How to prep an embossed diamond pattern deck for paint?

[sqwishalot]

I have a Yachbau 30, 1976 model. It needs deck, cabin, topsides paint.

I have a deck that has the nonskid pattern molded into the finish. If I sand it, it will have to be taken down 1/16 inch or more to even out.

My guess is to strip it chemically to leave the embossed ridges. Or just clean it well, and not sweat it, and just add another coat. This will diminish the non skid properties.

I already searched the forums, and I know my ass is full of crap already, so if you have something constructive to recommend, that would be great.

[Faster]

A thorough scrub with TSP, followed by a thorough rinse might be enough. Let it dry completely, mavbe follow up with a tack cloth, and/or a solvent wash prior to painting.

One of the issues here is the paint itself may fill/obscure the original pattern, but you can always add some grit to the paint, or use a product like Interlux Interdeck which already contains the grit, to actually improve the nonskid properties above and beyond that of the original pattern.

A two-part paint will have more durability at, of course, higher cost and complications of premixing.

[QuickMick]

here are a couple of links, when you search the forums you will have better luck using google and searching sailnet and topic xxx...
oh, but dont type topic. lol.

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...-non-skid.html

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...-topsides.html

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...kid-paint.html

[sailingdog]

Personally, I'd sand the non-skid areas and then paint with a good non-skid finish. Kiwigrip, durabak, or using a non-skid paint or non-skid additive to regular paint makes more sense than trying to preserve the diamond non-skid pattern which will get filled with paint and be rendered fairly useless. It'll also suck up a lot of expensive paint for no real return.

[georgefmys]

Though applying another non-skid finish after minimal prep of the diamond tread will work fine,it never looks that great.This method works well:Tape off and sand the pattern [about halfway] Then roll on 3-4 coats of a hi build epoxy primer,all coats can go on same day. Then re-sand,if you put on enough primer,surface should be smooth or have only slight pattern that 2-3 coats of topcoat can cover. Kiwi-grip or Durabak would probably do it in one coat,but if you prefer a more subtle texture the flattened Awlgrip method cant be beat for toughness and longevity