Kayak finishing

[wolfman]

Hello, I am new to the forum and building boats. I plan on ordering plans for the Vardo soon and have some questions about finishing. When I was looking at skin and read about the recycled polyester haveing little fibers that rought up the paint, witch can be remedied by sanding between coats. Wouldn't it make sence to use primer first rather than paint directly on the fabric? Also wouldn't primer also help prevent the paint from bleeding if a 2 tone paint jobe is applied? ( Whitch I plan to do ) Thanks!

 

 

-Kody

[P Doug (WA)]

Kody, welcome to the forum.  I have very little experience, having built only 1 kayak, so I will not answer the questions.  There is a lot of knowledge here, so you question will be answered.  Just wanted to pipe up an welcome you.

[wolfman]

Thanks for the welcome! I also forgot to ask if an oil based enamal will work with polyester?

[mitchmellow]

Greetings Wolfman.  I've also only built one boat but used the recycled polyester.  I don't see how a primer would stop the fibers from standing up.  I think they get pulled up mechanically by the roller and paint.  I'm pretty sure the results would be the same with a primer.  Others have suggested spraying and that would likely solve it.  However, I don't mind the finish at all.  It is not shiny and smooth but after the sanding it is fairly uniform and similar to suede.  I've posted some previous pictures and you'll have to search for them.  The bottom line is if you want a smooth and shiny finish, pick another fabric.  I can't speak to colors bleeding through. 

[Richard Peter]

Although this isn't a question about the recycled fabric it is a kayak finishing question so I thought I would post it here.

Jeff thins out his oil based pants for the first coat to get better adhesion. Does that apply to water based latex paints as well? If so, I would apply a thinned coat first to get all of the fibres covered and then a regular coat after that?

[Hirilonde]

He thins them out to get better penetration into the fabric.  This may improve adhesion, but more importantly it fills the weave better.

[Bcone1381]

I have wondered about using a sqeegee to press the first coat of paint down into the weave of the fabric. It might help penetrate the weave and lay down those pesky little fibers.

[DURRETTD]

I used the 8 ounce fabric on my boat and it worked very well. I pulled it very tight and it required no ironing - although I ironed it anyway, just to be certain. I thinned my first coat (Rustoleum gloss) about 10% - 20% and it penetrated sufficiently to stick to the stringers. I don't think I'd care for the fuzzy finish from the recycled fabric.