How to Spray Paint a Boat
In the Summer 2007 issue of Sailing Magazine, the cost of a professional paint job for a boat was said to be about $11,000, most of which involved preparation. Do-it-yourself projects generally save the boat owner money, and most boat projects can be undertaken as do-it-yourself projects. Spray painting your boat is no different, except that any errors you make will be visible to anyone who can see. However, you can save money and have a great paint job ff you keep a few simple rules in mind, and follow good painting procedures.
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Things You'll Need
- Paint sprayer
- Respirator
- Eye protection
- Paint
- Primer
- Plastic sheeting
- Painter's tape
- Scouring powder
- Scouring pads
- Water
- Hull repair materials
- Palm sander
- 120 grit sandpaper
- 220 grit sandpaper
Instructions
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1
Clean it. It may seem unnecessary to clean the boat since you're going to sand it, but cleaning removes dirt and wax that can clog the sandpaper and leave places where the paint won't adhere properly. Scouring powders, scrubbing pads and lots of water to keep the scouring pad wet are the key ingredients in the process.
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2
Fix the dings. Repair cracks in the fiberglass, if it's a fiberglass hull, replace boards or planks if its a wooden boat, or hammer out the sheet metal if it's a steel or aluminum boat. A new paint job just makes old damage stand out, in your eye if no other.
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3
Rough it up. Use your palm sander and 120 grit sandpaper on the areas to be painted first, then go over the areas to be painted again with 220 grit sandpaper. Wash it down with clean water and allow it to dry thoroughly before beginning to apply the primer.
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4
Mask off the small areas you don't want to paint, like the rub rails and the waterline, with painter's tape. Cover large areas like the deck with plastic sheeting, taped in place to keep over-spray from being a problem
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5
Make a temporary spray booth. If you are painting in your garage or other inside space, hang sheets of heavy plastic from the ceiling to completely surround the boat without touching it. Remember that over-spray will turn your walls and workbench the color of the primer. If you're painting outside, choose a windless day.
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6
Prime it using the spray gun, with your primer of choice. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for spray application to the letter. Allow the primer to cure according to the instructions.
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Spray paint the boat using the spray gun according to the manufacturer's directions. Allow the paint to cure thoroughly.
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Tips & Warnings
Apply an extra coat of paint to the transom, the bow and other areas subject to wear from the water and use.
Spray painting will require full safety gear, including a respirator and eye protection.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit DoD: Creative Commons
