DayTripper

I intend to paint the acrylic faring on my Baja 272 during the complete new paint job we are currently working on.

I'm seeking advice on proper prep, or especially what type of additives might be required for the paint to remain somewhat flexible without cracking, sort of like new style painted bumpers on cars.

We're using PPG DP sealer. The faring will be candy red over silver with clear.

Thanks for any advice,

DayTripper

customryder

you will not need a flex agent on the w\s... it will not flex enough to crack the paint, all paint will move somewhat before cracking. I would use a plastic primer followed by a primer surface & sand to fill any cracks or inperfectons.

James

There are many types of plastics and some of those are acrylics and acrylic blends. For sure you should do a test sample first. To keep it simple - because these surfaces are exposed to the sun you should use a polyurethane for best long term color and gloss retention. Many plastics will disposvle slightly when exposed to solvents such as MEK, Tolulene or Xylene. These are solvent that are found in many single stage polyurethane paints such as DuPont "Imron". Wet a rag with one of the solvents above, wipe the acrylic and if it melts then you are good. The solvents in the paint will slightly melt the plastic/ acrylic and provide very good adhesion.
It would be good to lightly sand the surface first with 400 grit paper to make sure any wax has been removed.

DayTripper

I appreciate the advice.

We plan to clean, sand, seal with PPG DP, spray with silver, then spray with candy red, then several coats of clear.

Am I alright with this combination on the faring?

The same combination goes for the rest of the boat but the colors will vary.

James

Check the ingrediants in the DP - This is most likely a polyamide epoxy and will have some strong solvents - The MSDS will tell you by % or possibly on the can itself - If you have more than 30% aromatic solvents then you should be good - If the DP uses alcohols as co-solvents then you may want to go direct with the polyurathane -

Gmoney52

excellent advise guys. I have painted acrilic hatches and windscreens that acetone didn't melt. Sanded with #220 DA then shot with plastic parts adhesion promoter (2 parts-activated) let flash then DP orK36S. Flash-off to haze then base colors. Let flash well to prevent solvent entrapment before clear(and between coats) or may have "lifting" or "bubbles" appear by the time you are cleaning the gun! No flex additive needed as Customryder or James mentioned. G$

mr_velocity

Had my shot with Alwgrip 9 years ago, not a chip or crack in the paint.

Gmoney52

Mr Velocity is not the exception. Single stage can be shot over some acrylics that have been sanded with #180 DA w/o primer, but sometimes it could "not bite back". Adhesion promoter and epoxy sealer are best for the longest life with singlestage (vs base/clear). G$