How to make my kayak camo?

[Bass'N'Bluegill]

I have a bright red SOT(sit on top) kayak .I have fished out of it a couple times, but it doesn't seem very stealthy. I won't be able to buy a new one unless I save up for a while .It was also a gift, and works perfectly fine, so I wouldn't want to come off as rude by buying another one. Should I spray-paint it? If so, how should I go about painting it?

[CroakHunter]

Guys fish in 20' glitter covered bass boats in gin clear water and do just fine. But I would just rattle can it if you feel necessary

[Turtle135]

I have a "desert camo" kayak because I like the way it looks but that red color on your kayak will not spook fish. I've been fishing from a kayak since 1991 and bright colors on kayaks catch bass at the same rate as camo kayaks. The added bonus for a brightly colored kayak is that you are more visible to power boats.

 

If you really want to paint a kayak you will need to do some sanding to prep the surface to hold the paint. Lots of videos on Youtube, just search "painting a kayak".

[Bass'N'Bluegill]

Thanks guys. The only place I can use my kayak is on a small lake at the moment .There aren't really any motor boats around, just paddle boats and kayaks. I might paint the top half for aesthetics and leave the very bottom because it will probably get scraped up .Maybe paint my paddle too.Lots of downed trees I end up going over.

[Fishingmickey]

B n B,

     Don't bother, it will detract from it's resale value. Paint will not stick to the plastic long term. It flexes more then the paint does.  If you do go out on bigger lakes. It is good as Turtle mentioned to be seen. You do not want to become a camouflaged plastic speed bump. Bright paddle blades also increase visibility. Live long fish strong!

Fishingmickey

[Angry John]

I would consider painting the bottom with the new plastic spray paint.  It's going to scrape off but leaving the top red will make you easier to spot in an emergency.  I have a desert tan nucanoe because I think it matters but to each their own.  Some people use black sharpie on braid so opinions vary widely.  Fish strait braid don't worry about paint.  Fish a florocarbon leader because it makes a difference then paint it up...

[haggard]

I'd guess that you don't have to worry about the color spooking the fish.

 

Bright color is good for visibility as others mention. However, that has more to do with the sides than the top or bottom.

 

If you're going to paint or cover, I'd suggest considering the inside "well", for eye relief. On a sunny day those bright colors can cause some very real eye strain, even if you don't realize it. My "papaya orange" yak hasn't hit the water yet but I already know I'm going to tone down the top surface (the well only, forward of the seat) by painting or covering. I won't bother with the bow hatch - too far forward to matter. I like the bright color for safety/visibility but the thought of staring at bright orange immediately in front of me for many hours is painful.

 

Consider an adhesive sticker material of some sort. Easier to remove than paint if you ever want to remove it.

 

[Sam]

If you make your kayak camouflaged you won't be able to find it.

 

Keep it red.

[BrianSnat]

The fish don't care what color your boat it.  Red is much easier to see on the water.  I would leave it.  Besides as someone else mentioned it may hurt the resale value.  Even paints meant for plastic tend to flake and your painted boat will probably look like crap when it comes time to sell it.

If you insist on painting it, sand it lightly with a very fine sandpaper. Then use a clear plastic primer. Valspar is the best I've found. I've tried others but Valspar is by far the best.  The Krylon plastic paints don't last long alone. But put them on top of the Valspar plastic primer and they are much less likley to flake and the paint job will last way longer.

[Bass'N'Bluegill]

I don't plan on painting my kayak anymore.

[DogBone_384]

I agree with the membership that fish don’t care what color your kayak is and bright colors offer added safety.

 

If you really want to paint it stop by your local auto body shop(s) and ask them what paint to use and how best to prep your kayak.

 

I worked in car audio for a long time and always used SEM brand for plastics paint and never had any issues with it.  I painted dash and interior panels so I can’t tell you whether or not it’ll stand up to the bumps and scrapes fishing kayaks endure.

 

Contact SEM and see what they say and best of luck.  Their website has a chat option.

[thinkingredneck]

On Monday, January 08, 2018 at 5:50 PM, Fishingmickey said:

B n B,

     Don't bother, it will detract from it's resale value. Paint will not stick to the plastic long term. It flexes more then the paint does.  If you do go out on bigger lakes. It is good as Turtle mentioned to be seen. You do not want to become a camouflaged plastic speed bump. Bright paddle blades also increase visibility. Live long fish strong!

Fishingmickey

This!