A paint question

[Nosty]

Hi Everyone,

Well, if all goes well, the epoxy coat goes on this weekend. So far, the long term weather forecast looks favorable.

I'm just curious about what type of paint those of you who have used epoxy put over it? I'm fairly sure it needs to be an enamel, but is it necessary to use an automotive or marine paint, or are there other options? I'm not looking for a cheap way out, (although that would be nice). I'm just looking for a good solution that'll last for a while and offer the UV and normal wear and tear protection needed. When the TTT isn't on the road, it'll be stored under cover.

Did you use a primer?

Did you sand the surface of the cured epoxy before painting? If so, just 220 grit, or something else.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for all the help all of you have offered over the life of this project. I know I've had a lot of questions, but, so far, the results show how great your suggestions have been. I'm really pleased with the way things have gone so far.

Have a great week.

Brian

[b.bodemer]

I used Sears primer and paint.............but only the trim and one section of the roof is painted, the rest remains a woodie.

I used West epoxy on the roof portion so I followed their instructions before priming.



I used a satin finish for both the paint and spar urethane.

Barb

[rmclarke]

Hi Brian,
I put 2 coats of marine epoxy down...I put the second epoxy coat on within 24 hrs so there would be a good chemical bond....let those coats cure good....(some epoxy manufacturers will say at least 72 hrs before you sand)..mine sat much longer before I sanded becuz I'm slow
I don't know what kind of epoxy you are using, but certain marine epoxies will 'blush' (a waxy residue coming to the surface after it cures)...this should be removed or your primer/paint, whatever it is, will probably not adhere well to the epoxy base.
Anyway, after sanding a lot, I put down 2 coats of Lowe's Valspar Oil based primer (sanding between coats) and the final coats are going to be Lowes Oil gloss Deck and Floor paint (2 coats probably wet sanding with 220 between coats)....I'm applying the paint with a 'roll and tip' method (high density foam roller and good quality bristle brush)....
I just finished sanding the final primer coat last weekend. Anyway, I'm no expert by any means...just letting you know what I'm doing and wishing you good luck with yours.

Richard

[Steve_Cox]

I was talking to the shop foreman in a custom boat manufacturing shop he other day. You can use almost any primer and paint over epoxy, but the best way to remove any epoxy blush (wax) is liquid hand soap and water. I had always used acetone in the past. You might want to sand the surface too just to add a little (tooth) for the primer to adhere too.

[Nosty]

Thanks to all of you. I do appreciate your responses.

That was my main concern; what type of paint will work. I'm pleased to hear that a good quality oil based deck paint will work. I wasn't sure. I know a lot of folks swear that automotive or marine paints are the only option, but from the responses I got from Rustoleum regarding their marine paint and their uncertainty as to whether it would adhere to marine epoxy, I was a little dubious.

Thanks again for the responses and the good wishes.

Brian