View Full Version : 3M material boat coating
Billnoy
02-18-2006, 08:47 AM
I've seen posts in the past about using a 3M material on boats in place of or over existing paint (clear as well as collored).If used in place of paint can it be applied as partial panels ( 8" to 10" bands),or do you have to do the whole boat? I would like to get in touch with someone that does this work.
Bill
Brad (greenbuttskunk) on the board does this type of stuff for a living. I'm sure he'll chime in here. IMO, you can do any type of configurations. It's spendy stuff, but it's more durable than paint. Kewl stuff if ya ask me!!!
That is what Motion Marine uses on their boats now. Call mark, he can probably help you out.
greenbuttskunk
02-22-2006, 05:08 PM
Hi Bill,
I look forward to working with you soon.
:smile:
Just to clear a few things up.
3M makes a clear paint protection film 8mil. It is meant to cover existing paint, colored vinyl film, or raw alum. to keep it from discoloration. It also helps keep rocked chips and such from damaging the boats finish. It is fairly expensive material though. About twice the cost of a colored 3mil vinyl wrap.
3M also mfg.'s the colored vinyl material I use to wrap boats, do color bands, graphics, etc. As far as durability, I would not say it's really any more "durable" than paint. Run into a dock and hit a sharp metal object, it will have damage like paint. However, it's benefit is flexiblity with colors, it's
more affordable than paint, and can be repaired or replaced rather easily, so it's becoming more popular. A number of boat manufactures use vinyl as opposed to paint now.
Here's a before and after. A few hours of time, and your boat has a new look.
take care,
GBS http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/boat_wrap.jpg
WaterDog
02-22-2006, 07:20 PM
Brad,
Can the colored vinyl be matched to existing paint if you have the OEM color code? I'm struggling with the whole paint thing on my new boat. Right now my thought is to paint the top but I'd like to have the sides just vinyl. However it has to match (or be super close), otherwise I'll bite the bullet and do the paint. The paint color is a current Ford automotive color.
yankemnbankem
02-23-2006, 06:53 PM
You may be able to come close but to match the color exactly would be hard. Beings that the two areas are seperated from each other I think you would be able to find a pretty good match. :smash:
greenbuttskunk
02-23-2006, 07:05 PM
:yeahthat: yep, just depends on the paint color. Many vinyls match well, others are a bit off, but you may not notice it.