Q&A for How to Paint a Boat

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I want to paint auto enamel over anti fouling paint. How do I prepare the surface?

Community Answer

You don't paint over anti fouling. If you paint over it, it wont do its job.

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Do I need to sand between coats on a boat?

Community Answer

Yes, you do. The paint needs to be sanded so the coats stick together and don't flake off. The sanding leaves a rough surface for the next coat to grip to.

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Question

What is needed to paint roses and castles onto an object?

Community Answer

Paint the roses in pink and green, and paint the castle in white and grey using a brush.

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What is the best paint to use on a fiberglass boat? Primer and paint for bottom painting and top painting?

Community Answer

I've been using international paints for over 20 years, they were recommended to me by a Shetland boat company painter. Toplac is best for a really shiny finish, but the gloss is good. Best to do with a small roller and always two coats. If you are covering a poor job, sand and prime before using the gloss.

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Can we use spray paint to paint our boat?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. I am busy painting my boat with a spray gun and it looks better than brush painting does.

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Question

My paint is bubbly and runny in places, and is now dry. How do I even it out to look like one coat?

Community Answer

Sand the rough surface until smooth, then apply a final coat of paint on the boat. And finally, add a boat wax to seal in the paint.

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Question

How long does it roughly take for boat paint to dry?

Community Answer

3 hours to 30 days depending on your definition of dry. 3 hours to tack, 3-24 hours to touch, 3-7 days to hard, 30 days to full cure. These numbers depend on the type of paint used. Namely, 1 part epoxy, 1 part poly, 2 part poly, 2 part epoxy, polyurethane, polyvinyl, etc. The only common denominator with the different varieties is the full cure is generally 30 days, which is something you should stick with and not float the boat for a month.

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Question

Can I use 1 pack of marine paint over spray can enamel paint when painting a boat?

Community Answer

No! Forget about any type of "spray can" paint for your boat unless you want an amateur job that won't last long. Use a quality barrier coat epoxy primer or polyvinyl primer after thoroughly sanding the entire paint area with 80 grit sand paper.

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