Steps to Paint a Boat
It is important to regularly clean, wash, and wax your boat, but there is only so much that maintenance can do. There will come a time when your vessel will need a complete paint job to have that shiny, glassy look once more. While it is recommended to let professionals handle the job, you can save some bucks and do it yourself. Find out if you have what it takes.
L&M Marine is your number one boat dealer in Stapleton, AL. Come to us for all your boating needs, whether you’re looking for your dream boat or for a service department to have your boat up and running smoothly again. We are here to help all those from Mobile, AL, and Pensacola, FL, too.
Step 1: Wash It Down
Gather all your painting supplies together and prepare the area as well as the boat. Wash down the boat with soapy water using a sponge. Be sure that the surface is nice and clean and without impurities that may cause bubbles or a rough finish. Wash down the working area too to avoid dust and airborne particles from sticking to the wet paint.
Step 2: Gear Up
Paint has toxins and chemicals, so it is necessary to protect yourself against them. Therefore, suit up yourself with the following:
- Gloves
- Long sleeve shirt
- Long pants
- Goggles
- A paint respirator
Step 3: Prepare the Surface
Your boat might have some dips and dents, so it’s time to fill them up with an appropriate filler. Make sure to purchase products that work well with your paint and are also water resistant. Follow the instructions of your chosen product and allow it to sit and dry for the recommended amount of time.
Step 4: Sand
You must sand your boat properly. This is a time consuming process but keep in mind that any impurity in this stage will reflect once the paint dries. To save time, use a sander. And depending on the conditions of your boat, you’ll need to choose the proper sandpaper. Use 120-180 grit sandpaper for oxidized gel coat and 220-300 grit sandpaper for deeper stains.
After sanding down your boat, run your hand along the surface and try to feel any dips or grooves. The surface should be smooth. At this point, add more filler if needed and sand again. To wrap up the sanding process, use 320-400 grit sandpaper to ensure the surface is smooth and ready.
Step 5: Apply Primer
Now that the surface is smooth, it’s time to apply primer. Make sure the boat is clean and completely free of air-born particles and debris. You will also want to spray down the area around the boat to keep dust from flying in the air.
Step 6: Apply Undercoat
The undercoat should be compatible with the paint you’re using. Use the same color undercoat or primer as the topsides paint (especially when painting over a dark-colored hull). Once you’ve covered the entire area, allow it to dry.
Step 7: Sand Again
Yes, more sanding. Check the smoothness again to find any dips or holes, apply more epoxy, sand again with 320-400 grit sandpaper, then apply more undercoat. Give it enough time to completely dry, then clean the boat with a solvent to remove any oils from your fingertips and hands.
Step 8: Apply Topside Paint
Now that you've achieved ultimate smoothness, it’s time to apply your topsides paint. Before applying your topsides paint, put down drop cloths and mask all the boat’s areas you don’t intend to paint.
Step 9: Dry & Sand
To achieve a beautiful, long-lasting shine, you’ll need time and patience. You’ll want at least 24 hours of drying time before you start to sand. Two to three days is ideal to allow the paint to harden. Once it’s dry, give the hull a very light sanding and painting. Three coats should be plenty and will provide a deep shine once you apply your final topcoat.
Step 10: Apply Final Coat
Finally, it's time to apply the final coat. Once you’ve painted the boat with the final coat, you’ll enter the waiting game. Most paints harden after two to three days, but to fully cure, give it a full three weeks of drying time. However, some products allow it to cure much faster. Just make sure to follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
It is important to let the professionals handle major painting jobs, but if you feel confident and patient enough to tackle the job, give it a try. For your boating needs, come to L&M Marine. We carry a wide selection of boats to match your boating style. We are located in Stapleton, AL, and also serve Mobile, AL, and Pensacola, FL.