|
A boat is a great recreational vehicle for those long summer days, so it is important to keep your boat well maintained. One process that you will have to do every season is apply antifouling boat paint under the waterline. This paint is made to prevent excessive amounts of barnacles, weeds and other types of marine growth. It is easy to hire professionals to do the job for you, but it can be expensive. With a little time and effort, you can do the task yourself in just a couple of days. Then you can be back on the water with your boat protected for the season. Choosing the Right Paint Not all antifouling boat paint is made the same. It comes it a variety of types for different boats, types of water and type of material the hull is made from. You will also need to make sure that the existing paint on the boat is compatible with the new paint, otherwise you could be dealing with peeling or other paint problems. Once you have all of that, you will also need to choose a color that suits your boat. Preparations This type of paint should not come into contact with your skin, so it is important to wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles. A face mask is also recommended for safe breathing. This paint should only be applied outdoors for properly ventilation. The first task you will have to complete before you start painting is to get the boat on dry land. It is important to properly block off your boat so that you have safe access to the underside. Once that is completed, you will need to jet wash the hull with fresh water and leave it to dry. Once it is dry, you will want to inspect the boat. Check for any grime or dirt that you will need to wipe off, flaking paint or other damage. Any of these issues should be taken care of before painting. Application Once you have lightly sanded the boat and taped off the waterline, you can start applying the paint to the boat under the waterline. Two coats of paint are often recommended and the drying time between the two coats are important to understand. If you have specific types of propellers or an outdrive leg, you may have to apply a different type of paint to the surface. Stainless propellers will not need paint at all. Once both coats of antifouling boat paint are applied, you will then need to get the boat back in the water within the specified time for the paint to work properly, Typically, this is about three months.
Related Articles -
antifouling, boat, paint,
| 
