Painting your precious boat can do wonders for the vessel’s aesthetic value. A fresh bucket of paint can revamp the wear and tear. Repainting must be part of the to-do list of excellent boat maintenance. Doing the paint job yourself is relatively easy and cost-efficient in the long run. Here is a do-it-yourself (DIY) guide on painting your boat.
How to paint a boat
Before any DIY painting project, make sure to schedule an entire day for this. It may be time-consuming, but it can also be less stressful. You need to complete all the materials from paints to accessories. Always utilize proper painting gear and read warning labels of supplies as an add-on safety precaution. Here are five basic steps in painting your boat.
- Remove all accessories and hardware from the boat.
- Repair the surface imperfections while you are at it.
- Thoroughly prepare the surface through washing, de-waxing, and sanding
- Apply the primer and proceed to paint
- Wax the boat in detail to protect the paint
How to paint a fiberglass boat
The same basic panting concepts apply. However, the type of paint is different. It is best practice to have a properly prepared surface and paint fiberglass with spray paint application. Paints that adhere to fiberglass are single-part enamel, single-part polyurethane, and two-part polyurethane paints. All have fine finishes and are easy to apply. The only difference is that polyurethane paints are a bit expensive but last longer. Painting fiberglass is a two-person job. One will roll out the paint first, followed by the person working the brush. The three coat strokes are the recommended application with ample cure time in between in painting fiberglass surfaces.
How to paint the boat bottom
Painting the base is different from painting the hull and the sides. Durable marine paint with anti-fouling properties is appropriate for this part of the boat. Anti-fouling paints prevent marine growth and activity. Similarly, the boat base requires proper sanding, the roll and tip method, and ample curing time.
How to paint the boat hull
The boat hull is the easiest part to paint because it is just one large and smooth surface. The only challenge is that it is angled vertically, so ensure to apply paint in slow, even, and thin strokes.
How to paint non-skid areas
There are spaces on the boat that require non-slip surfaces. These areas require repainting as well. The challenge in these surfaces is the difficulty of applying paint due to imprints and uneven texture. Textured compound application is the way to go for these areas. These special paints have grit and minute rubberized pellets that give their non-skid property. With these special paints, specific application instructions vary per brand. Make sure to read and understand before application. A specialized roller is also required to apply this textured paint.
A fresh paint job is all it takes to make your boat as good as new. Ample research and a bit of preparation will do the trick. Just follow the five basic steps and make sure that the type of paint matches the boat part with the proper tools and techniques to boot, which are the elements of a successful DIY.