Paint Help

[dsmith]

I have a small non traditional build and I am ready for paint, I am contemplating using an Polyurethane Porch Paint, it has UV stabilizers and after curing is hard, my concern is wood movement and cracking. Has anyone else used this type of paint? If so, How long has it been in service and how is it holding up?

Doug

P.S.My build is to small for using aluminum or CPES

[kennyrayandersen]

Doug

P.S.My build is to small for using aluminum or CPES

How about a pic -- that last comment doesn't make so much sense -- even a toy could use the right thickness of aluminum.

Also, paint only scares me unless you have a really good place to store it. I've been looking into some boat building an some guys just paint. But, they usually run into trouble in a few years. You may want to epoxy first (and I like the concept of using a thin layer of fiberglass to keep it from checking), then paint over that for UV protection.

[dsmith]

Kenny,

Thanks for the response, The build is only 48"w x 36" h x 52" l, The reason I hadn't contemplated Aluminum or an Epoxy paint is I am trying to keep the cost below $500.00. When not in use, it will be kept in the garage.

[dsmith]

Sorry, you wanted pics.

[Miriam C.]

I thought about using porch paint. It should handle the movement and rain but it is made to be stationary. What I mean is every trip your box will be subjected to hurricane force winds, sand rocks and maybe even water. Porches don't get that often.

You can get house paint that has the same properties but are intended to withstand the wind and rain.

You can get topsider marine paint intended for these conditions and it won't cost much more than what you are using. Just be sure to use the recommended primer and follow cure times. Lots of layers will give you a good finish.

[starleen2]

I've used House paint - exterior enamel - on all of my builds and have keep them in the garage with no problems on the paint - just follow Miriam's advise about primers

[kennyrayandersen]

OK -- it seems like the paint only folks run into a little more trouble than the epoxy + fabric folks but since you got it inside, that's a real plus for two reasons. The first is you can expect less UV damage in the first place and the second is even if a problem develops, you'll be able to deal with it before the water damages it. The real problem is that once a problem does occur, it doesn't get noticed, gets water damage, THEN gets noticed... oops. I think especially in your case you should be OK.

[dsmith]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I am planning on two primer coats the first one thinned for penetration, and three top coats, I also planned on using a latex bonding additive. This project has now turned into a beta test for a TTT build, in the future. I also could use some advise on door seals, the galley hatch isn't an issue but the front hatches and side doors are a bit of a quandry.