Applying Two-Part Perfection Paint

4/28/2008
218PM

I recieved an email from a reader this morning. He had an inquiry about using the Interlux paint, Perfection we used on the Patricia Ann. I responded to him and then thought some of you might have similar questions regarding using a two part paint.


Hi Mike,

Enjoyed your site. I am in the process of restoring a 35' Contender that was damaged in Hurricane Jean. It sits behind my house in south Florida on a trailer so I have access to it everyday. Most of the work has been done but now I have been working on painting the topcoat.

I first tried to do the roll & tip of Interlux Perfection and was unhappy with the brush marks felt behind, then I borrowed a compressor and all the accessories and have been experimenting with hatches etc. in the garage. I don't like how it has come out as I am getting a dry look on the finish. Have changed flow rates, pressure etc. and I am very frustrated with the outcome and effort involved with spraying. So, now I am back to roll & tipping, would like to do this weekend.

I was originally doing in direct sunlight as I had no choice but this time I will construct a tarp over the boat to avoid the fast drying of the direct sunlight. I think this was my problem for the streaks. Did you get a nice gloss streak-free finish doing it outside? Did you cover the boat at all? Since you did it in Florida, did you use much thinner in the final mixture ratio?

I am doing the top deck, I guess I will start at the Port rear, go down the side, come around the front and down the starboard side to the rear. If I started in the front, I would have to stop on either the port or starboard side to finish the other side to avoid the drying at the wet edge. Any suggestions are appreciated, doing this by myself. I will send you pictures if you can receive attachments of sizable pdf's where you are.

Doug


Hi Doug,

Glad you like my websites and find them helpful. Now with regard to spaying, the biggest problem with that is typically over spray. The airborne paint dries and settles onto the work, giving a dull, grainy to the touch finish. You generally need good mechanical ventilation to be successful.

Now on to roll and tip. I have achieved very high gloss finishes almost every time I've painted. I've had problems which I'll speak of shortly. I've painted in direct sunlight here in Florida with very good results. Here is how I have done it.

Now before you decide to paint you want to check on the humidity. As I have found out the hard way, humidity is the biggest problem you will face. I alway check the humidity to make sure its 75% or less before I start. I have a weather instrument on my boat so I know what it is at boat.

In addition, you want to make sure you are done before about 1PM. I like to use a window of 10AM - 1PM to apply paint. Applying afterwards runs a risk of evening dew spoiling your work before the paint sufficiently hardens. If dew settles on the paint, it will dry flat, with no gloss at all.

Always mix only enough paint to use in 3 hours or less. I always mix 8 oz of paint which after adding catalyst and thinner, you have plenty to work with. Next, mix according to Perfection instructions except I thin with solvent 2333N up to 20% when its hot outside. Thinning more than the directions gives the paint a much better flow. You may have to add some more after an hour or so when it evaporates.

Be sure to apply with a good foam roller. I use the Lowes 4" type which does fine. Use a very good natural brush to tip with. Your paint should flow out easily being careful not to take on too big an area; I like a 24" x 24" area to work with.

In addition, be sure to keep a wet edge meaning do not drag brush back over applied paint, always working forward. When tipping, use care not to apply much pressure rather drag brush tip through paint to eliminate bubbles. Paint should immediately flow out with smooth level coat.

You'll need to apply two coats as one will not do the trick its so thin. The direct sun should not give you much of a problem. You should have about 4 hours until drying begins. I hope I've been some help to you. If you have more question, I'll be glad to answer more.

Mike