Difference between revisions of "Paint a Boat"
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===Prepping the Boat=== | ===Prepping the Boat=== | ||
#Clean the boat thoroughly. You need to get everything off of the surface, from dirt and sand to marine life and seaweed. In general, it is easiest to clean the surface of the boat as it comes out of the water. Use a high-pressure hose, a scrapper, and rags to make the boat spotless. | #Clean the boat thoroughly. You need to get everything off of the surface, from dirt and sand to marine life and seaweed. In general, it is easiest to clean the surface of the boat as it comes out of the water. Use a high-pressure hose, a scrapper, and rags to make the boat spotless. | ||
| − | #Remove hardware from the boat. You want to take off as much as possible, down to any aluminum window siding. This could cause a crease between the hardware and the paint, which will allow water to get into the cracks and ruin the paint.<ref>http://www.yachtsurvey.com/Paint.htm</ref> | + | #Remove hardware from the boat. You want to take off as much as possible, down to any aluminum window siding. This could cause a crease between the hardware and the paint, which will allow water to get into the cracks and ruin the paint.<ref name="rf1">http://www.yachtsurvey.com/Paint.htm</ref> |
#*Anything you cannot remove you should cover in painter's tape to keep clean and protected. | #*Anything you cannot remove you should cover in painter's tape to keep clean and protected. | ||
#Use a solvent to remove the waxy coating from the boat. If you can feel the greasy, waxy finish on your boat you will need to remove it before painting. Using rough sponges and boat solvents, like Awl-Prep, scrub away the waxy finish. | #Use a solvent to remove the waxy coating from the boat. If you can feel the greasy, waxy finish on your boat you will need to remove it before painting. Using rough sponges and boat solvents, like Awl-Prep, scrub away the waxy finish. | ||
#*Generally, running your finger along the surface, top or bottom, will tell you if there is still a coating-- it feels like a candle or a freshly waxed car. | #*Generally, running your finger along the surface, top or bottom, will tell you if there is still a coating-- it feels like a candle or a freshly waxed car. | ||
| − | #*If you are in any doubt about the coating, go over the boat again -- paint will not stick to this waxy surface, so it all needs to go.<ref> http://www.sailingworld.com/gear/do-it-yourself-topside-paint-job</ref> | + | #*If you are in any doubt about the coating, go over the boat again -- paint will not stick to this waxy surface, so it all needs to go.<ref name="rf2"> http://www.sailingworld.com/gear/do-it-yourself-topside-paint-job</ref> |
#Make any necessary repairs to the boat surface. Fill in any nicks, cracks, or corrosion before you start painting to prevent holes or imperfections in the final paint job. | #Make any necessary repairs to the boat surface. Fill in any nicks, cracks, or corrosion before you start painting to prevent holes or imperfections in the final paint job. | ||
#*Make sure you fill in any holes with marine-grade epoxy, found near the marine paint in hardware and boat stores. | #*Make sure you fill in any holes with marine-grade epoxy, found near the marine paint in hardware and boat stores. | ||
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#*If the old paint is a different type than the one you plan to apply (non-vinyl vs vinyl paint), then remove it entirely. | #*If the old paint is a different type than the one you plan to apply (non-vinyl vs vinyl paint), then remove it entirely. | ||
#*Never use a belt sander on your boat | #*Never use a belt sander on your boat | ||
| − | #*''Warning:'' wear a respirator and eye protection when sanding, as paint chips are toxic.<ref> http://www.boatus.com/boattech/articles/painting-tips.asp</ref> | + | #*''Warning:'' wear a respirator and eye protection when sanding, as paint chips are toxic.<ref name="rf3"> http://www.boatus.com/boattech/articles/painting-tips.asp</ref> |
===Painting the Boat=== | ===Painting the Boat=== | ||
| − | #Paint on a dry, cool day for the best results. You do not want excessive heat, humidity, or wind to ruin your paint job. When possible, paint your boat on a day that's roughly 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit with roughly 60% humidity.<ref | + | #Paint on a dry, cool day for the best results. You do not want excessive heat, humidity, or wind to ruin your paint job. When possible, paint your boat on a day that's roughly 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit with roughly 60% humidity.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#*When available, paint your boat in a covered area. | #*When available, paint your boat in a covered area. | ||
#Choose the right paint for your boat. There are a lot of different paints on the market for boats -- from gel coats and simple enamels to complex two-step paint mixes. If you are painting your own boat, the best "bang for your buck" is definitely '''one-step polyurethane paint.''' | #Choose the right paint for your boat. There are a lot of different paints on the market for boats -- from gel coats and simple enamels to complex two-step paint mixes. If you are painting your own boat, the best "bang for your buck" is definitely '''one-step polyurethane paint.''' | ||
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#Apply 2-3 more coats of paint. Sand the boat lightly after every coat has dried. While this takes time, applying 2-3 clean layers of paint ensures your boat won't fade or crack for years to come. | #Apply 2-3 more coats of paint. Sand the boat lightly after every coat has dried. While this takes time, applying 2-3 clean layers of paint ensures your boat won't fade or crack for years to come. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
