ob question - hotcoat over primer or clear coat?

General Discussion
1

I did a search and didn’t come up with an exact answer so here’s my question:

I picked up a used board that needs a few ding repairs and a new paint job.

My initial plan is:

patch, light sanding over entire board, apply white primer, apply stencil/art.

after that, I’m not sure what’s the best next step.

A. clear coat with spray acrylic

or

B. hot coat ontop of all that prmer and the stencil art.

Which is the best idea to ensure the paint lasts and doesnt get chipped off? And which is the best idea to save weight?

Thanks in advance.

2

I don’t think you need to use primer, just use white spray paint. If using multiple colors over each other, make sure they are the same brand (I learned this lesson the hard way - some paints melt previous coats). When finished, just spray an automotive clear coat over the whole thing. Holds up well.

3

wouldnt a white primer bond better to the glass?

4
Quote:

wouldnt a white primer bond better to the glass?

Spray paint sticks great. Keep in mind, I’m talking about a sanded hotcoat.

5

How about painting on the lam coat or is it too sticky? I am contemplating restoring an old board also. Or would I be better off painting on hotcoat,then glossing over? What type of paint works best? Can I use the same paint I have always used for painting on the blank?

6

i have had good results just painting right on the lam. i used acrylic paint, slightly diluted with water then hotcoat over it when its all finished and dried. i’m not sure if the process is different if you are restoring a board but if you are re-laminating i would go that rout, i had no problems with bleeding or anything. i would be careful when sanding the hotcoat over the painted surface so that you dont burn through. here is one i did on the lam, came out pretty good.

7

Here are some rules I’ve kept for myself after many mistakes:

  1. With polyester resin and epoxy, good quality water-based acrylics work great and hold their color. Tempra paint works good too.

  2. Paint sprayed on the hotcoat, you get clean lines and edges. Lam has weave, so the look will be more textured, and edges not so sharp.

  3. If you spray automotive clearcoat over the paint, use the two-part clearcoat. It’s strong and flexible. But wear a respirator!

  4. Stay away from spraying acrylics with cadmium. It will destroy your brain cells.

  5. If the finished paint has a sheen to it, sand it lightly so it looks dull. The resin will flow better. Tempra is already dull.

    You can also add calcium carbonate powder to the paint to dull the finished paint surface.

  6. To save weight, the auto clearcoat will be lighter than gloss resin, but not as durable.

  7. Be creative, have fun, and get over your fear: It’s only a surfboard, and sometimes goof-ups come out better than the plan.

Doug