Your friend is probably right about the art paint sticking. On option is to lightly sand the paint before doing the art and then covering every thing with a gloss clear coat.

Good quality exterior paint will work. It is probably not as hard as a marine paint so it will wear out sooner.

> I have access to a very good graphic artist. The problem is he is
> concerned that any paint he uses will not stick to the marine paint I
> planned to use on the bottom and sides of my Chesapeake 18. He suggested
> exterior house paint. Has anyone used this paint on a boat? Does it hold
> up well to abuse? Is it easily repaired? Does it affect the epoxy? Will it
> inhibit UV well enough? Have I asked enough questions? Thanks for your
> answers.

> Already paddling my great new boat,

> John