Please Help Painting 86 Stinger 222

Mccafaz · 07-29-2009, 08:26 AM

I just bought an 86 Chris Craft Stinger 222 a few weeks ago and it is in need of a paint job of some sort. I have been told that gel coat is the way to go but that it is also very expensive. I am going to do the job myself as I have had some experience with painting in the past but am not an expert. I want to do the job right but also dont want to spend a fortune as I am on a pretty tight budget. I have heard of epoxy paint and was giving that some thought but dont know much about it. Does it cover better and is it stronger. Is the price reasonable. I am painting over a dark grey so I assume that I will need to use some type of white primer as I am planning to paint the boat all white. I would like it to be fairly durable so that the grey doesnt come back out on the bottom. I would really appreciate any input that anyone can give as far as tips for prep, certain products to use, the best options for types of paint, and anything else that may be helpful or important that I know before I take this on.

TomZ · 07-31-2009, 03:27 PM

I think the best thing you can do is just search the site. Lots of people on here have repainted their boats. I would not bother with redoing the gel coat unless it's in need of major repair (doesn't look like it).

In order to do this job right, you're going to need an area where you can word indoors and without dust. A large garage will work or, even better, a shop with a paint booth. Spraying will make it come out the best, though you could roll and tip it (but to do the deck, spraying it will be the ultimate best).

Naturally, you'll want to strip the boat of everything...

Another option is to check in with a automotive repair shop in the area. You may be able to get them to spray it (and they have all of the proper environmental and safety equipment to do the job right).

If you can't find what you're looking for here... check out www.speedwake.com. There's a guy there that completely redid his Wellcraft (much like what you want to do) and it looks sweet!

Tom

Scarab Billy · 08-01-2009, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomZ

I think the best thing you can do is just search the site. Lots of people on here have repainted their boats. I would not bother with redoing the gel coat unless it's in need of major repair (doesn't look like it).

In order to do this job right, you're going to need an area where you can word indoors and without dust. A large garage will work or, even better, a shop with a paint booth. Spraying will make it come out the best, though you could roll and tip it (but to do the deck, spraying it will be the ultimate best).

Naturally, you'll want to strip the boat of everything...

Another option is to check in with a automotive repair shop in the area. You may be able to get them to spray it (and they have all of the proper environmental and safety equipment to do the job right).

If you can't find what you're looking for here... check out www.speedwake.com. There's a guy there that completely redid his Wellcraft (much like what you want to do) and it looks sweet!

Tom

I agree...very time consuming but do-able yourself. Does it really need paint? looks good from here.

TomZ · 08-01-2009, 10:51 AM

The only thing that would make me want to throw paint to it is the black on the deck. That thing has got to get pretty hot!

I would leave the hull and topsides black and paint everything above the rub rail white. I think that would look VERY sharp!

Tom

Mccafaz · 09-14-2009, 04:00 PM

Its getting close. I took the boat completely apart yesterday and plan to start the sanding process tonight. Can anyone suggest a series of sandpapers that would be ideal for prep etc. Also, I have heard from someone that Du Pont has a new marine grade paint out that they are using on some of the new powerboats etc. I can not find any information on this. Anyone? Are there any recommendations for paint types if not this dupont. I have considered just about everything and have read thousands of different peoples opinions on other cases but have not made a decision yet. The plan is to paint both topside and bottom with white. Something durable is preferred. I will be doing it outside which i know is not the best but is my only option at this point. What is the lowest temp that is safe to paint as it is getting cold around here which is why I am trying to hurry a bit to get this done. I have heard above 60 is okay. Any other help or recommendations are appreciated....

augie58 · 09-14-2009, 05:01 PM

Try this thread, if memory serves me the thread gets into all the details. Or else search because this topic has been covered.

Painting my Hustlers transom vs gel coat ?

augie58 · 09-15-2009, 08:51 PM

This thread is better

Painting deck and above waterline myself

Mccafaz · 09-16-2009, 10:03 PM

Please Help. I Started sanding on it today to see what I cam up with and what I found was a big mess of 8 layers of paint on top of the gelcoat. The paint on the bow was cracking and lumpy so I assumed that I needed to take it all off. Is there a good way to go about sanding off 8 layers of paint and not ending with a lumpy mess? I know I can level with a block but with this much sanding will take years to level out with a block I would think. Please tell me what you think. Any and all advice and comments are appreciated....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/33433397@N02/3927892492/

augie58 · 09-17-2009, 10:23 AM

No grinders

If using a DA sander keep it flat and moving

You will have to use a board sander and then a lot hand sanding with a nice long wood block, in the curved areas a flexable foam sanding block will help. Trust the feel of your hand.

Plan on painting the boat white. White paint covers a multitude of sins (waves).

Keep thinking how good solid white looks.

Mccafaz · 09-17-2009, 12:18 PM

I was using a 7 in polisher/sander. It was pretty tough to control but was getting through it. the spot shown was intentional to see what was there. I may go buy a electric DA today and see how that works. Funny that you say that because I was planning on goin all white, no stripes from the beginning for that reason. I knew i wasnt a pro but I thought it was going to be a less intense task than its turning out to be. Is there certain grit paper that is recommended. Thanks for all of your input...