How to Pinstripe Boats

Pinstripes add color to boat hulls.

Pinstripes on a boat can add a little flash and color to your vessel. But putting them on yourself can be be a little challenging because of the curve at the front of the hull. But with the use of a guide line and a little patience, you should be able to knock the job off. You can get the same type of pinstriping that you would use on a car. As long as it can withstand being exposed to the sun, it will work on your boat.

Things You'll Need

• Blue painter's tape
• Squeegee (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash the surface of the boat where you will be applying the pinstriping. Clean it again with a wax and tar remover to make sure the surface is completely clean.

2. Mark the beginning and ending points of the pinstriping on each side of the boat.

3. Create a guide line using a roll of blue painter's tape. Attach the end of the tape about 1/8 inch below your starting point, then unroll about 6 feet of tape at a time. Pull the tape straight back and keep it level by eying it along the length. Stick the tape to the boat about 6 feet at a time until you have finished one side of the boat. If the tape is not straight, reattach it until it lines up correctly.

4. Wash your hand thoroughly to remove dirt and body oils. This will help prevent fingerprints from ruining the adhesion of the pinstriping.

5. Attach the end of the pinstriping at the starting point. Peel off about 6 feet of the wax backing. Using the painter's tape as a guide, line up the pinstriping about 1/2 inch from the boat surface and slowly adhere it so that it begins sticking at the starting point and follows the curve of the hull to where you are. If it is crooked, peel ot off and reapply it. Repeat until you have done the entire side of the boat.

6. Tap down the pinstriping on the hull with your fingertips, making sure it does not move out of place. Don't try brush it down because it is likely to move out of place. You can use a squeegee on larger pinstriping to remove the air bubbles. Remove the painter's tape.

7. Repeat the process for the other side of the boat.

Tips & Warnings

• If you spray water mixed with a small amount of hand soap over the hull before applying the pinstriping, you will be able to adjust the pinstriping before it sticks permanently. Use a squeegee to get rid of the excess water when done.

References

• StreetGlo: How to Install Pinstriping and Refelctive Tape
• Stewart Design: Boat Pistriping and Graphics Installation