Roller vs Sprayer

[Hyperion]

I'll be applying Interlux topside paint to the Harpy this weekend (in anticipation of applying the non-slip bits when my KiwiGrip gets here). Any thoughts on using a roller versus a sprayer? The sprayer seems intuitively better, but if a roller (or several) is just as good, I'd like to save the expense of the investment in a sprayer.

Your input is appreciated.

[USCGRET1990]

Good marine paints are very forgiving...be sure to get some "brushing thinner"
I have used a small foam roller (size ofa dogdick) with great results. Take a dry and clean Purdy brush to "tip out" any bubbles or imperfections. I once painted a car with Interlux Marine paint. Used my aformentioned technique. It came out so good, that when I told folks how I did it, they outright called me a liar and was willing to fight about it!!

[Hyperion]

Thanks, USCG... amazingly, while you were posting this I was just given nearly identical advice offline by Faster. This sounds like the way I'll be going.

[USCGRET1990]

There's a bit more to it, let me know if ya need help...

[Hyperion]

Actually... Faster was telling me there are some sites relating to "rolling and tipping", but if you've done this already and have a site that worked for you - or instructions of your own, they'd be MUCH appreciated.

[sailingdog]

One thing... if it is the two-part Linear Polyurethane Paint that you're applying...spraying it without the proper equipment can be very dangerous, as the two-part LPU paints have a cyanide-based component in them, and special safety gear should be used.

[Maine Sail]

Roll & Tip is fine and you'll do a much better job than someone who knows nothing about spraying a finish or using a sprayer. That being said please don't use a one part paint on your decks! At least use Interlux Perfection which is a two part LPU. One part paints DO NOT hold up well on decks and will diminish, not improve, the value of your boat like a two part paint job will... Perfection does not cost that much more!! I have seen more owners ruin boats trying to make them look good by cutting corners and using a single part paint.

Interlux Perfection

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=1439&familyName=Interlux+Perfection+2-part&history=&engine=yahoo!6457&keyword=%28interlux+perfection%29&match_type={ifcontent:content}

[Hyperion]

I think Brightside (the product I'm using) is a one-part paint, but after Faster reminded me of my neighbours' probable reaction to me spraying, I think I'm going to go the roller route. Thanks for the heads-up on the cyanide, though.

[Hyperion]

Halekai - is Brightside THAT much worse? This paint job is going on our second sailboat, and we're planning on unloading it at the end of the year or early next year. So while I don't want to cut any corners, I also don't need "perfection". Sorry about the pun.

I'm worried now... I didn't think I was cheaping out by getting Brightside; just thought I'd save the hassle of 2 part.

[USCGRET1990]

Originally Posted by halekai36

Roll & Tip is fine and you'll do a much better job than someone who knows nothing about spraying a finish or using a sprayer. That being said please don't use a one part paint on your decks! At least use Interlux Perfection which is a two part LPU. One part paints DO NOT hold up well on decks and will diminish, not improve, the value of your boat like a two part paint job will... Perfection does not cost that much more!! I have seen more owners ruin boats trying to make them look good by cutting corners and using a single part paint.

Interlux Perfection

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=1439&familyName=Interlux+Perfection+2-part&history=&engine=yahoo!6457&keyword=%28interlux+perfection%29&match_type={ifcontent:content}

I don't know where in the hell you guys get this crap from! We put Marine Interlux (ONE PART ENAMAL) on our cutters from Key West to Alaska. It held up extremely well. These enamels (now $30+ a quart and more are superior) any two part paint is an epoxy, which is great providing the surface is extremely well cleaned and oil free. They work great, but are quite expensive to use. One parts work very well and much less expensive.