: I'm wondering what thoughts people have about the relative merits of the
: materials available for covering a skin on frame kayak. I definitely want
: something I can paint when it's done.

Well, canvas is definitely capable of taking paint, but that's where I took most of my weight gain. I used #10 duck covered with a white elastomeric roof sealer and subsequently painted with standard latex exterior house paints. Although the canvas has a fair amount of weight to it, I think improvements could be had in the paint dept. The roof paint/sealer could probably be thinned, especially if it's to be followed with other paints. I also think there could be some merit in trying dyed canvas covered with a clear urethane product. Another alternative might be the epoxy route. You could tint it as needed. Others here seem to have had good luck with that. Can't speak on the durability yet, as the water here has taken on a hard, glassy composition :-) Perhaps Mike can give you some ideas.

Bill