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I want to paint a sail. What paint should I use?

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Created by Paducah 2 months ago, 22 Jun 2024
Paducah
2536 posts
22 Jun 2024 12:03AM
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I've always had the itch to paint one (or more) of my sails. I always had the idea that something bright would be fun for non-windsurfers to look at. Then this comment here: www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Review/North-3Di?page=12#1 and the subsequent mention of Balz's sail at Defi has me thinking again. What paints would stick and work well to monofilm? Or, perhaps, this was a big vinyl cut? (Should we be wrapping our sails like we do cars?)

For those who think the sail is ugly, this thread is not about your artistic critiques.

ains
NSW, 59 posts
8 Jul 2024 9:33PM
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I got the impression the artwork was done by a graffiti artist for that sail. so good quality spray can paint may work.
I have ordered some permanent adhesive vinyl to use to cover some monofilm on one of my sails.

peterowensbabs
NSW, 461 posts
8 Jul 2024 10:21PM
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Select to expand quote
ains said..
I got the impression the artwork was done by a graffiti artist for that sail. so good quality spray can paint may work.
I have ordered some permanent adhesive vinyl to use to cover some monofilm on one of my sails.





The 'best' graffiti 'spray can' paint is an American one famous amongst 'graph artists by Kryoln often seen featured in their art (Krylon always tried to keep their brand away from Graff art but everyone knew they sold millions of cans a week to graff artists). You could give it a shot but ....!

Most 'spray can' paints will not adhere to mono film very well. Spray paint is mostly either acrylic lacquer or epoxy paint and is ridged and will crack and peel, there are some with flexible plasticisers made for plastic bumpers etc but still not ideal.

A high quality vinyl will give you better results - Avery 3M or Fascall all do high quality uv stable exterior quality vinyls. The down side is turning your idea into a graphic file (SVG or similar),needing correct vinyl for each colour, cutting it out on a vinyl cutter, weeding the negative away, sticking it all on a carrier film and then applying it, or doing all the cutting by hand . You can get vinyl printed on so that may be another option.

Companies like 'the look' 'Graphix' or 'Graphic art Mart' can do it for you but at a substantial cost. They are the type of firms that do shop windows, yacht signage or buss Ads. And where is the fun or creativity in that?
There is a great home brand vinyl machine called a Cricut that's very user friendly but they still cost about $600 and only cut 300mm by 600mm at a time.

Looking at the image of balz's sail i'd say it was sprayed but I would not expect it to last. If its a promo or a sponsorship maybe the expensive option is best but If its just for fun on an old sail go for it spray away!!!


www.krylon.com/en/products/all-products

metode.org/issues/seccions-revistes/science-drawer-seccions/the-paint-that-triggered-graffiti.html

Just google krylon grafitti if you want to disappear for a few hours down a rabbit hole....vintage spray cans go for big money, there are bags, posters, footwear etc all dedicated to the 'brand that started Grafitti'!

Paducah
2536 posts
8 Jul 2024 9:05PM
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Select to expand quote
peterowensbabs said..


ains said..
I got the impression the artwork was done by a graffiti artist for that sail. so good quality spray can paint may work.
I have ordered some permanent adhesive vinyl to use to cover some monofilm on one of my sails.







The 'best' graffiti 'spray can' paint is an American one famous amongst 'graph artists by Kryoln often seen featured in their art (Krylon always tried to keep their brand away from Graff art but everyone knew they sold millions of cans a week to graff artists). You could give it a shot but ....!

Most 'spray can' paints will not adhere to mono film very well. Spray paint is mostly either acrylic lacquer or epoxy paint and is ridged and will crack and peel, there are some with flexible plasticisers made for plastic bumpers etc but still not ideal.

A high quality vinyl will give you better results - Avery 3M or Fascall all do high quality uv stable exterior quality vinyls. The down side is turning your idea into a graphic file (SVG or similar),needing correct vinyl for each colour, cutting it out on a vinyl cutter, weeding the negative away, sticking it all on a carrier film and then applying it, or doing all the cutting by hand . You can get vinyl printed on so that may be another option.

Companies like 'the look' 'Graphix' or 'Graphic art Mart' can do it for you but at a substantial cost. They are the type of firms that do shop windows, yacht signage or buss Ads. And where is the fun or creativity in that?
There is a great home brand vinyl machine called a Cricut that's very user friendly but they still cost about $600 and only cut 300mm by 600mm at a time.

Looking at the image of balz's sail i'd say it was sprayed but I would not expect it to last. If its a promo or a sponsorship maybe the expensive option is best but If its just for fun on an old sail go for it spray away!!!


www.krylon.com/en/products/all-products

metode.org/issues/seccions-revistes/science-drawer-seccions/the-paint-that-triggered-graffiti.html

Just google krylon grafitti if you want to disappear for a few hours down a rabbit hole....vintage spray cans go for big money, there are bags, posters, footwear etc all dedicated to the 'brand that started Grafitti'!



As a citizen in the great land of Krylon, I thank you so much. I've already got boxes full of various colors to play with. I do know they also have a specialized paint for plastic surfaces as well (for painting plastic outdoor furniture, toys, etc) www.krylon.com/en/products/all-purpose-spray-paint/fusion-all-in-one. I think this is the way to go.

I'd thought about the vinyl route but it seems cost prohibitive and I'm not good at the vector-based software to best use for design.Plus, my adhd would prefer to simply mask some stuff off and let it rip. My first trial is on an older sail that wouldn't merit much money being spent on it with its remaining life.

btw, I have handcut sail numbers from the vinyl, though. The "temporary" stuff works well. The permanent stuff seems like you better love your sail number as there's no going back easily

cris21
WA, 43 posts
8 Jul 2024 9:27PM
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Select to expand quote
peterowensbabs said..

ains said..
I got the impression the artwork was done by a graffiti artist for that sail. so good quality spray can paint may work.
I have ordered some permanent adhesive vinyl to use to cover some monofilm on one of my sails.






The 'best' graffiti 'spray can' paint is an American one famous amongst 'graph artists by Kryoln often seen featured in their art (Krylon always tried to keep their brand away from Graff art but everyone knew they sold millions of cans a week to graff artists). You could give it a shot but ....!

Most 'spray can' paints will not adhere to mono film very well. Spray paint is mostly either acrylic lacquer or epoxy paint and is ridged and will crack and peel, there are some with flexible plasticisers made for plastic bumpers etc but still not ideal.

A high quality vinyl will give you better results - Avery 3M or Fascall all do high quality uv stable exterior quality vinyls. The down side is turning your idea into a graphic file (SVG or similar),needing correct vinyl for each colour, cutting it out on a vinyl cutter, weeding the negative away, sticking it all on a carrier film and then applying it, or doing all the cutting by hand . You can get vinyl printed on so that may be another option.

Companies like 'the look' 'Graphix' or 'Graphic art Mart' can do it for you but at a substantial cost. They are the type of firms that do shop windows, yacht signage or buss Ads. And where is the fun or creativity in that?
There is a great home brand vinyl machine called a Cricut that's very user friendly but they still cost about $600 and only cut 300mm by 600mm at a time.

Looking at the image of balz's sail i'd say it was sprayed but I would not expect it to last. If its a promo or a sponsorship maybe the expensive option is best but If its just for fun on an old sail go for it spray away!!!


www.krylon.com/en/products/all-products

metode.org/issues/seccions-revistes/science-drawer-seccions/the-paint-that-triggered-graffiti.html

Just google krylon grafitti if you want to disappear for a few hours down a rabbit hole....vintage spray cans go for big money, there are bags, posters, footwear etc all dedicated to the 'brand that started Grafitti'!


do you know if regular spray would stick to a north 3d sail?

KA360
NSW, 803 posts
8 Jul 2024 11:58PM
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Spray cans.... spray some in a cup, then paint it on with a small brush.




Drawndead
2 posts
13 Jul 2024 11:13AM
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Printed stickers are pretty cost effective and last well probs easier overall. Have to draw up the graphics tho..



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"I want to paint a sail. What paint should I use?" started by Paducah