How to Repaint a Jon Boat

Using high-quality paint is the key to a lasting paint job on a jon boat.

With their flat-bottomed design, jon boats are excellent for boating or fishing in particularly shallow waters. Most jon boats have sturdy aluminum construction -- the boat usually outlasts the paintm -- though some are made of wood. Using the proper method and type of paint will ensure that small bumps while fishing do not scrape the paint off the boat. As long as you do not cut corners, the paint on your boat will last a long time and remain aesthetically pleasing.

Things You'll Need

• Paint tarp
• Sandblaster
• Sanding block or paper
• Marine-grade primer
• Marine-grade vinyl-based aluminum boat paint
• Marine-grade top coat or sealant
• Paint brushes

Instructions

1. Spread out the paint tarp to protect the surface from paint spills.

2. Remove the motor and anything that is in the boat before you begin.

3. Sandblast all old paint off the boat and use the sanding block to get any corners or places you miss.

4. Paint the boat with a primer coat. Be sure the primer is made for aluminum boats (or wood if your boat is wooden). Allow the primer coat to dry 24 hours.

5. Paint the boat with the marine-grade aluminum boat paint (usually vinyl-based) and allow to dry another 24 hours.

6. Finish the boat with a sealant or top coat paint. Allow your boat to sit at least 48 hours before taking it out on the water.

Tips & Warnings

• It is not always necessary to strip a boat down to the metal to repaint it. However, it does look most even and professional if you do. If you are not particular about the smoothness of your boat, you could skip the sanding.

• Always use protective eye covering when sandblasting and paint in well-ventilated areas.

References

• Take 'Em: How to Paint Your Aluminum Duck Boat
• Finishing.com: Painting an Aluminum Boat