There are times when it is necessary to paint or repaint the bottom of your boat. Once you have determined that it is time to do this, there are several steps that you need to take to prepare the surface to be ready for paint, which largely depends on the surface as it appears now. Boat bottom paint is not inexpensive, so take your time and apply it correctly so it lasts longer and protects better.
Boat US offers the following:
"Clean
Boat US offers the following:
"Clean
Slime and growth are relatively easy to remove while the
bottom is still wet, but let the stuff dry and you will have to chisel it off.
Fortunately most boat yards pressure wash the bottom as soon as they haul the
boat, and many will also knock off hard growth with a long-handled scraper.
Strip
The adhesion of the new paint is only as good as that of the
paint under it, so watch for signs of adhesion failure. Anywhere the old paint
is flaking or lifting, scrape exposed edges with a knife or small chisel. If
the paint zips off, the bottom may need to be stripped of paint.
You may also have to strip the bottom if you are changing
paint type. For example, the aggressive solvents in vinyl paints lift other
types of bottom paints, so if you are applying vinyl, any non-vinyl paint has
to come off. And soft, sloughing paints are a poor undercoat for anything other
than a fresh coat of the same.
Using a 2" hook scraper is one stripping method with
less potential for injury to both you and the planet, and this is often the
easiest method as well. If you decide to use a chemical stripper, be sure it is
one formulated for fiberglass; regular strippers will attack the gelcoat.
Always follow closely manufacturers’ instructions and warnings."
Read the full article: Tips for Painting Boats
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