Yes Brian, My comment that "it is what it is" reflects that you have a modern version of an native SoF kayak and in many ways I am happy with that.

This is what I have gleaned so far regarding painting the types of nylon people seem to be using for the skin. No order of "best" or "preference" (Thanks to those who have contributed to this synthesis)
1:. Varathane Exterior Paints with pigments added.
2: Spar Varnish tinted with oil based enamel pigments
3: Water based Polycrylic (Actually and interior paint! The user knew it was an experiment))
4: Exterior gloss urethane (3 parts) to 2 parts of Urethane fortified oil paint (to add colour)
5: Add artists oil paints (colour of choice) to the varnish
^: Universal pigments do not work as well as Artists oil paints.
Regard to dyeing:
1. Probably the best general information site for nylon/polyester is; http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/aboutdyes.shtml
2: Clearly acid dyes (though possibly dispersal dyes) are the dyes of choice.
3: They seem to need heat to fix them. (I need to find out more about that)
4: It seems that people use their washing machine to do the dying in. ( I Will have to wait for my wife to spend a few days away before i dare try that! )
5: It would appear that your "national well known brands" of dyes (general dyes)have some acid and some non acid dyes in them. The non acid will wash out as they do not stick to nylon. They are not recommended by those who appear to know about these things. (But they will work to some extent)

Please add to these possible approaches to painting and dyeing man made "skins" if you have more information.

Thanks

: Hmmm. Most people like the look of the ribs and other wood. That's part of
: the charm of a SOF boat.

: Regardless, the easiest way to tint the skin is to add artist's oil paint to
: the varnish. It's available in a broad spectrum of colors and mixes
: perfectly with varnish. The fine pigments in it stay in suspension,
: producing a nice, even finish.

: I've also tried using universal pigments from a paint store, but the results
: were not as good. They're much coarser and tend to settle out of
: suspension as the varnish cures. The result is that they accentuate the
: weave in the cloth, rather than producing and even finish.