Other Automotive Paint

[rashin]

Is there a problem spraying regular automotive base coat / clear coat on my ski?

I have been told that a special marine paint is required over fiberglass that will see water... Is this still required even if the gel coat is still (mostly) intact, just scuffed to accept the paint?

 

[txsuperjetfreak96]

Yes u can i used single stage auto paint. Marine paint is not required

 

[Balduccimoto]

You can use whatever paint you like, what matters is the primer you use. Especially over SMC which superjet lower decks are made of and kawi's are completely smc. it will bubble weeks after painting it. I think it's epoxy primer you must use.

EDIT: just realized you arent painting bare smc. If you're shooting over scuffed gelcoat, then you should be okay with the paint being compatible.

 

[rashin]

From what I am reading, it seems that sanding SMC exposes "fresh mold release agent" which is incompatible with most paints.... I dont think it has much to do with water.

What is everyone's experience with regular primer over sanded SMC??

 

[98gti]

Ive painted 3 skis, and didnt have a problem with any reaction, some were base/clear and others were single stage, but I can tell you its a PITA! Ive heard alot of talk lately about painting them but I dont recommend it. The automotive paint just simply doesnt hold up to the abuse that we put these through. It cracks, chips, and scratches much easier. The problem is we all see pics of painted skis on the net and they look great, but then ive seen those same skis in person and they dont look so good. The same with mine, they looked much better in the pics. I recommend getting it wrapped. They are pricey but so is primer, paint, clear, tape, sand paper, masking paper, reducers, thinners, etc.. plus the time. The wraps hide all the stress cracks and previous repairs. My next ski will get a wrap before paint anyday.

 

[rashin]

I already have it all smoothed and primed. I probably will just go the base coat / clear coat route at this point, and cross my fingers. I can always resand and spray new gelcoat or epoxy primer next winter.

I am also restoring a 750sx that the PO completely sanded all the gelcoat off... I may wrap that one! Where do you buy wraps? Is it worth doing yourself?

 

[Balduccimoto]

From what I am reading, it seems that sanding SMC exposes "fresh mold release agent" which is incompatible with most paints.... I dont think it has much to do with water.

What is everyone's experience with regular primer over sanded SMC??

Yeah, thats what im talking about, it will bubble without epoxy primer or bulldog adhesion promotor. I found out the hard way on a 750sx. I used SEM plastic adhesion primer on that ski and it didnt work.

 

[txsuperjetfreak96]

I used epoxy primer on my 96 rn after sanding with 220 grit, on bottom deck the used single stage auto paint matrix systeme has held up well


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Stblaz08]

Z

 

[johnboy72]

Hi guys I've had no problems with the skis I've painted , always use a primer filler , sticks great , 2k paint is tuff , but agree gel coat is stronger , but then again I use a lacquer which has anti scratch properties , you guys must be able to get that too? The more lacquer or clear the better!!
i also gel coat the bottom to protect running up the beach or slip way ;-)

 

[snowxr]

FYI: the marine paints are formulated to be "anti-fouling", but they don't differ much from automotive paints. The marine paints are intended for boats that stay in the water for long periods of time. They have copper in the paint, to prevent algee etc. from growing on the hull.

 

[Stblaz08]

I've painted skis,,, boats ,,cars ,trucks ... They all will fall apart if you don't prep right ... Paint holds up fine use good primer/sealer and good uv protectant high solid clear ... You'll be fine

 

[gto0209]

If you are hard on a stand up (doing hood tricks etc), single stage is better for you. It doesn't chip as easy and doesn't scratch quite as easily. That being said my blaster is painted with water based base/clear, and I am very careful around it and have had no issues after two seasons of use.