Topsides & Deck Paint Question

[Chris Krumm]

I am about to paint the topsides and decks of my fiberglass sailboat. I was planning on using Interlux Brightsides over clean, white gelcoat and over Interlux white 404 epoxy barrier coat where I've done deck repairs with amine-based epoxy resin (System 3).

The question I have is, how do polyurethane modified alkyd enamel floor and porch paints, such as Dutch Boy Hi-Gloss premium floor and porch enamel, stack up to Brightsides or EasyPoxy? Please don't remind me "the major cost of painting is prep time..." because I know that. I'm looking for firstahand experience and informed opinions about what makes the $75.00 gallon paint better than the $25.00 gallon paint that seems to be pretty darn hard from the floors I've seen it on. Thanks,

Chris Krumm

[gonzo]

They are not as hard. Therefore, more scratches. On the good side, touch ups are easier. I have painted my boats with alkyd enamel with good results.

[Guy G]

Long term results! Ask your self what is it I want and you can come up with your own answers. But remember that if you ever plan to sell your boat. Some people know boats and some don't. If you put your name to it, It can cost you money if your in the fiberglass field. I myself don't think that it's worth cutting corners!
Best of luck!

[Chris Krumm]

Actually, I ended up using System Three water reducible 2-part polyurethane. More expensive than single packs like Brightside, but less than most 2 parts.

Sprayed with an HVLP conversion gun and pressure pot. Water clean-up, much les toxic, but found it tricky to spray during a Minnesota summer - high humidity and it doesn't tack up quickly.

Very hard, good adhesion to epoxy primer, and a thick film or holiday cured out much faster than solvent based 1-parts. So I could sand out my mistakes much faster...

Chris Krumm