If the surface of your boat starts to crumble and discolor after several years in the water, you have two choices: hire an experienced boat paint professional or do the job yourself. Painting a boat requires a lot of time and effort, from preparing the hull to purchasing the paint, but anyone can do it with some simple equipment and a few free afternoons.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Prepare the Boat
Step 1. Thoroughly clean the boat
You have to remove any stains from the surface, eliminate everything from dirt to sand to algae and marine life. Usually, it is easier to clean it when it is dry. Use a high-pressure water hose, a spatula and rags to free the boat of any dirt or debris.
Step 2. Remove all the equipment
You should try to free the boat from as many objects as possible, even the aluminum window rails. The paint, in these points, may not distribute itself evenly, creating cracks and allowing water to filter and damage the paint itself.
Make sure you cover anything you can't remove with paint tape to keep it clean and protected
Step 3. Apply a solvent to remove the wax from the craft
If you feel that the finish on the surface is waxy and greasy, it must be removed before moving on to the painting phase. An abrasive sponge and a specific solvent are perfect for this operation.
- Generally, if you run a finger along the surface, top or bottom, you can tell if there is still a layer of coating. In this case you should have the sensation of touching a spark plug or the body of a car that has just been treated with wax.
- If in doubt, treat the whole boat again, as the paint won't stick if the surface is waxy, so do a thorough job.
Step 4. Make any necessary repairs
Seal any cracks, crevices or traces of corrosion before you start painting, to avoid possible holes or imperfections in the final paint job.
Be sure to fill any holes with marine-grade epoxy material, which you can find at any marine or hardware store
Step 5. Sand the boat thoroughly
Use 80-grit sandpaper and an orbital or finishing sander and sand the entire surface of the boat. This step allows the paint to adhere well to the hull, so as to obtain a uniform layer of color. If in doubt, play it safe and remove all the old paint. There are some important aspects to consider during this process:
- If the old layer of paint is cracked or damaged, you need to remove it completely by sanding the entire surface.
- If the old paint is of a different type than the one you plan to apply (for example it is not vinyl, but now you want to put this on), you have to remove it completely.
- Never use a belt sander on your boat.
- Warning: Always wear a respirator and safety goggles when sanding, as paint chips are toxic.
Method 2 of 2: Paint the Boat
Step 1. Paint on a cool dry day for best results
Make sure there is no excessive temperature, humidity or wind that can ruin your work. If possible, try to paint the boat in one day with around 15.5 - 26.5 ° C and with a humidity level of no more than 60%.
If you have the opportunity, try to paint the boat in a covered place
Step 2. Choose the right paint for your boat
On the market you can find an infinite number of different products, ranging from gelcoats to simple enamels, up to two-component paints that require a specific mixing between the two elements and are therefore more complex. If you have to paint your own boat, the best cost-benefit ratio is definitely there one-component polyurethane paint.
- The two-component one, although it is more durable, requires precise mixing and application techniques.
- Most gelcoat resins, with the exception of the more expensive, high-quality solutions, deteriorate within 1-2 years.
Step 3. Apply 1-2 full coats of primer
Make sure the base product is compatible with the paint you will be using by reading the labels on the packaging of both. The primer helps the paint adhere to the surface of the boat and prevents any cracks or color bubbles.
Once the first coat is dry, lightly sand the surface (use 300 grit sandpaper) and apply another layer
Step 4. Paint the boat using a roller and a brush
If you want a quick job, rely on a roller and apply the paint from the bottom to the top of the hull. Do most of the work with the roller and switch to the brush for precision work and smaller areas.
Step 5. Once dry, lightly sand the paint
The drying process may take an hour or a day, depending on the product. Use 300-grit sandpaper and sand the surface. This way you eliminate stains, blemishes and color bubbles.
Step 6. Apply another 2-3 coats of color
After each layer lightly sand the boat (wait for the paint to dry, though). Although this is a long job, applying another 2-3 coats of paint ensures that the color of the boat will not fade or deteriorate over the next few years.
Advice
- If, at any stage of the work, you encounter difficulties (especially with grinding), contact a professional and ask for a quote for painting.
- Take your time to clean and sand the hull. Preparation takes at least 80% of the time, but allows you to obtain a perfect result.
