Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I've got the holes and seams of the widget mostly filled and I'm prepping for sealer and paint (researching rustoleum marine poly and interlux brightside if I can afford it) and I have what may be a dumb question. I'm wondering if I should install the windows and roof vent before painting or do it after. All along it seemed to make most sense to paint first and avoid masking and so forth but now am wondering how well butyl tape or the sort will stick and seal against marine paint. thanks

Will, I'd paint first and assemble later...lots less paint slop and much cleaner lines, the butyl tape will be fine...a good repaint on a car is done that way. Just my opinion...Doug

Ditto what Doug said. It is easier that way too. Just be carefull when you are putting it together and not to stratch the paint.

I would paint first, then make your cuts. You can always retouch. I have applied the butyl tape after the paint and it adheres well. However, I found that silicone based chalks do not adhere well to enamel paint after the surface had been painted– and I thought silicone stuck to everything. Remember to get a good quality paint – I know good quality paint is expensive, however you get what you pay for – better solvents, pigments and carriers. It really makes a difference and sometimes the cost between good and best is about $10.00 – 15.00 difference.

I'd avoid silicone like the plague... There are lots better products now. Plus most paints and silicone hate each other... ask any bodyman!

Brick, you are so right. I absolutly hate that stuff. I would charge the custumer extra when they use it on a windsheild, trying to fix a leak.

thanks for the replies. the holes for the windows and vent are already cut out and it sure does seem easier not to have to cut in paint around the installed windows. the fun continues.

If not silicone, what is good to use around windows, in case they need to be removed?

ditto for the hatch hinge....

Arne wrote:If not silicone, what is good to use around windows, in case they need to be removed?

ditto for the hatch hinge....

Butyl tape, PL Urethane caulk or Sikaflex caulk are all good sealants for outside stuff.

I agree, paint hates silicone...don't even have it in the garage if you are going to paint...enamel or latex!
I found a product called "siliconized latex" at the home improvement store. It wasn't expensive. The label specifically said "paintable" it hardens about like 100% silicon, very tough and flexible, can even use it quite thick to fill some spots. But it doesn't put down that slick film like silicone and paint sticks to it with no problems.