: Friends;

: I have an artist friend who is prepared to do custom paint work on
: the deck of my next boat. She uses acrylics. I would like to
: protect the art work by putting it under the fiberglass, just as
: we do with other types of graphics, but I'm concerned about
: whether the epoxy/glass will bond properly. Has anyone tried it?
: Does it work OK? If I have to sand the artwork lightly to get a
: proper bond--no way I can do the glass before the paint cures
: completely--will its sheen be restored when it "wets
: out" with the epoxy? I am prepared to do some tests of my
: own, but would love to know the results of actual prior
: experience.

: Thanks.

: Roger Turgeon
: Orr's Island, ME

Hello neighbors! You all live just down the coast from me!

My suggestion is to make a number of hatch covers you can interchange with your existing
ones as a basis for the art work.

You could even make larger panels, mirroring parts of your deck shape which could have deck
hardware included. Screw them on to the existing deck. Remove them, mix and match, a whole
new line of accessories for the smart set kayaker!

This would allow you to test different combinations and repair weathered parts easier.

Sunlight is brutal to paint colors, epoxy and varnish. How long a painted surface will last,
even covered in glass and epoxy is anyone's guess.

It might be better to paint over the glass.

It would be prudent to check on the paints used by sign painters, and use those outdoor
tested colors as many artists colors fade fast in direct sunlight.

All the best,
Rob