Penetrol

[Joel]

I got some oil based paint for my weekender and started putting a coat on the bottom. I am using a foam roller and tipping with a natural bristle brush. I'm not totally happy with the results and would like to refine the process before I start on the topsides. It seems like the first half of the painted area looks OK the second half has allot of brush marks and seemed to dry quicker, not allowing enough time to tip properly. I think thinning the paint might help and was wondering if anybody ever tried Penetrol 

http://www.flood.com/flood/Products/Interior/PaintAdditives/Penetrol+Interior+Prod+Page.htm

It seems like it might help.

Thanks,

joel

[Charlie Jones]

Penetrol is not really a thinner- It's purpose is to improve the flow characteristics of the paint. If the paint is too thick, use a thinner. Paint does tend to thicken in the container as you work, particularly in hot weather- you might find on very hot days, that you are adding a dab of thinner periodically, depending on how long the job takes. Sounds to me as if that's what happened- some solvents evaporated while you were painting and the paint got thicker.

Having said that, yes, penetrol will help the paint flow out more smoothly once it's thinned correctly.

But there is a difference between the two;D

[Frank Hagan]

I've used Penetrol, and it does seem to help flowing without thinning the paint out too much.  I think its a combination of thinner and oils, so it helps keep the paint at about the same viscosity.

Penetrol also works well to restore dark colored gelcoat, at least for a while.  Wiping it on works a bit like Armor All does on plastic surfaces on cars.  There used to be a Marine Penetrol, which was the same stuff but with different labeling.  You wouldn't want to use it on decks, as it makes them slippery, but for boot stripes and other dark colored areas, it seems to work well.

[Dave R1]

I've used Penetrol, and it does seem to help flowing without thinning the paint out too much.  I think its a combination of thinner and oils, so it helps keep the paint at about the same viscosity.

Penetrol also works well to restore dark colored gelcoat, at least for a while.  Wiping it on works a bit like Armor All does on plastic surfaces on cars.  There used to be a Marine Penetrol, which was the same stuff but with different labeling.  You wouldn't want to use it on decks, as it makes them slippery, but for boot stripes and other dark colored areas, it seems to work well.

Interesting. The guy who was with the gal who bought Julie K this afternoon builds gliders. He said they also have a gelcoat on them. He was telling me that to restore the shine to the flat gelcoat areas to clean it well and then use a 50-50 mix of penetrol and mineral spirits. He said to wipe it on with a lint free cloth. He said don't rub it. Just wipe it on. After letting it dry for a couple of hours he said to come back and wipe on another coat. When there's enough penetrol on there, the cloth will move very easily. The areas that need more will cause the cloth to drag.

Guess it doesn't help with Joel's question but it's interesting to me to see Penetrol mentioned just a couple of hours after this guy mentioned it.

[RSdaCat]

Oh my gosh; it's like "lemon throwing day" (and can sombody please tell me what book THAT is from I have forgotten.)

Somebody was just telling me about this stuff to shine up the parts on their odd car.

Crazy!

And OH MY YOU SOLD HER Julie K! I am heartbroken, I do not believe it.  You guys must have hearts of steel.  I am already in love with my boat,(well in actuality my "boat" is nothing but a moaning chair and a few pieces of reclaimed lumber yet.)  And "Annie" will see the bottom of a bay somewhere before I could ever part with her, and we haven't even been introduced yet!  Do you have no sentimentality at all.  I am amazed.  Maybe I am too sentimental... Wow Life goes on, bigger-better and all that... :'(

[Dave R1]

And OH MY YOU SOLD HER Julie K! I am heartbroken, I do not believe it.  You guys must have hearts of steel.(

Oh I was sad to see her go but she went to a good home and I have visitation rights. The woman who bought her said she knew she wasn't just buying the boat, she was adopting her. As a condition of the sale I told her she has to bring the boats to the messabouts Bill Paxton organizes. I expect I'll see Julie K again.