Have just bought a old laser dinghy and i wonder if it is possible to repaint the whole thing ie hull and deck.Hull is fairly good but deck requires lots of filler etc.Whats the best paint to use?

davie sabiston, August 2008

hi there use international perfection,,,,great finish,looks amazing only probis that its bout 30-40 pounds a tin but 1 tin should do that whole hull. MAKE SURE THAT THE HULL IS COMPLETELY SANDED DOWN OR U WONT GET A NICE FINSH (BELIVE ME I DID THAT AND I REGRET IT). BUT U WILLL NEED A PRIMER AND ALSO FINISHIN COAT, WWW.MARINESCENE.COM SHOULD LOCATE THIS FOR YOU

ANDREW EARLE, January 2009

I carried out a similar job last winter. I painted both underside and topside. Having painted a few boats i have found International Toplac to be the most suitable if being applied to boats which are not left in the water all year round. Toplac is a single pack paint and easy to work with. Two pack paint may give a more durable finish but its quite difficult to apply.

The process i have used:
1. Rub down existing paintwork using 400 - 800 grit wet and dry paper.
2. Fill any imperfections and rub back until smoothe.
3. Apply 2 - 3 coats of Pre Kote which is suitable to be used with Toplac.
4. I normally apply 5 - 6 coats of Toplac using a sponge roller
5. When dry dub back with wet, wet and dry paper starting at 800 grade and finishing with 1200 grade.
6. This should give you a smoothe finish ready for burnishing.
7. Burnish using a G Mop with water and farcela G6 and then polish with any car wax polish.

I used this method on the foils as well.

The topside i only gave 1 coat of pre kote and 3 coats of toplac and never rubbed down or burnished.

This will have your laser looking like new.

Remember to remove all fittings prior to painting and use plenty of silicone when replacing to ensure no water can penetrate.

Alan H, September 2008

a two part epoxy paint would be best

gavin, August 2008