Spraying using car paints

PCUK

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Having spent time and money on spraying two pack marine paints (all safety and protection matters covered) I was thinking why not use car base and clear coat to paint boats? The most obvious benefit apart from cost being that any damage is easily rectified by going to the nearest car shop and buying an aerosol of the appropriate colour. With a primer coat of marine epoxy there are no adhesion problems and as even marine two pack polys offer no protection why not go for the ease and price of car paints?
 
Having spent time and money on spraying two pack marine paints (all safety and protection matters covered) I was thinking why not use car base and clear coat to paint boats? The most obvious benefit apart from cost being that any damage is easily rectified by going to the nearest car shop and buying an aerosol of the appropriate colour. With a primer coat of marine epoxy there are no adhesion problems and as even marine two pack polys offer no protection why not go for the ease and price of car paints?

Looking at your sig tag- here's a reply from 'Stupid'... :encouragement:
To business..
What quality are you looking for, an at what cost and in what environment? Are you able to control temp/humidity?
Clear over base repairs by aerosol are difficult for pros, especially metallics.
My choice would be those paints labelled 'Transport' or 'Synthetic' Oil based, can be applied with minimal low volatility thinners (or none if applied hot)
Pretty low toxicity and shine 'straight from the gun' (or roller) with 1.5 coats and no compounding.
Cheap too and any colour available, inc. metallics if required.
eg http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CAR-COMMERCIAL-PAINT-TRADE-SYNTHETIC-SUPER-BLACK-DIRECT-HIIGH-GLOSS-2-5LT-/181114756901?hash=item2a2b47df25:m:mMmmxz3LdIK2qNtpOyB2lSQ
Can be applied outdoors. No risk of reactions with existing paints.
Drawbacks? Can be soft for several days but usable the day after application.
 
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Having spent time and money on spraying two pack marine paints (all safety and protection matters covered) I was thinking why not use car base and clear coat to paint boats? The most obvious benefit apart from cost being that any damage is easily rectified by going to the nearest car shop and buying an aerosol of the appropriate colour. With a primer coat of marine epoxy there are no adhesion problems and as even marine two pack polys offer no protection why not go for the ease and price of car paints?

Formula do just this.

Have a look here.
 
Two interesting replies. Not a new idea after all.
As for spraying conditions, there's not much choice when spraying boats without a huge dedicated shed, which most sprayers won't have and I've always been successful spraying cars outside as well. Thinking more about the paints than actual application but I'll be looking at the synthetic paints that Nick mentions. I just like the idea of going to the local Halfords and getting your touch up and repair paint anywhere you happen to be.
 
Having spent time and money on spraying two pack marine paints (all safety and protection matters covered) I was thinking why not use car base and clear coat to paint boats? The most obvious benefit apart from cost being that any damage is easily rectified by going to the nearest car shop and buying an aerosol of the appropriate colour. With a primer coat of marine epoxy there are no adhesion problems and as even marine two pack polys offer no protection why not go for the ease and price of car paints?

My boat was sprayed with car paint in white around 3 years ago. Still looks great and is easy to touch up with a kit from Halfords, with some sanding and polishing the repairs are next to invisible.

I recall reading somewhere that lacquer isn't suitable for boats. Mine isn't lacquered anyway. still looks great.
 
I'm not sure I'd buy the paint from Halfords - look at a basecoat system from Lechler or Standox with a clearcoat to match. So long as you have the colour code you can get some more remixed easily enough.
 
Two interesting replies. Not a new idea after all.
As for spraying conditions, there's not much choice when spraying boats without a huge dedicated shed, I just like the idea of going to the local Halfords and getting your touch up and repair paint anywhere you happen to be.

So just how would you go about 'preping' for spraying a hull outside?
 
So just how would you go about 'preping' for spraying a hull outside?

I spray my hull outside

WEB0821_zpsafabbde2.jpg
 
Spraying outside you'd need a warm day, zero wind, no traffic or plant movement about creating dust - so that means spraying in the 'season'?

One of my jobs I need to do is paint the deck and topsides - been putting off the dark day for as long as I can so I'm watching this thread with interest. :)
 
I did my GRP 'E' boat in epoxy primer, basecoat and 2k lacquer..lasted well, but started to break down at the bow after about three years on a mooring..
 
Durability is the issue i would think. Car paint hasn't been designed to withstand a high salt atmosphere? If price is an issue look at the jotun range of paints. Used on commercial boats, it's much cheaper than stuff you would by at a chandlers and professional quality too. I get mine at SML paints.
 
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