How To Apply Bottom Paint To Your Boat

Bottom paint helps protect your boat from the conditions you drive it in, which increases its lifespan. It’s a vital aspect of boat maintenance, and particularly preventative maintenance, and is possible to do yourself.

With that in mind, we’ve created this beginner’s guide to applying bottom paint. If you have any questions or want to explore boats for sale, head over to The Sports Center in Perry, Georgia. We proudly serve the Macon and Columbus, Georgia, and our friendly staff are ready to help however you need!

What’s The Big Deal?

If you’re wondering whether or not you really need to pursue this process, the short answer is that you absolutely do. 

Bottom paint, also called antifouling paint, is a valuable investment. Both names explain the purpose and placement of the paint. It’s applied to the bottom of the boat’s hull to prevent marine growth like weeds and barnacles that can cause severe damage. Bottom paint contains a biocide agent, which can discourage marine plants and animals from attaching to or eating through your hull. 

Some Precautions

Because the paint is designed to discourage marine growth, some of its contents can be toxic. That, plus the time-consuming nature of applying the paint, can make the process a little unsafe. If you’re doing this at a boatyard, make sure to chat with the property owners or managers first. Figure out if they’re okay with allowing this to take place on their property and see if they require any specific safety measures. It’s important that everyone be on the same page before you start.

Supplies

There are a few things you need before you can get started. First, obviously, you need bottom paint. There are a few different varieties that are better in different circumstances, so it’s important that you pick one that works for you. The existing paint on your boat, for one thing, will be more compatible with some bottom paints than others. Make sure to verify that the bottom paint you’re looking at will work with the boat you already have. 

Next, think about where your boat is and what conditions you’ll be driving it in. Freshwater or saltwater, river, lake, or coast, all have an influence on what bottom paint is best for your specific situation. Finally, consider what your bottom paint will be doing to the water you put it in. Some bottom paints can be actively harmful to the environment. Ask your boatyard manager for suggestions — they should have more information about environmental concerns.

Finally, other supplies you’ll need include trays, chip brushes, rollers, blue masking tape, a painter’s suit, goggles, gloves, and a respirator or dust mask.

Timeline And Preparations

It’s important to be realistic about your time investment. You should expect to spend at least a few days on the painting process from start to finish. 

Your first step in the process itself will be taking your vessel out of the water and pressure washing it as soon as possible to prevent any grime from hardening. Then you’ll sand down the topcoat on the bottom. Make sure to follow any instructions on the compatibility chart you’re using. If the paint ends up too thick, the top layer could flake off. Finally, add masking tape to the borders of the area you’re painting. These should be around the water line.

Applying The Paint

Start with a chip brush and focus on the areas that a roller can’t get to. That way you don’t need to worry about the paint dripping onto you as much when you break out that roller. Make sure you apply at least two layers of paint, and up to three in high-wear spots.

Different paints will take different amounts of time to dry. Some will take at least 16 hours. The times will also be affected by temperature and humidity. It’s possible you’ll only be able to apply one coat a day, which is partly why this project will take so long.

Once you’ve applied all the layers you want, remove the masking tape and put your boat back into the water, and rest easy knowing it’s better protected and will be for years to come!

We hope you found these tips useful. For more maintenance tips and tricks or to shop for all things maritime, drop by The Sports Center! Our well-trained and helpful staff are ready to make sure you find exactly what you need when you need it, and our service department can help keep your boat spic and span when you need an extra hand. Stop by today!