PPG Del Fleet Evolution vs the rest

[muddywater]

Anybody use a more automotive style paint like PPG Del Fleet Evolution? If so, how to you think it compares with Awlgrip, Perfection, and Sterling in terms of gloss, longevity, and ease of application?

Thanks

[bigeasy1]

I can't help with the PPG,but about ten years ago,I painted a boat with Sunfire two part urethane made by the automotive division of Sherwin Williams,a similar finish to the PPG.
It proved to be an outstanding finish,in gloss,and durability,and looked as good ten years later as the day I painted it.

This paint was used primarily on fleet trucks,and aircraft,and was recommended to me by several auto body guys as being a bullet proof finish.

I knew very little(still do)about spray technique when i did it,but it came out extremely nice.I did get a tiny bit of orange peel,but overall it was very good.
I had to use a primer and sealer(both two parts)before the final finish coat.It was a lot of work and some trial and error,but worth it.

It was however,pretty expensive,and is a health risk to spray(like all isocyanate urethanes),if you don't use the proper safety equipment.
I sprayed it in a big warehouse with lots of ventilation,wearing a standard respirator.Now that I look back, it was a stupid thing to do.

I would guess that the PPG is a similar finish,and if so,I think you'd be happy with it.I think the finish is more durable than Awlgrip.I kind of wish that I had used the Sunfire on my Tsunami,but it was a bit out of my price range.

[MarkJ]

I used Del Fleet on my Seafari. I paint cars for a living and we use PPG so that is what I chose. I painted it last year and the paint held up good. I got one scratch from rubbing the corner of a dock so I touched it up and you can't see it. Del Fleet gets hard fast, I wet sanded and buffed it the next day and it was tough! Has a great shine when buffed.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/a...511091644a.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/a...523091515a.jpg

[muddywater]

Wow!!! That is one sweet looking paint job!!!! Do you mind if I ask what tip size you sprayed it with, how much you thinned it, and what gun you prefer? Also, if it gets hard fast, I presume that would make it pretty much opposite of spraying Awlgrip?

Thanks for sharing!

[MarkJ]

I used an Iwata W-400 with a 1.4 tip reduced 10%, if I were to do it again I would go a little more maybe 12-15% to get the paint to flow a little more. It does dry fast but I also baked it, if you let it air dry it still would dry fast but if you plan to buff the paint it will make it easier.

[muddywater]

I just wanted to thank you guys for the information. I haven't been around for a while because I have not made much progress on the boat in a while.

I was considering an Iwata gun myself, but lately I have mostly been considering how poisonous all the marine paints are and my lack of a forced air system. I may just have to forget about it and spray gel coat. I did my console already in gel coat just to see what it would be like and it is a mind boggling amount of work with all the sanding and polishing, but it did look great when finished. I ztill have not decided.

[Blue_Heron]

I did my console already in gel coat just to see what it would be like and it is a mind boggling amount of work with all the sanding and polishing, but it did look great when finished.

Are you using Dura Tech clear gloss additive with your gelcoat? Cuts out the sanding and polishing step if your spray technique is good. You use it with unwaxed gelcoat.
Dave