Need 'Roll & Tip' tips

[65Bowrider]

I am painting a bowrider and having some difficulties getting a nice finish and would like some help.

Located in So. Florida, boat is inside a hanger, using Interlux paint, rolling & tipping, using a foam roller & foam brush. The topsides & bottom turned out great, using some of the recommended 333 brushing fluid to thin the paint (2 oz). Instructions say 3oz / qt is max.

Now painting the sides of the outside hull (a vertical surface). And now I'm having problems.

With two oz of 333 thinner, it appeared as though the paint was trying to run...with horizontal waves running the length of the boat. Last coat backed down to only 1 oz thinner, and now it shows the brush strokes! So, is the paint drying too fast? or too slow??

The boat has 4 coats of red & still needs more coats for good coverage, so we're putting the paint on thin.... maybe too thin?

Also, when you tip, how much pressure do you put on the foam brush? Do you just barely touch to smooth out the bubbles from the roller ? or do you put enough pressure to glide thru the layer of fresh paint? Should you 'brush' more than once on an area? Rolling vertical, brushing horizontal from dry area to freshly painted area.

Any helpful hints will be tremendously appreciated.

[doug7488]

Hi, Carla -
Red is a tough color to cover with. It sounds like the paint may also be to thin.
Did you prime the boat before painting?
I use a good quality badger hair brush to "tip" the paint - just drag it lightly over the rolled on paint - not to much pressure, just enough to break the surface. Also, make sure the brush is wet, not dry. Don't "work" the paint, just pull the brush though it once.
If I remember right - 216 thinner? - is another one to use.
I forget which is which, one is for hot, the other for colder temps.
Usually working from the dryer (first applied) to the wetter (newly applied) leaves a better appearance.
Thats my experience - hope it helps.
-Doug

[Capt Chuck]

Carla
I have not used Interlux paint. This following method is what I used using Signature paint (similar I suppose):

Tack Rag the surface first. On a verticle surface I used a foam roller rolling from the bottom up (chine to rub rail) each stroke. Never stroke horizonal or from the top down (this causes sagging or runs). A foam brush pulled along the edges and tight corners first. After approx 2' of coverage I rolled back over with a "Dry Foam Roller" this smoothes out the roller lines. Don't go more than 2' as to prevent setup of the paint.

continue ----> drag brush edges---> roll wet paint bottom to top----> smooth out with dry roller............. a couple of days after the final coat, I sanded with 1500 grit wet/dry and buffed with 3M Perfect-It. This rid any undesired runs, bug doo-doo, heavy strokes or orange peel.

Now "Fellowship" has experience with Sterling brush & Tip. He can give some pointers also I'm sure
Good Luck

[joey]

I have just used the Interlux Toplac for the first time(I am really a huge AwlGrip fan)and rolled and tipped it.I found that by far the badger hair brush is the way to go,as mentioned earlier tip it by one stroke with a slightly wet brush.I found that the Toplac alows the slight brush marks to level out while drying.I used Interlux's primer and several coats of thinned topcoat.Also if use a disposable razor and shave down the tip of your brush to make a nice crisp edge,it will do an even nicer job.

[Fishjack]

Capt Chuck gives good advise -

I also used the (1) wet and (1) dry foam roller method. This worked better for me than "tipping" with a brush.

BUT I was using the Sig. Finish paint - it goes on REALLY thin. 9oz of paint/coat to cover the sides of the boat (if I remember correctly).

[FELLOW-SHIP]

I used a different paint but everywhere I read that said use a very good quality brush either the badger hair on china something brush.

FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins

[65Bowrider]

Everyone makes it seem so simple to get it perfect!
Reading the first two responses before heading out to the boat, this is what we tried....only on the transom.

BTW, the boat has been primed, sanded, primed, sanded...etc.

I rolled a little thicker coat of paint for only about 1' at a time(taking it smaller), rolling from bottom to top, then re-rolled with a dry roller, also from bottom to top. There were too many bubbles still left, so then I tipped with a VERY light touch. 1/2 hour later, NO BRUSH STROKES...that's good. But it did have an orange peel appearance. Hopefully overnight it will level out.

I have a china bristle brush (recommended too), maybe I'll go back to trying that again...with a very light touch.

With the 2nd dry roll, did you get bubbles? Did you squeegie the roller between paper inbetween sections to help keep it 'dry'?

Like I said, you make it all seem so easy....
I'm determined to win this battle of getting a good "smooth" coat!

[65Bowrider]

Just wanted to include a picture of the topside...
used the process of 2oz thinner, foam roller & tipped with foam brush. I was pleased with the way it came out.

Red must be a different creature....I'll keep practicing on the transom, using your suggestions...
Thank you.

[Bryan A.]

WOW!!!! That is roll and tip?
Looks good.

[Capt Chuck]

Looks Terrific to me

But it did have an orange peel appearance

The thicker the paint the more orange peel you will get. Your better to go according to manf mixture. I don't know about the paint your using so I can not comment.

With the 2nd dry roll, did you get bubbles? Did you squeegie the roller between paper inbetween sections to help keep it 'dry'

I use the "Shur-Line" 3" Trim & Touch-up roller (that's right 3") to put the wet paint on. I get 'em at Home Depot. Make sure you wipe and roll the cloth roller first with duct tape to remove all dust and fuzz. It just takes a little more time vs using a 6" or 9". I dry off with the 4" Shur-Line Foam Roller. I keep extra rollers all set and clean in case you drop one. I use 2 or 3 per side to keep them from absorbing too much paint.

"Bubbles" Maybe your rolling too fast? Maybe the tip method with the shaved bristles like Joey mentioned is your best bet? Some of the cheap foam brushes will break down in the urethane thinners. The ones I use have "JEN MFG" on the wood handle. Get 'em at Ace Hardware. They hold up a little longer. Can several coats of your paint be applied in a single day? If so, then by all means go thinner and then apply a second thin coat after dry/tack up. Also FYI, being painted indoors slows the drying time. Air movement over the paint removes the fumes and quickens the tack up. I know Mike at Wildfire paints inside and uses big fans when he sprays PPG Concept paint. I just hate to steer you wrong Carla as I can only comment based on my experience with the Signature paint application.

I'm positive after your all done and made and corrected your mistakes, you'll be a pro !!