> Ian, so would it be possible or affordable to take a sanded,prepped,masked
> kayak to an auto body and say "two part polyurathane clearcoat"?

Hi Lee,

Meant to answer you earlier but I was late for a karate class.

In my opinion this is the only way to use the polyurethane. It is just too toxic to use at home. If you boat is prepped it would only take about 2 hours to apply the finish. Applying these finishes takes practice so getting someone who has experience to do it makes sense.

Affordability is another issue. I spray a fair number of things for friends at no charge but painters make a living painting things so they would expect to be paid.

In B.C. the paint rate is about $85.00 an hour. (U.S. labour rates are lower) This includes labour and material. Refinishing a large panel is flatrated at 3 hours, which includes scuff sanding and masking. This brings the price up to about $250.00. This is for a finish that has a lifetime warranty.

If you have already prepped your kayak, there is no masking to do and you don't need the lifetime warranty, you should get it cheaper. (I worked in a shop that did these jobs on the weekend and only covered expenses to allow the workers to make some quick spending money. Painters make about 23.00/hour + materials.)

But each shop is different! So you will have to look around. Try find one where the owner or manager is interested in your boat.

One final note, remember how the last time you had work done on your car and you complained about the price? I bet you wish you had of given that painter a tip now, eh?? Everyone hates bodymen and mechanics until they need us!! {:o) LOL

Ian