marking a mooring ball...

[kokopelli9]

Just got a new mooring ball...need suggestions on paint to use to mark it...anyone have better luck with one lasting longer than another?
Thanks in advance!

[Birdface]

We actually use a foam mooring float, but we put a plastic plate on the float and then use small shallow nails and nailed in small plastic lettering with our mooring number and some ID.

Why paint?

[kokopelli9]

Thanks Birdface...my mooring ball is actually a hard face shell, roughed up for painting...I would like however not to have to mark it too often so any paint suggestions would be appreciated

[PBzeer]

If it's to be multiple colors, you might want to use something like the paint used on plastic models, with a few coats of a clear UV resistant finish over it.

[sailingdog]

Just be careful, some plastics and some paints don't play nicely with each other. You might want to call the mooring ball manufacturer and ask them what paint they recommend for you to use... that will last and won't damage the plastic shell.

[erps]

I used a soldering iron on mine to melt our phone number into it and then I stuck some of those SOLAS reflective stickers on it. Ours was the only mooring ball in our little bay you could see at night.

[kokopelli9]

Thanks so much...I have a call in right now to the manufacturer of the ball...the reflective stuff is a great idea...You guys, as always, are a lot of help!

[jonlgauthier]

Krylon spray paint is now available in a formula which is supposed to adhere/bond to plastic. Don't know if it works for the roto-molded polystyrene typically used in mooring balls...

[Maine Sail]

Hamilton Marine sells a paint specifically made for buoys and such. When I get home I'll post the name after I look at the can..


Edited:

never mind I found it:
PAINT BUOY BLUE QT FOR PVC BUOYS 115098

[bubb2]

Originally Posted by kokopelli9

Thanks so much...I have a call in right now to the manufacturer of the ball...the reflective stuff is a great idea...You guys, as always, are a lot of help!

You can use Pettit's Hydrocoat for the bottom of the ball. It is a water based anti-fouling pant will not harm the plastic. top sides use reflective tape. truck stops are the best place to find it and at the best price.