: If I were to paint the hull of a new-build stripper (and I'm not sure I
: will)what is the process to follow? Does anyone know of any reading
: material of the steps involved and of suggested pigment options? Any
: suggestions appreciated.

It is basically the same process as if you were going to varnish. You put on the same layers of epoxy, and sand them smooth. Then you put on paint.

Boat paints designed for "topside" use are perfectly suitable. They bond well to the epoxy. Some are oil base and some are urethane or polyurethane.

"Hull" paints tend to include compounds that repel barnacles, or inhibit their growth. This may be critical for saltwater boats that stay in the ater all the time, but it is not an issue for kayaks as these are usually used on a day to day basis, and stored dry between uses.

The color range for topside paints is quite extensive. As with house paints, if you don't like a color that is prepackaged you can also use tinting colors to change, or create any color you want. The manufacturer of the boat paint can supply information on compatible tinting pigments.

hope this helps.

PGJ