Floor Caulk, Topside paint and nonslip(kung fu) grip

[jaycal3]

Ok guys, as the title says, I plan on doing some work to my boat prior to splashing it this season.  I have the new motor now going into its second season and I really want the boat to look as good as it runs.  I have stripped all the old nasty caulk from the floor and plan on sanding the floor and gunwales for a fresh coat of primer and paint.  So this is what I am thinking and have questions:

Remove all hardware and fill all holes.
Sand floor, console, leaning station and gunwales - what grit to use?
Acetone to clean it all prior to primer
Primer
Paint (for primer and paint I was thinking of using Interlux Topside or Perfection)  Thoughts?  Spray or roll?
Repaint nonskid sections after taping off areas - Awlgrip or Kiwigrip?
Caulk - 2 questions here - what caulk should I use and do I caulk before or after painting?
Reattach new hardware to hatches etc.
I also want to paint the fiberglass top - same type of paint?

After all this I will be ordering some cushions for the front triangular area and top of the bait well seat just forward of the center console.  I was going to use SeaDek but its rather expensive...

And lastly, I want to strip the layers of bottom paint and add a fresh one.  How are these "chemical" or environmentally friendly strippers you spray on?

I know its a lot of questions but you all have a wealth of knowledge and this is my first venture into these areas.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Jay

[gran398]

Jay,

Caulk before you paint. "Lifecaulk" (polysulfide) is paintable.

[jdupree]

Ok guys, as the title says, I plan on doing some work to my boat prior to splashing it this season.  I have the new motor now going into its second season and I really want the boat to look as good as it runs.  I have stripped all the old nasty caulk from the floor and plan on sanding the floor and gunwales for a fresh coat of primer and paint.  So this is what I am thinking and have questions:

Remove all hardware and fill all holes.
Sand floor, console, leaning station and gunwales - what grit to use?
Acetone to clean it all prior to primer
Primer
Paint (for primer and paint I was thinking of using Interlux Topside or Perfection)  Thoughts?  Spray or roll?
Repaint nonskid sections after taping off areas - Awlgrip or Kiwigrip?
Caulk - 2 questions here - what caulk should I use and do I caulk before or after painting?
Reattach new hardware to hatches etc.
I also want to paint the fiberglass top - same type of paint?

After all this I will be ordering some cushions for the front triangular area and top of the bait well seat just forward of the center console.  I was going to use SeaDek but its rather expensive...

And lastly, I want to strip the layers of bottom paint and add a fresh one.  How are these "chemical" or environmentally friendly strippers you spray on?

I know its a lot of questions but you all have a wealth of knowledge and this is my first venture into these areas.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Jay

For the deck, I would go with Kiwigrip.  I originally went with Durabak and it turned out ok, but Kiwigrip is a much better and "thicker" non-skid.  Kiwigrip makes it easy to touch up places in the future if needed.

[jaycal3]

Ok, Kiwigrip and lifecaulk... I assumed painting even paintable caulk would eventually crack the paint over time - leading to a mess.  I figured a white caulk would stay white therefore making it unnecessary to paint.

Thanks for the replies guys.  Lots of questions still unanswered but I appreciate the input.

[gran398]

My bad...thought you were looking to paint over the caulk.

Otherwise...you have a myriad of choices. If you're looking to bed down the gas tank hatch...stay away from the heavy adhesives like 4200/5200. Go with a white marine mildew-resistant  silicone, etc., something you can cut later as necessary.

[jdupree]

Ok, Kiwigrip and lifecaulk... I assumed painting even paintable caulk would eventually crack the paint over time - leading to a mess.  I figured a white caulk would stay white therefore making it unnecessary to paint.

Thanks for the replies guys.  Lots of questions still unanswered but I appreciate the input.

I used 3m 4200 to seal my gas tank hatch.  Here is what you need to consider.  When I rolled my deck with Durabak, I rolled right over the 4000.  This does 2 things:  Hides the ugly caulk line, and gives you even more added protection from water intrusion.  My deck was painted two years ago and the 4000 caulk line I painted over looks just as good as the day I did it.  Would I paint over it again, sure would.