How do you paint a boat using metallic flakes?

[Christopher Quast]

Have never painted anything using metallic flake just thought I'd see if anyone on here had any idea of what kind of flake to use and the proper procedure for painting a boat with it

[mr walleye]

Not something you want to try unless you have some experience painting,

[davesfriend]

Yep. The bigger flake like seen on the glass bass boats are sprayed with at least a 1.8mm tip spray gun. The flake is mixed into the first coat of clear. Then you need at least 2 or 3 more coats of clear after that. And at best unless you are a pro it will be a textured finish. You could do the three coats of clear bake it and then sand it with some 1500 grit or 2000 grit and re-clear it if you plan on buffing it. I have done this and it sucks. You probably want to have someone else do it or just find a color that you like...

[Shack]

Ya, it is not easy. Some pearls have a slight metal flake in them, but the true "metal flake" you see on boats is a clear coat process in its own like Davesfriend said.

If you want to try it, go right a head. You never know what you can do your self. I would get a guide or book to help you threw it.

If you do decide to take it to a shop, make sure you find a Body Shop that works with glass as in a boat repair or a Vett shop. Most likey they will have a painter that has done this before and can explain what will be done.

Good luck.

[Steve Bakken]

It never hurts to try. But as the other guys said, practice, practice, practice. After painting boats for over 20 years, we still have to do test panels to make sure that we have everything laying down just right before we spray it on a boat.

[Christopher Quast]

Yea after thinkin about it a little more I was more leaning towards NAAAAA on that idea but thanks for the info anyways