Painting a molded plastic rudder

[UseDaGreyMatter]

I am refinishing my rudder on a 1971 venture 222. It is literally made out of some sort of molded plastic. I have the nicks , rub marks etc sanded out but I am at a lose as to how to paint it. The only paint I know that sticks to plastic is the krylon and I'm not sure that is the best idea for marine use. Thoughts, Ideas. etc would be helpful. Thanks

[nickmerc]

If you can lift the rudder out of the water when at the dock or at anchor I would not pain it. Like you said, dealing with painting plastic is a pain. If you still really want to paint it look up what Interlux, Petit, etc. have for plastic primers.
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Park Royal 3 Condos Pattaya

[UseDaGreyMatter]

Thanks for the response but after looking at the whole thing, I'm just going to make a new one.


The Toy: A Small Inland Water Catamaran, as built by a GIRL!: The Rudder: The Remix



Back to the drawing board

[MacGyverRI]

Paint it w/ the Krylon then top coat it w/ "Clear outdrive anti-fouling paint". $20 or so at West Marine for a spray bomb, but it goes a long way.

[QuickMick]

valspar makes some too, but ive only used it for 'dry' applications. rustoleum does make a 'plastic primer' that you can overlay with whatever you choose. good luck.

[hellosailor]

Gray, since you are making a new one why not make it the right way?

Find an appropriate primer and top coat for whatever type of plastic you are using. Delrin, UHDPE, ABS...they all have speciic primers. Often available from auto body shop suppliers. And then pick a top coat preferably from the same manufacturer, which is compatible for use with that primer.

If the rudder is going to be kept out of the water most of the time, I wouldn't worry about the intended use of the paint. If it is going to be submerged for exended periods, you'll need a paint that is designed for submersion, or else it will wind up coming off.

All good reasons to use a white plastic and skip the paint, probably.