Paint on Kayak

I have read a few posts from others about customizing your yaks.
Unfortunatley I havent heard any after reports of how well it stayed on.
I am looking at customizing one of my boats and could use some advice about how to make the paint stick to the kayak in a more perminent way so I don't have to keep touching it up. I am looking for info from those who have been sucessful in this with poss pics. Main concern is paint sticking to the plastic - not so worried about the scrapes from normal use.

Thanks for any help avail.
Eric

I found a good link on this subject.  Hope this help:

http://www.trails.com/how_12562_paint-a-kayak.html

Body shops use a product before painting that makes the paint adhere.  I think making the paint stick is no problem but keeping it from scratching off might be.  I'll ask my old boss who makes race cars and owns a body shop.  He paints a lot of bumpers.  Bull dog is a good product to use before applying any paint.  I think this would be a good place to start maybe send your question to them.  http://www.bulldogsticks.com/         Andy



Reduces material costs and increases turnover by combining a flex agent, adhesion promoter, and tie coat in one
Decreases waste and cost by allowing you to reuse leftover material
Eliminates masking when spraying jambs and edges on both metal or plastic
Highlights and improves coverage when tinted with automotive colorants
Dries fast to increase shop efficiency
Dries to a clear finish so it can be used for jambs and edges; over spraying is never an issue
Acts as a flex agent to improve impact resistance and flexibility of coating

That was a good read Sailfish.  Yackhopper I've never had an issue with a bumper I painted that had bull dog on it and was properly cleaned and roughed up.  I've seen many paint jobs peel completely off when a tech was to lazy to use it.  Good luck.  Hope that helped.  Andy

I used the "Krylon fusion paint for plastic" on my kayak before and it turned out OK, unfortunately I sold that kayak so don't know how long the paint last.  I recalled someone here also used Krylon paint on his yak too,  maybe he'll chime in.

I used the "Krylon fusion paint for plastic" on my kayak before and it turned out OK, unfortunately I sold that kayak so don't know how long the paint last.  I recalled someone here also used Krylon paint on his yak too,  maybe he'll chime in.

I had a kayak that was painted w/ Krylon fusion by the prev. owner.  the paint rubbed off with some abrasion.  The seating area, footwells, kayak bottom, and surfaces taht contacted the roof rack were pretty much all rubbed off.  With more prep i'm sure the paint would have had better adhesion..

IMO paint particles rubbing off and ending up in the environment cant be good.

IMO paint particles rubbing off and ending up in the environment cant be good.

As opposed to polyethylene scrapings!    Sorry Marv, had to throw that in - you're right, paint chemicals are probably worse.

Maybe FisHunter will chime in but the paint on the bottom of his yak seemed to last pretty well - scraped all to hell now but made it through at least a solid season.

Thanks guys,

Sailfish
I'm not sure but I think that refers to Kevlar hulls not plastic.
I'll look into that.

I think the bulldog stuff is what I'm after and will research it.

Hey Eric I just used Regular Krylon spray paint and scoured the surface of the yak up A litle bit and I have not had an issue with my paint peeling off... Hope this helps...Andy

I lucked out with the limited edition factory camo job. but for environmental and financial reasons I chose to use colored ducting tape for my shark teeth. Duct tape is obviously a lame option for a complete kayak coverage . But, minor things like pinstripes and simple graphics (like "NCKA") Duct tape is an extremely durable and (more) environmentally, and wallet friendly option.  (includes salt water).   With over 50 trips out including a recent river trip, I only have very minor scratches. Put this stuff on a clean dry kayak, gently Exacto your edges to make them smooth and I'm sure you'll be satisfied with the results .

Brian

     Not paint, no pics, but along the lines of tape:  I painted some plastic shelf liner and then cut it out and stuck it on, used a blow dryer to warm it and the yak up, and pressed it down well.  Stayed on pretty well, tho it can get scraped off.   Later, I bought what looks like heavy duty shelf liner, tho I think it's used for stickers or something, from Tap Plastics with the intention of using it, looked like it would be more scratch resistant,but never got around to doing it, and now wonder if it's too old to stick!

Thanks guys,

Sailfish
I'm not sure but I think that refers to Kevlar hulls not plastic.
I'll look into that.

I am sure it's for kayak painting:

Step 1
Purchase a marine polyurethane paint at your local marine store. This type of paint will adhere to the surface of the kayak better than normal paint.

Step 2
Use soapy water to wash the section of the kayak that you will be painting. This will remove any contaminants or dirt on the outer surface and will help the paint stick. Allow the kayak to dry.

Step 3
Remove any hardware from the kayak, in the area you will be painting, including screws, fittings or other parts. Place them in a plastic bag so they do not get lost.

Step 4
Sand uneven surface areas of the kayak with 50-grit sandpaper, to smooth them out. Use 100-grit sandpaper and sand the entire surface to be painted. This will roughen up the area, allowing the paint to stick better. Dust the kayak off with a dry cloth.

Step 5
Dampen a cloth with acetone. Wipe the entire surface of the kayak off to remove any remaining oils or residues. Be sure to wear rubber gloves when you use the acetone, so not to irritate your skin.

Step 6
Tape off the area of the kayak this is not to be painted. Do this only if you will not be painting the entire boat. Use painter's tape and place it between the two areas to divide them.

Step 7
Shake the polyurethane paint well before using. Using a 2- to 3-inch paintbrush with a feather tip, apply the paint evenly to the surface of the kayak.

Step 8
Remove the painter's tape and wipe away paint that has seeped into unwanted areas. Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours.

Step 9
Repaint the entire surface with a second coat of paint and allow to dry completely.

Step 10
Reinstall all the hardware.

Step 11
Wash the kayak again with soapy water and allow it to dry. Apply a marine wax to the outer surface of the kayak and buff. This will help protect the new paint job. The kayak is now ready for use.