Top Tips to Paint Your Boat

• Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, and salt residue. Use a high-quality boat soap or cleaner/degreaser and rinse thoroughly.
• When painting the bottom of a boat for the first time, wipe down the surface with a solvent to remove contaminates, and in the case of fiberglass boats, residual mold release agents that can prevent proper adhesion of the paint.
• Sand the surface to remove old, flaking paint and create a surface that the new paint can adhere to. Use the appropriate grit sandpaper based on the type of paint and substrate. In some cases, boat paint removal may require a chemical stripper or heat gun for stubborn areas.
• Mask off areas that are not to be painted. Use high-quality painter’s tape and plastic sheeting or paper to cover fittings, trim, windows, and other areas you want to protect. Be sure to press the tape edges firmly to prevent paint from bleeding underneath. This will give you crisp, clean lines and save you time on cleanup later.

Topside Paint:

• Designed for areas above the waterline
• Durable, glossy finish
• Available in a variety of colors
• Can be applied with a variety of methods

Topside Paints also come in two main types: One-part polyurethane or two-part polyurethane. Consider the pros and cons of each and decide which is best for your project, your skills and the tools you have.

• By far the most popular choice
• Ideal for DIYers who can achieve great results with a brush or roller
• Not as durable as two-part paints

• The most durable topside paint choice
• Some can be brushed or rolled, but others must be sprayed which can be more difficult for a DIY job
• Surface prep and priming is more important than with one-part polyurethane paint

Antifouling Paint:

• Used on the hull of a boat to prevent marine growth
• Application is a relatively simple roll on job, but requires boat stands and a large enough work space to complete the job.

Deck Paint:

• Durable, abrasion-resistant coatings
• Usually contain a gritty compound to create a textured, non-skid surface once dried
• One-part polyurethane paints can be combined with a non-skid compound to create a custom non-skid coating

Primers:

• Applied before painting to improve adhesion and provide a uniform base coat for the topcoat
• Especially important when transitioning between different types of coatings or painting bare surfaces
• Most paint manufacturers will list compatible primers on the paint can so check the instructions when choosing a primer for your project

Applying by Brush

• Use the largest brush that is practical for the job with long flexible bristles
• Use the "Criss-cross" method when painting:
• Step 1: Apply paint with a diagonal strokes from the left and right
• Step 2: Spread the paint further with horizontal strokes
• Step 3: "Lay off" with light vertical strokes

Applying by Roller

Most bottom paint jobs can be done with a roller only since the paint will be below the water line and is there for function, not aesthetics. Rolling on two coats is generally enough to get the job done.

Applying with a Brush and Roller

This method is also known as the "roll and tip" method and is great for topside painting as it can get a great gloss finish, especially if you have two people painting the boat: one with the roller and the other following with a brush.

• Use a solvent-resistant, high-density closed cell size foam roller
• Roll on the paint
• Tip off with a brush using light horizontal strokes

Spray and Aerosol

Spraying on paint can produce a great finish and removes the need for rollers, brushes, paint trays and liners, but can require additional tools and skills that can make it difficult for DIYers to have success with. Some two-part polyurethane paints have to be sprayed on, so keep that in mind if you don't have the space or the tools for a spray job.

• Prep the surface like you would for any other method
• Carefully apply masking tape and drape plastic over areas of the boat you do not want painted to protect against overspray
• Use a spray gun or aerosol can to apply the paint

Whatever you method you choose remember that thin coats are best. Applying multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat reduces drips, ensures even drying, improves durability and results in a better finish overall.