Paint

[Fast68]

Can automotive spray paints be used on fiberglass hulls and will it be damaged by nitro fuel?

[RickE]

Most automotive paint systems will work on most fiberglass hulls and will holdup to low percentage (10-30%) nitro boat fuel, but above those ratios you'll need a true fuelproof paint like Lustercoat (Great Planes) or Formula-U (Tower Hobbies).

Hope this helps,
RickE

[roostertailz]

Just for info. Urethane automotive paints are the way to go and these are automotive finnishes. We have tested them harshly with no ill effects. Try some 2 stage basecoat clear coat in a bowl and spray the clear on the bowl then let cure. After you get done with that pour about a 1/4 inch of 50% nitro fuel mix in the bowl and let it sit until the nitro and methanol evaporates. after it evaporates then remove the left over oil residue and then buff to a shine with no harm to the clear. This is harsh.
Roostertailz

[Fast68]

Is the automotive paint the kind you can buy at the auto parts store in the spray can or are you refering to the kind that gets mixed at the body shop?

[roostertailz]

Hey fast 68,
I am refering to Automotive urethanes which do require reducers and hardners. You cannot buy this type of paints anywhere but automotive finnish supply stores. They can custom mix all of your colors for you.
These are the best types of paints for boats where nitro is goin to be present. There are cost involved in the prices but the end result is 100 times better than any "rattle can" you can buy anywhere.
Roostertailz

[Fast68]

Thanks for the info, I think I'll stick to ready available model paints intended for the for purpose.