JEM Watercraft

I need some advice on an idea I have

I would like to theme my Okwata without giving to much away I require some advice on the following;

If one was to apply some artwork in the form of paint should one

a) use acrylic or enamel paint (I was thinking enamel)
b) apply the artwork first and then glass over with a varnish finish
c) apply the glass, then artwork then varnish.

Your expert advice would be greatly appreciated

Glass over if you want it to last. But if you ever need to change it, you'll have more to remove to get to it. Just depends on what your desires are.

Cheers Matt

Enamel paint under the glass should be OK

oh.

I'm not 100% sure to be honest. I say that because the term "enamel" gets tossed around with oil-based and water-based paints these days. If you're sure it's water-based, then it should be ok. Maybe ask your epoxy vendor to be sure?

I don't mean to sound wishy-washy.

Hairymick does those laminates. I'm sure he'll be along to comment on what he uses.

G'day Art,

these are just my beliefs mate.

I hesitate to paint anything onto the ply before I epoxy.

I stained the decks of my laker with water based stain and even that seemed to reduce the plys capacity to absorb the resin.

If you paint the ply with anything, your resin will stick to the pain instead of impregnating the ply. this will reduce the strength of the boat significantly. the strength of the bond between the ply and epoxy are the heart of your boat mate.

I would paint the boat once the epoxy and fibreglass have gone on and then apply several coats of clear marine varnish on top of that. Any other way will compromise the integrity of the build in my opinion.

Guys thanks again for your thoughts and comments

I will go with epoxy glass, artwork then the varnish

Cheers