what do I do next before painting???

[newbie101]

I am new at this fiberglass boat stuff. Got the boat for nothing and it had a few cracks on the side and bottom. Sanded down all the paint off and patched the cracks with fiberglass cloth and resin. Next I put some marine caulk along the cracks. Now I'm in the process of using 120 grit sandpaper to smooth out the resin and other areas. I have been reading about painting the boat and my head is spinning!! This is just for a weekend toy, so nothing special. Do I need to prime the boat before painting since its down to bare fiberglass? I have seen stuff about washing the wax off, do I need to do this since it was painted before? I have heard automobile paint is cheaper and will work?? Is it ok to use on the bottom or do I need to go with the more expensive bottom cote from interlux or blue water? Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated!!

[fiberglass jack]

if your not really worried about looks just brush and roll it

[ondarvr]

Newbie, I saw your post on another board and answered it there.

[craig mclean]

if you use gel coat be in store for some very labor intensive sanding.if you use auto paint use imron , it will flex with your boat

[jimslade]

NEVER, NEVER use Imron or Awlgrip unless your in a spray booth with proper equipment. ONLY STUPID PEOPLE DO THIS. YOU will die an early death. In your case I would use a single stage polyurethane. Brush on. Interlux makes one.

[fiberglass jack]

jims right dont spray unless u have a booth with a airmakeup that shit will kill u in no time its like drinking a couple of bottles of wiskey on your liver and thats not mentioning smoking a couple hundred cigerettes that type of paint is for trained pros and not ameteurs trust me on that