Painting the bottom of the tub

[MNSlaunch]

Love the gray sleds in the bottom of the new Clam Portables this year, would be so nice for seeing dropped jigs, gloves, etc.

Unfortunately a new portable isn't in the works for me this year, I have spent enough money already! Has anyone painted the bottom of their tubs lighter? And do's and don'ts for this?

I do run a piece of gray carpet in the bottom to keep things from sliding around, etc. But ti would still be nice to lighten up the sides on the inside of the tub.

Thanks for any advice.

[3300]

1st thought would be krylon plastic paints
maybe epoxy with something to let it stretch

[burck17]

If I was doing this I may use the truck bed liner paint... should help keep your gear from shifting around as well as being super tough and durable. The only downside I can think of would be it may be harder to wash and more expensive. The other option that I think may work well would be the paint used on the garage floors normally are a lighter gray color... hope this helps

[MNSlaunch]

I appreciate it, great ideas.  Has anyone had any success stories/pics of trying this? It could be a big old mess I'm sure, and may be better off just waiting another year when I can afford to upgrade the house anyways.

[mr.clean]

I have no idea what the cost would be or if it can be done with the type of plastic used to make them. Contact a local auto body shop many parts of newer vehicles are plastic. They maybe able to paint the sled/tub.
Steve

[Chris Raymond]

I foam the bottom (inside obviously), especially in the grooves created by the hyfax, and run carpet over the top in both of mine for both sound deadening, insulation against the cold and as water barrier for the drilled hyfax bolt holes.  The carpeting probably makes it worse in trying to find dropped hooks and stuff but it works for what I need it for.   

[hardwater diehard]

May be try a light colored contact paper.....think painting it would be quite a task ...couple of coats and then a clear coat i wouuld guess ....with a limited result ....but who knows .

[BIGJim223]

Never painted my sled floor but I once had an aluminum V bottom boat that absolutely was blinding in the sun. Painted it with grey bed liner and it was great! Cut the glare and made the bottom slip resistant. Lasted for ever too. I will bet it is still in good shape for the guy that owns the boat today, 15 years later. That bed liner stuff will stick to anything!

BIGJim223

[MNSlaunch]

Never painted my sled floor but I once had an aluminum V bottom boat that absolutely was blinding in the sun. Painted it with grey bed liner and it was great! Cut the glare and made the bottom slip resistant. Lasted for ever too. I will bet it is still in good shape for the guy that owns the boat today, 15 years later. That bed liner stuff will stick to anything!

BIGJim223

That's why I love this place, so many different routes and ideas in just ta matter of minutes.  Very cool idea.