When the paint on your boat starts to crack and fade after being in the water for several years, there are two options – hire a professional shipbuilder to repaint it or do it yourself. Painting a boat takes a lot of time and effort, from preparing the hull to buying paint, but anyone can do it with simple tools and a little free time.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Preparing the Ship
Step 1. Clean the boat thoroughly
You have to clean everything that sticks to the surface of the ship, from dirt and sand, to marine life and seaweed. In general, cleaning the surface of the boat is easiest after the boat is out of the water. Use a high pressure hose, paint scraper and rag to keep the boat spotless clean.
Step 2. Remove the hardware from the ship
You need to remove as much of the hardware from the boat as possible, right down to the existing aluminum window sills. Existing hardware can cause gaps between the hardware and the paint, which will allow water to enter the crack and damage the paint.
Anything that cannot be removed should be covered with adhesive tape to keep it clean and protected
Step 3. Use a solvent to remove the wax coating from the vessel
If you can feel a waxy, greasy finish on your boat, you should remove it before you start painting. Use a rough sponge and a boat solvent, such as Awl-Prep, and rub the wax polish until it lifts.
- In general, feeling the surface of the boat with your finger, on the top or bottom, will let you know if it still has a waxy coating or a car that has just been coated with a protective coating.
- If you're still unsure whether all the layers have been removed, touch the vessel again-the paint won't stick to the waxy surface, so it should all be removed.
Step 4. Make the necessary repairs to the surface of the ship
Fill any stuck, cracked or corroded parts before starting to paint to prevent holes or defects in the final paint finish.
Make sure you patch any holes with a boat-specific epoxy, which can be found in the boat paint section of any boat hardware and supplies store
Step 5. Sand the boat thoroughly
Scrub the entire surface of the vessel Using sandpaper with a roughness level of no. 80 and an orbital disc sanding or polishing machine. This will allow the paint to stick to the surface and produce an even coat of paint. If you have any doubts, sand all over the old paint. There are several important considerations to consider when sanding:
- If the old coat of paint is peeling or damaged, you will need to remove it and sand it thoroughly.
- If the old paint is a different type than the paint you are going to apply (vinyl instead of vinyl), remove it entirely.
- Do not use a belt sander for your boat.
- Warning: wear a respirator and eye protection when sanding, as paint chips are toxic.
Method 2 of 2: Painting the Ship
Step 1. Paint on a cool, dry day for best results
You don't want your paint to be damaged by excessive heat, humidity or wind. If possible, paint your boat on a day that is roughly 15-26 degrees Celsius with 60% humidity.
Paint your boat in an enclosed area, if available
Step 2. Choose the right paint for your boat
There are a wide variety of paints for boats on the market-from gel-coated paints with simple enamels to complex two-stage paint mixes. If you're going to be painting your own boat, the best product your money can buy is single-stage polyurethane paint.
- Two-stage polyurethane paints, although more durable, require accurate blending and must use application techniques.
- Most gel coats, except for the most expensive and quality options, will wear off within 1-2 years.
Step 3. Apply 1 or 2 coats of primer thoroughly
Make sure the primer is compatible with your boat's paint by reading the labels of both cans. Primer paint can help the paint stick firmly to the boat and prevent cracks and bubbles from forming.
After the coating dries, sand the boat slowly (using sandpaper no. 300), then apply the next layer
Step 4. Paint the ship using a roller brush and a regular paint brush
You will need to work the painting process quickly, using a roller brush, from the bottom to the top of the boat. Apply a large amount of paint with a roller brush and use a regular brush to paint small areas afterwards.
Step 5. Gently sand the paint layer after it dries
Drying can take from an hour to a day. Using sandpaper no. 300, sand the paint layer slowly. This will remove any smudges, blemishes, or bubbling paint.
Step 6. Apply 2-3 more coats of paint
Gently sand the boat after the paint dries. While this will take time, adding 2-3 coats of clean paint will ensure your boat's paint won't fade or crack for years to come.
Tips
- Take the time to clean and sand-preparing the boat can take up to 80% of your time, but will give you a better finish.
- If you are not comfortable with any of the above processes, especially sanding, contact a professional shipyard to inquire about painting costs.
