What sort of paint to use on wood that will be exposed?

Anthony A

Anthony A

Well-known member
Hello All!

Quick question... the plans for the boat I am building (Kara Hummer) calls for a coat of exterior paint to be applied to the exposed wood in the cockpit which will not be fiberglassed. Since I have zero knowledge on paint, I would appreciate any suggestions as to the paint type and color to use.

Also, although I won't get to the ultimate final camo painting on the outside of the boat for many weeks yet, does anyone have any recommendations as to what type and color combinations of paint to use?

Any advice on both of the above points would be greatly appreciated!

Regards

Anthony
 
Couple of options. You could put on one or two coats of clear penetrating epoxy sealer (CPES), which is basically thinned epoxy. Then, paint over that your choice of marine duck boat paint, either Parkers or FME. Or, just go with a good marine or exterior oil-based primer (one or two coats), and then top coat with Parkers or FME. If the boat will be left outside during the offseason and open to the elements, I would go with something that will penetrate and seal the plywood. Another option is Petit clear sealer (one or two coats), and then top coat with FME or Parkers.

CPES: http://www.rotdoctor.com/products/cpes.html

Parkers Duck Boat Paint: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0006070220074a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=duck+boat+paint&Ntk=Products&sort=all&_D%3AhasJS=+&N=0&_D%3Asort=+&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form1&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1

FME: http://www.lockstockbarrell.com/PDF-08/LSB-FME-090129.pdf

Petit Clear Sealer: http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=4069&familyName=Pettit+Old+Salem+2018+Clear+Sealer


Nate
 
Last edited:
Anthony,
I would use our FME. Thin the first coat down a bit with thinner and then paint away. There are many boats out there (all wood) that I have sealed and painted with only the FME and they hold up extremely well.
Info on painting and our FME color chart is on the website: www.lockstockbarrell.com Once on the website, scroll down the menu on the left and click on the "FME color chart" . It's a pdf with colors and painting info.
Holler with any questions and let us know how we can be of service.
Lou
btw.....thanks Harry & Nate for the vote of confidence there. ;)
 
Last edited:
Just kidding.
You cant go wrong with FME. Great stuff, tons of guys here have used it and swear by it.

If it sticks to wood only half as good as it has stuck to the cheap plastic dekes I have re-painted, you will still not have to worry about re-painting anytime soon.
 
Hello Lou,

Thank you for directing me to your website! What are shipping rates like to NJ? I am interested, and hope that it is not too expensive...

Also, I notice that you have "clear coat" on your site? Is that the same as a primer or sealer?

Which would you most recommend A) primer/paint combo, B) thinned paint/paint combo or C) sealant/paint combo? I would assume thinning the paint to be a primer is most likely the cheapest option (can use the same can)? Just wondering what the difference is in terms of price and/or sealing ability of paint thinning/paint vs. sealer/paint.

Although I don't expect the boat to last forever, i would like it to last a few years... and I'm wondering iof the extra expense of a sealant is really worthwhile in the long run.
 
Hello Lou,

Thank you for directing me to your website! What are shipping rates like to NJ? I am interested, and hope that it is not too expensive...

Also, I notice that you have "clear coat" on your site? Is that the same as a primer or sealer?

Which would you most recommend A) primer/paint combo, B) thinned paint/paint combo or C) sealant/paint combo? I would assume thinning the paint to be a primer is most likely the cheapest option (can use the same can)? Just wondering what the difference is in terms of price and/or sealing ability of paint thinning/paint vs. sealer/paint.

Although I don't expect the boat to last forever, i would like it to last a few years... and I'm wondering iof the extra expense of a sealant is really worthwhile in the long run.
Click to expand...

Anthony,
If you download the pdf on the FME from the website, there's a sheet on painting boats. That will answer many of your questions.
1. The clear coat is for decoys and comes in 3 oz. cans. Might be too expensive to use on a boat. ;)
2. This FME "is" a primer based paint and there is no need for any other primer.
3. You can thin it a bit with a high quality paint thinner (cheap is not a good way to go-you get what you pay for) for your first coat to get more penetration and then paint away with full strength. I like spraying and thin it anywhere between 25% & 40%, depending upon the viscosity of that particular color.
4. Typically, a gallon can ships for $18 and any additional paint adds some as the weight goes up.

Holler with more questions and let me know how we can be of service.
Lou
 
Thanks Lou!

I'll look into it and let you know what I decide. I have not yet had a chance to look at paint prices here in New Jersey. Cost may be the deciding factor... I have a wedding to pay for in the fall :) and the lady friend may object to extra costs for shipping paint :) I can just hear it now - "there's a home depot 20 mins from here, why do we have to ship paint from halfway across the country?". Any ideas on how to rebut that argument? :)
 
Thanks Lou!

I'll look into it and let you know what I decide. I have not yet had a chance to look at paint prices here in New Jersey. Cost may be the deciding factor... I have a wedding to pay for in the fall :) and the lady friend may object to extra costs for shipping paint :) I can just hear it now - "there's a home depot 20 mins from here, why do we have to ship paint from halfway across the country?". Any ideas on how to rebut that argument? :)
Click to expand...

Hmmmm, if you have to rebut these things already...you may be in trouble. ;) Sorry, couldn't resist....you made it too easy.
The primary rebut is that..."quality doesn't cost, it pays". Also, "...you get what you pay for".
That was just a couple for starters.
Lou
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top