If you are one of the lucky people to own a boat, congratulations! You are able to enjoy going out on the water and breathing in the fresh air at your own leisure. However, have you taken a good look at your boat recently? If you have had your boat for a while, it is possible that the elements (sun, water, sand) are starting to take their toll on the paint. This is an easy fix though and something that is important to the health and longevity of your boat.
First Thing’s First: Remove Equipment
The first thing you need to do is remove any and all railings, metalwork, or woodwork on your boat. This is to ensure it does not get painted or ruined. If you have any furniture on your boat, you may also want to remove that. As the saying goes, accidents happen, and the last thing you want is to have something ruined by the paint. Make sure when you are removing everything off of your boat, you keep track of all of the screws, nuts, and bolts. Try to keep all of the fastening equipment with the items they belong to. This will make it easier when you are ready to reinstall them.
Next Step: Prep the Boat
The next thing you need to do is fill in any chips, dents, or basic wear on your boat. In order for the paint to really stick to your boat, it needs to have a clean and clear canvas. If you skip this step, your new paint will continue to flake off, beginning in the dented or chipped areas of your boat. Once that is finished, you have to wash, dewax, and sand down your boat. This will make your boat an even cleaner canvas for your paint.
Finally: Paint Your Boat
Now that everything has been sanded and fixed, you can apply the primer and paint your boat. Make sure to use marine paint supplies. It is specific to boats and objects that get wet frequently. Be sure to apply even coats of paint and wait until each coat is dry before applying another. After you finish painting, you can wax your boat. The wax protects your boat’s new paint job and keeps it looking fresh.
While this process can take some time if your boat is large, it is important to keep your boat in good working order. Maintain your boat and it can last for decades to come.