Boat Forum / Building / May 2007

Sure, it's done all the time. You can spray, or use a technique known
as "roll and tip". Look at Awlgrip's information, or Fabula's boat
paint.
http://www.fabulainc.com/index.php?topic=Signature+Finish

The two most popular types of paint used on boat topsides are alkyd and
linear polyurethane.

The alkyd paints are similar to the oil paints we've used forever.  Some of
their names are misleading and confusing.  Easypoxy and Brightsides and
Toplac polyurethane are basically alkyd paints.  Alkyd paints are one-part
paints,it's a question of how  are easy to apply and can have high gloss,
but they don't weather or tolerate scuffs particularly well.  They can be
applied by brush, roll & tip or spray.

The linear polyurethane (LPU) paints are all two-part paints.  Brand names
include Interlux Perfection, Awlgrip and Imron.  These paints are more
expensive,  require better surface preparation and are more difficult to
apply than alkyd paints but they are tougher and weather much better.  They
can also be applied by brush, roll&tip and spray, but SPRAYING LPU PAINT IS
UNSAFE WITHOUT SPECIALIZED RESPIRATOR EQUIPMENT.   An amateur can get very
good results with roll&tip methods.

Occasionally someone will recommend other paints.  Epoxy paint, marketed for
garage floors, is tough but does not weather well.  Acrylic latex (house
paint) weathers well but has very low gloss and does not tolerate scuffs
well.

So, as a practical matter, the choice of a paint system depends on how fine
a finish you want, how roughly the boat will be used and whether it'll be
exposed to the weather for months or years on end.  The LPU paints are a
good choice if you want a fine and lasting finish, are willing to pay for it
in more materials and labor, store the boat outdoors and don't use the boat
so roughly that an annual repaint is unavoidable.  Otherwise, use alkyd.