INTERIOR paint question

[Kiltmadoc]

Is there any reason not to use a latex-based or enamel-based water-soluble paint from Home Depot/Lowes/Sears for the interior hull walls? My thought was to use exterior semi-gloss off-white paint for the walls of the v-berth. I figure that the mildew resistance and the fact that it's inside would work well for this application.

I read the solvent/VOC/clean up data for interlux and pettit and it scares me. I dont want to inhale toxic fumes just to get the inside walls white.

Thoughts/comments/suggestions are welcome

[Mirari]

Absolutely! I've used the Valspar gloss white from Lowes for years on my boat and it works well. However it does seem that a good old fashioned oil base paint is a little harder and more rersistant to staining but it will have an odor for months afterwards. You will definately notice it every time you open the boat after being away. Any lockers that might get water trapped in them for some time should be painted with oil base paint as the water based stuff will blister is left submerged.

[pdqaltair]

a. Results. I've used latex inside and well, you get what you pay for. It's easier to work with, requires less surface prep, hides imperfections well, is easy to touch up, and will not hold up as well. It is what it is, which is fine. Personally, I think I would generally confine it to inside lockers, but it depends on the boat. I've done a whole cabin before an was not dissatisfied. Scuffing was really only a problem where feet and hard objects could strike, not alongside bunks.

However, more than a house, you should scrub the walls and lightly sand to avoid adhesion problems.

b. Fumes. You should be OK IF you mount an exhaust fan on the fore hatch. You should be able to move a lot of air away from you. I've done this before on many jobs.It also helps if you work from the fan/bow aft.

[turbulicity]

Go with the exterior enamel. Will do fine everywhere except the bilge.

[HPLou]

The bottom line is you get what you pay for. Will it work? Yes. Will it hold up as well as an epoxy or unepoxy? No. You can use it and if you are happy with the results, then no problem and you saved some cash too. Remember, any good paint job is dependent on good preparation.

[GraemeInCanada]

Exterior paint will work just fine. Get the low odor type, you won't smell it again after a week or so.

[Kiltmadoc]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I went with Behr exterior mildew resistant paint/primer ($13/qt). Even after just 1 coat, it looks much better! Now for the other 2 coats; and time will tell.

[zz4gta]

I used bright side, and probably would've been happy with an exterioro paint from Home depot. If / when I do it again, I'll probably use the same thing. For decks, I plan to use easypoxy or a two part paint.

Post some pics!!!

[casey1999]

Apparently the PO use latex on all of the interior of my boat, even the galley counter. Had some water sit on the counter for about 6 hours and the paint started to peel and lift. The other areas of the boat look ok even the lockers, but I think I would rater have somthing more water resistant.

If I want to paint over the latex with say an epoxy how would I prep the surface? Does all the latex need to be removed?

[zz4gta]

Usually, yes. I'd check the back of the can though.