Touch up painting a kayak
 

On Wed, 20 Aug 2003 22:31:49 -0400, in rec.boats.paddle you wrote:

Forgive my lapses please, the kayak I'm considering painting is constructed
of polyethylene plastic. I believe I'm going to visit the local paint shop
and inquire there.
TIA if any useful suggestions are offered.

Plastic scale model paint... it's made for the job.

Touch up painting a kayak
 

"Garrison Hilliard" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 20 Aug 2003 22:31:49 -0400, in rec.boats.paddle you wrote:

Forgive my lapses please, the kayak I'm considering painting is
constructed
of polyethylene plastic. I believe I'm going to visit the local paint
shop
and inquire there.
TIA if any useful suggestions are offered.

Plastic scale model paint... it's made for the job.

Not really. Plastic scale models are made of straight styrene or
Polystyrene. The paint relies on solvents that actually penetrate the
surface of the plastic in order to adhere to the model. The PE used in the
manufacture of plastic kayaks is not penetrated by such solvents so the
adhesion is essentially dependant upon surface tension. The problem is that
the plastic is constantly off gassing its own distillates that break that
bond and eventually, with flex and shock from impact, the paint will flake
off.

Touch up painting a kayak
 

On 23-Aug-2003, (William R. Watt) wrote:

Its 5% per season, cummulative.

You're making this up as you go along, right? How about a reference for this?

How many people wax their boat bottoms to reduce hull resistance? If you
are spending money on special paddles and high priced boats to improve
performance I would think you should.

Then you clearly don't know anything about performance. Wax does nothing.

Mike

Touch up painting a kayak
 

"Arleen" wrote in message


Any suggestions for touch up painting an older kayak where the designs are
worn away? Kind of paint/brush???
TIA ;-)


If I read the question correct it is intended to improve the appearance
rather than the speed/performance. I agree that painting/waxing of the
underside will have little if any effect. As someone who teaches/coaches
sprint and marathon racing the actual paddling action is far more
important than if the underside is scratched. A good paddle action is
essential as it will not only move the boat more efficiently but will
require less energy expenditure on behalf of the paddler.

Frank Healy


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