The Trailer Trash is getting a DIY paint job. I’ve been researching different paints, and I am down to two…Interlux and Pettit. The beautiful Dr. Brady has an environmental streak, and is urging me to get Aquagard. I try to tell her that water-based ablative paint is a waste of money to no avail. Any help with that? In any case, which would you choose? Interlux or Pettit and which formula?
The more we just complain…the more things stay the same.
Are you talking about bottom paint, or topside?
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Marine Surveying & Repair
Both. Most of the question was about bottom paint though. If you have advice on either or both, I’m listening…
At this minute…on the bottom paint, I am inclined to use Pettit Unepoxy tinted green with the Sea Speed additive.
The more we just complain…the more things stay the same.
Pettit makes great paints. For topsides, Pettit Easypoxy is hard to beat for a fairly low cost paint. It is easy to apply, not very fussy, and gives a hard glossy finish that holds up well.
For bottom paint, I’ve always had good results with Pettit Trinidad in our area.
Edit: Intelux makes great paints too, but I tend to find a product that works well for me and stick with it. All paints have a learning curve in application and I don’t want to have to learn a new paint with every job.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Marine Surveying & Repair
if you are painting above the waterline, interlux makes a 1 part uerathane called Topsides
even when brushing, thin it about 10-15%, and use a foam roller and a good brush, and it looks great and holds up well.
As for the bottom paint… I use both Pettit and Interlux. Both make great products. Just a comment on the unepoxy, it is really designed as a single season anti-fouling paint, so if you are concerned with the anti-fouling properties this may be an issue.
Trinidad is a great paint with a high cuprous oxide content however it must be left in the water to avoid drying out and losing its anti-fouling capabilities.
One more thing, if you are over coating previous paint you need to be sure you are not over coating an ablative with a hard coat bottom paint, such as a trinidad, without properly preparing the bottom or checking paint compatibility.
Hope this helps.
G & W Boatworks, LLC
Detailing & Bottom Painting
843-991-1495
Thanks for the help!
The more we just complain…the more things stay the same.