Applying Bottom Paint to a Boat
One of the essentials of boat maintenance is applying bottom paint. This adds life to the boat and keeps it safe from the growth of organisms that may attach to the hull and affect its performance. Typically, a bottom paint job on a boat is known as antifouling. This is applied below the waterline. We have compiled the guidelines below to take you through the process so you can do it on your own.
Head to our Club Royale store in Waterford, Michigan, to buy a boat, get your current boat serviced, or to get your paint queries addressed. We also serve our friends in Rochester.
Antifouling Paint: Its Importance
If your boat frequents the waters, it’s necessary that you use antifouling paint to keep the unwanted marine growth away. Weeds, barnacles, mussels, and slime easily get attached to your boat’s hull slowing it down and damaging it in the long run. To continue enjoying the performance of your boat and maintain its durability, you’ll need to secure it with an extra protective cover; bottom paint can act as that shield.
Points to Consider
A bottom paint job can be time consuming. Expect to take at least a few days to complete the entire task – from preparing the boat for the paint job to the drying time. There can be several factors influencing this: weather conditions, paint type, and so on. Make a note of all these aspects before you begin working on the task.
Some boat paints can be toxic and come with environmental concerns. Ask our service experts to address your queries and help you pick a paint that’s not risky for the marine ecosystem. Also, the paint you choose must be compatible with the old paint. Refer to a compatibility chart (created by paint manufacturers) to identify the correct matches.
Items You’ll Need
Prepare your kit before you begin. Take along the items below for a professional finish:
- Chip brushes
- Masking Tape
- Rollers and Trays
- Dust masks to keep you safe
- Painter’s gear including a suit, gloves, and goggles
Preparing the Boat
Park the boat out of the water and quickly remove the grime from it. It’s easier to clean it when the boat is still wet. If it has dried, use a pressure washer. Use this opportunity to also remove the loose paint and give the paint job an even finish.
Strip off the old paint if you plan to change the paint type and paint a fresh coat. This will hold the bottom paint for longer than an old paint. Refer to a compatibility chart while sanding the topcoat. This will ensure that the job is done as per the OEM’s advice. Apply masking tape to the waterline.
The Paint Job
Identify the areas that your roller will not reach. Use a chip brush to paint those places and focus on the high-wear spots. Wait patiently for the paint to dry before applying the second coat. Let the paint dry completely before you lower it into the water. Depending on the humidity, temperature, and paint type, the paint may take several hours to dry.
Remember to peel off the masking tape before the boat hits the water.
Head to the Club Royale dealership in Waterford, Michigan, to learn the best boating practices that you can follow. Check out our inventory of boats for sale and let us know if you’d like us to handle your boat’s bottom paint job for you. We also serve those in Rochester.