painting an old surfboard

[jumpndunk]

sorry to ask this question as i can see it has been asked alot. i am going to paint my board and i am wondering what is the pest spray paint i can use i have seen that acrylic paint is a good way to go am thinking of buying kobra spray paint, also when cleaning the board is it ok to use any paint striper or just asoton?

[billie_morini]

Don't know what you mean by "not been asked alot." It has been discussed often enough Run a search on this forum with the word, "Paint." Not including your post, the search returned 25 posts for me.

[jumpndunk]

well thanks for you help its great

[billie_morini]

cleaning your board:
a) if it has already been painted and not clear coated, you can remove the old paint with paint stripper or thinner. If that fails, you can sand it off.
b) however, if this paint without clear coat is water-based, than you can remove with water and green scrubbing pad. If that fails, you can sand it off.
c) if you're simply talking about cleaning the board from wax, then place in sun, scrape, then wipe with cloth having kerosene or acetone on it. Don't go overboard with acetone. Acetone is the solvent for the fiberglass resin.
d) many folks have used acrylic paint, especially from a spray can. It's OK, but let it dry thoroughly before placing in water. It's ideal if you spray a clear coat of laquer on it. That'll preserve it better.
e) if you can use an air brush or small spray gun and automotive paints, you'll get professional results. This takes some practice and some equipment, but the results are better
f) don't know what "asoton" is. Suspect you mean "acetone"
g) don't know what kobra spay paint is

[zandvoortsurfertje]

Don't know what you mean by "not been asked alot." It has been discussed often enough Run a search on this forum with the word, "Paint." Not including your post, the search returned 25 posts for me.

he said: as i can see it has been asked alot.!!

For painting your surfboard: http://www.ehow.com/how_2138380_paint-a-surfboard.html
Things you'll need:
Undercoat 1 x 150ml can of acrylic auto spray-paint.
Primary base color 3 x 150ml cans of acrylic auto spray-paint.
Clear top coat 2 x 150ml cans.
If you want to do funky designs you'll need water-based paint pens.
One roll low-tack masking tape.
One sheet 600-grit sandpaper.
A newspaper.

1
First you'll need to decide whether you want to paint the whole board, or just do a groovy design. I'll walk you through both processes.
2
Set yourself up in a well ventilated area, out of the wind.
Pull the stomp pad off carefully (gently pry it with a scraper as you pull). Or you can leave it on and tape over it with newspaper later if you want to do a quick job and paint around it.
Now clean that board. I mean really clean it. Scrape the wax off then scrub the board thoroughly to remove all traces of wax, salt and grime. Don't use any harsh solvents or your board may melt into a bubbling mess. Repair dings.
3
Give it a light but thorough sand all over. Don't be lazy when it comes to sanding.
This is particularly important on high wearing areas like the nose, rails and tail.
4
Set the board up so you can hold the cans vertically when spraying. Use long, smooth horizontal strokes that overlap a little.
It's preferable to do a couple of nice even thin coats as the paint will drip and look crap if you spray it on too thick.
If you're new to spray painting practice on newspaper first. Paint the less visible areas to begin with (like around your fins or on top of your deck where your wax goes).
Read paint instructions for drying time.
One layer of undercoat, then two coats of your primary color. Give a light sand between coats.
If you want to have multiple colors tape off other areas with newspaper to protect them.
5
If you want to get creative use water-based paint marker pens to do designs. They allow a lot of color and detail.
You can also tape off stencils any spray paint them.
Sketch a draft first and remember to think big since small stuff wont show up.
Don't worry if you mess up. Just tape over the rest of the design, re-spray where you stuffed up, then start again.
6
Finish off with two or three layers of clear topcoat, wait for it to dry then go hit the waves.

[billie_morini]

Oh, thanks Zand! My old eyes are not what they used to be.

Apologies to jumpndunk.

[zandvoortsurfertje]

@ billie_morini: doesn't matter pall just wanted to make clear that you sometimes need to read things twice xD

[gkellop]

Do you guys know any sites where you can get matching paint to match the color of an old board? I was thinking about picking up this board off of craigslist, and trying to match up the color, for the ding spots, and then put clear coat over it. Not sure how to get that exact color though. Maybe there's a website that can match that up to some sort of acrylic paint or something:

http://providence.craigslist.org/spo/3159001030.html

[Paptzuul]

I know this is an old thread but I've got a couple of questions:

1) I've read in a couple of forums that when using acrylic spray paint it must be water based for PU boards. Is this necesarily true?

2) Are all acrylic spray paints water based?

Here's my problem. I live in a country wher I can't seem to find acrylic water based spray paint, only oil based. I've heard of surfboards literally melting with certain sprays.

So I guess my main question would be if it's OK to use any type of acrylic spray paint to paint a PU board after sanding in a bit?

Thanks for your help guys!

I'm terrified of melting my board!