Make Your New Paint Job Last!

Raritan Engineering would like to share with you this week some great information regarding how to get the maximum life from your paint job.

Your macerator toilet experts discuss how the results derived from a professionally applied LPU topside refinish are as dramatic as the invoice that accompanies the makeover. The shiny, wet look and the protection it affords can last for years—whether it’s three years, five years, or nearly a decade depends upon how kindly the rejuvenated surface is treated. 

Giving your topsides proper maintenance attention, like waxing regularly, will keep them looking healthy.

-During application: Most well-executed LPU paint jobs begin with epoxy primers and fairing compounds as the underpinnings of a glistening LPU topcoat. 

-Cleaning: Regularly sponge washing the hull is the first step in preserving the topcoat’s shine. Avoid cleaning with scrub pads and gritty cleaners; this should be a completely non-abrasive effort. Many paint makers offer their own mild detergent, and we’ve found Awlwash by Awlgrip to be a very effective, completely non-abrasive cleaner. 

-Sailing is not a full-contact sport: More often than not, the decision to have the topsides re-painted has to do with localized damage that resulted from docking maneuvers gone awry, tussles at the starting line, or storm damage when a line gives way. Those who can avoid such bumps and bruises can nurse the gloss for many more years. 

-Wax On-Wax Off: After the first two or three seasons of washing and protecting the surface from winter-cover abrasion and line chafe, there’s often a need to tune up the gloss a bit. The best bet is to follow up another good washing with a conventional carnauba-based wax like Mother’s California Gold or Collinite’s #885. 

Check Out These Easy Ways to Keep Your New Paint Job Looking Great

Your macerator toilet professionals talk about how to breathe life into dull coats: Owners of boats with five- to seven-year-old intact LPU paint jobs that look dull but remain well adhered, can try rubbing out the surface with 3M Perfect-It rubbing compound and following up with a carnauba wax. 

-Repair care: Repairs to two-part LPU coatings are a true test of product awareness and applicator talent. The challenge lies in blending the old and the new, and blending the circumference known as the “overspray region.” Matching color change and gloss variation is even tougher than automotive work. The reason for these difficulties is the quality of the paint itself. 

One of the reasons why AwlCraft and other slightly softer and more user-friendly acrylic-based LPU paints are growing in popularity is that they are much easier to repair and buff than polyester-based two-part paints. 

So don’t forget these great reminders for keeping your new paint job as long as possible. 1) Most well-executed LPU paint jobs begin with epoxy primers and fairing compounds as the underpinnings of a glistening LPU topcoat;  2) regularly sponge washing the hull is the first step in preserving the topcoat’s shine;  and 3) after the first two or three seasons of washing and protecting the surface from winter-cover abrasion and line chafe, there’s often a need to tune up the gloss a bit.

Stray Kitten’s Little Paws Are Frozen To A Boat Dock, But Sheriff Says, ‘You Won’t Die Today!’

via Extending the Life of Your New Paint Job

via Stray Kitten’s Little Paws Are Frozen To A Boat Dock, But Sheriff Says, ‘You Won’t Die Today!’