What type of paint for outside?

[tonyblue]

Hello
I need some help choosing the correct type of paint system for a shiny mirror finish ? Outside above the waterline

So far I have been advised to use jotun easy primer and gloss topcoat or epiphanes paint

Does anyone have any experience of using a particular brand to achieve a mirror type finish by brush/roller

The material of the boat is fibreglass

Thanks Tony

 

[john_morris_uk]

Hello
I need some help choosing the correct type of paint system for a shiny mirror finish ? Outside above the waterline

So far I have been advised to use jotun easy primer and gloss topcoat or epiphanes paint

Does anyone have any experience of using a particular brand to achieve a mirror type finish by brush/roller

The material of the boat is fibreglass

Thanks Tony

The quality of the finish is far less to do with the quality of the paint (although good quality helps) and much more to do with surface preparation and technique.

The highest gloss I had on one of my boats was when it was professionally painted in a yard. They applied several coats and the paint was rolled on and then quickly 'tipped off' using a very high quality brush that 'just' dragged the surface.

When it was done it was like a mirror.

Any of the good quality paints should be ok IMHO. Just get the surface absolutely flat and keyed and undercoated/primed first. Then it takes a team of two or you working together as above.

 

[[159032]]

You don't say what size boat. Small boats are possible alone. I know someone who has done 40 ft boat with a superb finish, on his own.
All down to technique and very much the atmospheric conditions (heat, humidity).

 

[jwilson]

Most solvent based gloss paints can give a very good finish: by far the biggest factor is users skill. Have seen boats brush painted that are better than many boatyard spray jobs: also some appalling results. I'm a fairly good painter, have made dinghy hulls look like mirrors, but on larger boats it gets harder and harder to brush, tip and keep the perfect wet edge, especially if you're on your own.

 

[tonyblue]

Thanks for the replies
Thanks John
Prep work ongoing at the moment I'm used to prep,prep and more prep work ,retired builder
,
Just not familiar with the various types of paint to use

I think the technique you guys are discribing is covered here

It's a small fishing boat 6.5 metres

Thanks Tony

 

[Little Dorrit]

I used Sandtex 10 Year External Gloss on some external fiberglass and found it to have an excellent high gloss finish. Still looking good after 2 years.

Edit: Not suitable for large areas due to cost probably better with other marine product suggestions above.