When it comes to repairs and maintenance, the less exigent with a longer lifespan is with boats. However, owning a boat in Gold Coast requires care due to their exposure to tough weather conditions.
DIY projects have become the norm as well in Gold Coast. This includes boat painting as well.
Painting the boat is the best way to make it durably resistant to all kinds of weather conditions. The aesthetic value provided to the boat by a fresh coat of paint is another benefit provided by boat painting.
Boat painting the DIY way is an attractive option for skilled boat owners who want to save money as well as meet the challenge of doing something well.
Painting the Deck
Carefully masking the bottom of the boat with 3M masking tapes is the first thing to do before painting the deck. Any trace of dust and dirt has to be removed by a solvent after you’ve masked the whole bottom of the boat. Next is to thoroughly mix the paint before using a high-nap roller to apply. The final step is to remove the tape, allowing 1-2 days for the paint to dry.
Painting the Hull
Careful work is needed when it comes to painting the boat’s hull. Not doing careful work could strip the paint right off the bat. The first step is to use a sponge to apply the industrial solvent on the surface of the hull. Next, remove any old remaining paints by using power sand to clean the hull. Flaws on the hull of the boat have to be fixed before using a roller to apply the primer. Last, but not least, is to use a painting brush and roller to apply the layer of marine paint. Allow a few hours for the paint to dry.
Painting with Gelcoat
A few steps need to be followed in preparing the boat’s surface to be applied with Gelcoat. The first step is to remove elements such as louvers, cleats or banisters. Unmovable parts have to be glued with duct tape. The second step is to sand off the current Gelcoat. The new Gelcoat can now be applied with a brush or spray once the old coating has been sanded off.
Painting a fibreglass boat
The highly-resistant Gelcoat of fibreglass boats is one feature that makes them look great. However, the shiny look tends to fade over time. A lot of patience is needed to meet the challenge of going the DIY route in painting a fibreglass boat.
Checking for holes or cracks in the hull is the first step. Use putty to repair any sign of holes and cracks. Sanding the hull is also needed after repairs. Then it’s the right time to protect and strengthen the surface of the fibreglass by applying a layer of epoxy. Wait for the epoxy layer to dry off before applying the primer layer.
Sanding the surface is the next step after the primer layer has dried. The final step is to use ablative anti-fouling paint to paint the boat.
Careful planning is the best way to handle the DIY challenging task of painting your boat. Making the boat painting a DIY project is good if you have the right skills, the right equipment, and a huge amount of patience. However, to get the best results choose professional boat painting services.
