sacrificial strip

[Wade]

I have an old genoa in fair shape but no uv protection on the leech. This year I noticed some of the leech edge had shredded. So I reinforced both sides of the leech with repair tape and replaced the folded leech edge as shown on a sailrite video. I replaced the entire leech not just the torn area. Now I am looking at a UV strip. Weathermax seems lighter than sunbrella and I might do that. I saw on another site where a person speaks of painting an ageing sacrificial strip with exterior late paint with good results. LOL, If this is so why not just paint the sail edge? I like the idea of this but wonder about downsides or if it would really work. Has anyone ever tried anything like this. I do believe we often make things way over complicated.   I am bracing myself for the replies, lol.   Wade

[rorik]

"exterior late paint"?
i dunno.... seems like courting issues with dewpoint.....

and a "UV strip"?
isn't that what the sun is already doing?

I 'spose you could paint the sail edge... as long as it doesn't leech into the rest of the sail.....

;D ;D ;D

[Wade]

I need a proof reader. Exterior latex enamel. The other poster stated the decision was based on dacron being painted to provide uv protection on experimental aircraft.

[rorik]

No, no proof reader. It was more fun this way. When you said you were braced for replies, I just couldn't resist...  ;D

[s/v Faith]

Wade,

  Seems to me like the paint would crack bady, but I doubt it would hurt the sail.

Maybe try it as an experiment, take lots do pictures and let us know how it turns out?

[Wade]

We'll see. I'm about to head out for a 3/4 month cruise on another boat. Maybe I will try it when I get back. I think if I thin the paint and apply it lightly it will retain some flex.  Wade