JEM Watercraft

Hello,

I’m a first time builder with a painting question. I’m building the “DK Touring Canoe” and am using the “Fiberglass tape the seam only” method. So I have epoxy along the seams but bare wood away from the seams. I want to paint the boat but don’t know what type of paint to use. For example, do I just use an oil base exterior paint that I can get from the hardware store?

Thanks for any help.

Regards, Robert

G'day Robert and welcome aboard mate!

I would apply at least 2 coats of epoxy resin to all ply panels inside and out BEFORE you paint.

This will protect your ply better than just paint and also strengthen your boat.

Then, I think you can paint with pretty much any paint you like.

I have painted 3 of my boats and have found oil based enamels work good. I used rustoleum brand oil based enamel on the last build and it seemed to work well. It dries quick and seems to be fairly hard. I've tried latex exterior enamel and although dry it seems to take a long time for it to get hard. As long as a month. I would definetly suggest you apply at least 2 coats of epoxy to the bare wood as Mick says otherwise a deep scratch in the paint will let moisture into the wood.

Russ

RFB,

What kind of boat did you build? How are you using it? If you get your boat into underwater obstacles, expect it to not last as many years aas would one fully glassed.

Hello and thanks for the information. I’ll go ahead and epoxy coat the whole thing! As far as “Kayak Jack’s” question about use, this will be lightly used. We have a pond in the neighborhood that has a clay silt bottom, no rocks and running water. Only if the wife and kids enjoy that would we dare venture elsewhere’s! Seeing as only one person has volunteered for the maiden voyage, I’ll have some work to do.

Irregardless of the use , you made it ... Why not make sure it will be around for a while. Epoxy is not that costly over the long run taking in the years the boat can be enjoyed.

Made correctly and with an little extra care then it can be passed down for the kids enjoyment when they are adults. I have a couple that the daughters of mine and there husbands would kill me to have since they already claimed ownership to them. Right now they are letting me have them to use since they don't have a place for them , as soon as they do they are theres. I can always make more.

Might say it is passing the torch on.......I will be long gone by then but every time they get in one of the boats they will be paddling with me.

Chuck