: Well, I'm ready to paint my canvas kayak. I've had conflicting reports as to
: what to use. Someone told me marine paint. Also remember being told boiled
: linseed oil and oil base paint. Which is better?
: Thanks,
: Marianna

Hi Marianna

I just finished painting my Walrus before R2K1. What I used was one coat of a Elastimeric Roof Sealer thinned about 4 to 1 with water. It was fairly thick and by thinning, I was able to brush it on really light. This gives the canvas a water-tight seal and is flexable. Then I used 3 coats of Acrylic Latex house paint. I let it dry for the recommended length of time between coats and wet sanded with 440 Silicone/carbide paper and then with 600 after the last coat. ( softly, by hand under a running hose ) The first two coats were brushed on and though it went on very smooth and easy, it left the usual lines everywhere I started a section and overlapped. So, I borrowed an airless sprayer and put the 3rd coat on and it went very well. The finish isn't perfectly smooth, as the weave won't totally fill but it is sealed and looks very good. I used semi-gloss and it has a more Satin finish to me. It was Splashed first at Port Townsend and amazingly enough, stayed dry inside. Well, until my dog, T.B., decided to try and jump in. There are other methods, such as the two you mentioned, but this one worked very well for me.

Word of Caution: The canvas I used was purchased from an artists supply and has a water proof coat on it already. Maybe, if your canvas isn't water proofed ahead of time, you might consider two coats of the Elasimeric sealer before the paint.

The Elastomeric Sealer I used is called " Kool Seal", but I imagine that you will find it under a different name where you are. I've heard of several folks using it and all found it under different names. It's a Local thing I guess. I got mine at a small hardware store here. I went to Home Depot and all they had was the Tar/Asphalt based stuff and that is just Way too messy. I'm sure you will here from others and what they used, and I'm sure they are all good solutions. Hope this helps!

Rehd