Protective Paint(s) for Inflatable Boats (RIBs, etc)

Discussion in 'All Things Boats & Boating' started by brian eiland, Jun 7, 2022.

  1. brian eiland
    Joined: Jun 2002
    Posts: 5,067
    Likes: 216, Points: 73, Legacy Rep: 1903
    Location: St Augustine Fl, Thailand

    brian eiland Senior Member

    I've been away from the industry for some time now. Just recently I have good friend who purchased a used RIB, that appears to have some sort of painted coating applied to portions of the inflatable tubes.

    What sort of coatings have been developed over the past 10 years for 'preserving' these inflatables, particularly in tropic sun conditions??
     
  2. brian eiland
    Joined: Jun 2002
    Posts: 5,067
    Likes: 216, Points: 73, Legacy Rep: 1903
    Location: St Augustine Fl, Thailand

    brian eiland Senior Member

    So no one has attempted to paint their inflatable ??
     
  3. BlueBell
    Joined: May 2017
    Posts: 2,684
    Likes: 959, Points: 113
    Location: Victoria BC Canada

    BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

    Hypalon is the preferred inflatable material.
    It should not be painted, nor does it need to be.
     

  4. valvebounce
    Joined: Dec 2010
    Posts: 577
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    Location: manchester uk

    valvebounce Senior Member

    I have a hypalon inflatable,and although I went over it with dish liquid soap,I couldn't find any leaks,and the boat was taking a day or two to go down.
    I found out that hypalon eventually goes porus,and eventually leaks air through the material.
    I cured it by letting the air out,and adding a 3-1 mix of waterproof PVA liquid,re inflating the boat,then turning the boat over and over a few times.
    Blowing the boat back up to full pressure,and leaving it overnight.The PVA works like the emergency tyre repair can,and fills up the porosity.
    It worked great.
     
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