearable smell wise if living on board

 

[webcraft]

Painting vinyl inside a boat might be something of a niche topic as I suspect that not many would consider doing it.

A quick play with Google revealed these words of wisdom:

The best paint for vinyl is water-based 100 percent acrylic paint, or urethane-modified acrylic paint. Avoid lower-cost latex paint. Acrylic paint remains very flexible. Vinyl can expand and contract significantly with temperature changes, and lower quality paint will crack and peel under the stress.

It also turned up these up but I have no idea if they are any good:

Jawel Paints

Kolorbond

Might not help at all given that it is already painted with kitchen/bathroom paint unless you strip it off and start again.

Thanks Greg

I think the emulsion has reacted with the vinyl, don't see any way of ever getting it off. Certainly there is no peeling or cracking.

I will get some acrylic and try a small area.

- W

 

[webcraft]

Tricky one..I'm not sure the manufacturer thought too much about the interior of boats instead of kitchens for the spec anyhoo maybe try a blocking sealer/primer like zinzzer or the like? There is a water based version that might be bearable smell wise if living on board

Thanks. If the acrylic doesn't do it I will look for a similar primer (boat is in Portugal, don't think I can get Zinsser)

- W

 

[justanothersailboat]

Vinyl headlining really is the stuff of the devil isn't it? If it is not baggy and saggy I wonder if it is possible to stick another sheet material right over the top? I am on a quest to totally eliminate vinyl from my boat... it is a lot of work.

 

[Bouba]

Think of tacky paint as a fly and mosquito catcher...perfect for the tropics

 

[PCUK]

I would try removing the old paint and repainting with the recommended stuff. My first step would be Wonder Wipes, these removing amazing amounts of different stuff. Next, Acetone, after that I'd probably try the sealer coat.

 

[Bouba]

Try an experiment....dry out the room...or a part of it for testing...use a dehumidifier....hairdryer....heatgun...but be careful...do not directly burn the paint....see if you can dry the paint....then the next coat is just normal painting

 

[Mister E]

Unfortunately you have a chemical reaction with in the vinyl. Acetone will melt it and probably any chemical that is harsh enough to remove the paint will probably do the same.
You could try some paint recommended for vinyl but don't hold your breath on it working now.

There's probably only one solution but you don't want to hear it. So I will not say it.
Sorry

 

[PCUK]

Acetone doesn't melt vinyl floor covering but that may be a different animal to the stuff on this particular headlining. Maybe worth a try in an inconspicuous corner!

 

[webcraft]

Try an experiment....dry out the room...or a part of it for testing...use a dehumidifier....hairdryer....heatgun...but be careful...do not directly burn the paint....see if you can dry the paint....then the next coat is just normal painting

It's been four years, the last three in a warm, dry climste, so I don't think that will make any difference

- W

 

[debenriver]

I would look for a waterborne acrylic urethane bonding primer – the type that will stick to almost everything – tile, mirror, vinyl, plastic, wood, aluminium, concrete etc etc etc. Here in the States, Bejamin Moore's "Stix" primer is a favourite for difficult substrata. Roll it on if you can and then allow it to dry and cure for several days before doing a top coat.

Cheers -- George