Tipping Off Topcoat

[BAtoo]

Should this be done vertically or horizontally - or does it matter??

 

[theoldsalt]

Firstly horizontal and finish vertically, top to bottom.

See here.

http://www.acbsphl.org/Tips_and_hints/Topside_Painting_Rolling_and_Tipping.htm

 

[Jcorstorphine]

Firstly horizontal and finish vertically, top to bottom.

See here.

http://www.acbsphl.org/Tips_and_hints/Topside_Painting_Rolling_and_Tipping.htm

Agree with the above, the reason being is that it maintains a wet vertical edge. You get the paint on as quick as possible over a length of about 2 feet and then finish using vertical strokes. That way the last vertical run is still “brushable” and you can blend in the next 2 foot section.

Biggest problem for amateurs (like myself) is to go back and f*** about trying to make the finish better and usually making it worse.

You need to take into account the weather, too cold and the paint wont flow, too hot and it will start to film over too quickly.

There is also the selection of paint. I used International Brightside in the past with good results but have not been so good with the replacement called Toplac, others on this site have said that Epifanes Yacht Coatings are better.

Might be an idea to do the transom first, if you don’t like the finish, you can wash it off with thinners and try again.

Best of luck.

 

[bobgoode]

Always lay off vert. Smoother finish.

 

[aslabend]

Might be an idea to do the transom first, if you don’t like the finish, you can wash it off with thinners and try again.

Best of luck.

I did my transom with toplac over this winter, I found that it was a bit thick and needed thinning slightly if using a brush. By thinning you could get a more even coat on quicker with brush before tipping off with a dry brush. Tipping off vertically seemed to prevent sags. I did three coats with a couple of weeks between the second coat and the third. In this gap I wet sanded back with 400 grit paper so that the third coat went on a super smooth surface. Seemed to work well and will be looking at doing the whole hull at some point in the future.

 

[Lakesailor]

Vertical tipping off is the obvious solution. Gravity is pulling the excess paint downwards, so you pre-empt it by re-arranging it where you want it to be.
I wouldn't ever use a brush. Mini rollers (with top quality foam, not pile, rollers).
Use the exhausted roller to tip off lightly before re-charging.

 

[aslabend]

.......
I wouldn't ever use a brush. Mini rollers (with top quality foam, not pile, rollers).
Use the exhausted roller to tip off lightly before re-charging.

No, I wouldn't normally either but you can still get a mirror smooth finish with a brush if you have to. I'd still use a dry brush to tip off even after a roller.

 

[oldsaltoz]

Just a little reminder, this is a two person job, one rolling and one tipping off.

Good luck.

 

[banger]

I used a paint pad for tipping off, worked a treat and ended up with a top class finish, have to ensure the pad is wet, if it starts to dry it will plough.

 

[Gordonmc]

A quick addition...
If like me you find the paint dragging when tipping off, add a dollop of Owatrol to the paint.
It will help maintain a wet edge and flow without thinning.
(Dollop is a technical measurement)

 

[BAtoo]

Vertical tipping off is the obvious solution. Gravity is pulling the excess paint downwards, so you pre-empt it by re-arranging it where you want it to be.
I wouldn't ever use a brush. Mini rollers (with top quality foam, not pile, rollers).
Use the exhausted roller to tip off lightly before re-charging.

Thanks all for advice. Will do the final coat as suggested after a good sanding & hope to achieve something like Lakesailor's finish .......

 

[theoldsalt]

Gordonmc,

Owatrol make several products. Presumably you mean their paint conditioner?

 

[TQA]

The amount and type of thinners is critical to success. Retardent thinners to slow drying required if hot. Add thinners to the mix and test by brushing onto a pane of glass. The brush marks should just flow out.

If it is white or cream, remarkable results can be achieved with just a foam roller and no tipping.