Proper bottom paint technique

[gayleforce]

What is the proper way to sand gelcoat for bottom paint and what is the best primer for warm water climate use, ie south pacific. Also need to use a bottom paint that will work on the trailer as the boat will be shipped overseas and also may spend some time on the trailer after arrival. thanks, T.R.

[LostShaker]

I dont know if this will help but I was watching Ship Shape TV on SunShine netwrok last night at 9 or 10 PM and it went through the process in detail. Even if you are not from South FL, I am sure they have a website with their broadcast notes as I have used it before. They are pretty good at making things simple.

[sixpack324]

There are a few reputable paint manufacturers and every one of them has step by step instructions either in pamphlet form, on their websites or West Marine even has a free CD-ROM. Hope this helps

[BW23]

Good info.

http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa/default.asp


If the hull has never been painted, make sure your Dealer "preps" the hull properly.

Some guys cut corners and the paint flakes off within a few months. The first application is very labor intensive.

[wellcraft290]

I hate the host on ship shape tv john grevicous... The host "the originator" "the founder" he is so full of himself... Need information it is almost like a 30 minutes commercial with all the guests.

[sixpack324]

On a side note, I also hate the guy from ship shape.........That stupid "ship shape U " you know, the segment that teaches you how to pilot your boat and how to maneuver........Every Friggin' boat and technique they teach is for a 36' + boat with twin screws.......If you've got a 36' + boat with twin screws you shouldn't need a 45 second lesson from "Professor 'G' " to teach you how to use it!!!

[LostShaker]

Ok guys, I didnt say I liked the guy and the hole show of 30 minutes is close to 10 minutes of real stuff. I just thought it might be helpful as they were doing it last night. I will never watch him again damit!

[fishingfun]

Like another said that most places you purchase your products should have a good step by step process and what products you should use. If this is the first time that the bottom is getting painted it is very important that it is done right. All of you other coats will rely on the prep for your first coat. I have had both a boat well prepped and one that was not done very well. The result is allot more maintaining for the poor prep.

[sixpack324]

".........Now that we've got your entire engine and lower unit apart........That's right, you know what time it is...........Time to pay some bills..........So sit right back and watch this commercial for a 40' sportfisherman because I know that all of you people who have to watch me so you'll know how to change your impeller because you can't afford a marine mechanic are gonna be able to afford one of these big 40' boats !!!!!!! "

Ship Shape S*cks

[intreppy345]

how did this go from a painting thread to a "ship shape" hate thread?

[sixpack324]

We were just taking a commercial break from giving our bottom painting advice

[sixpack324]

We're back now........ here's what I did.... 1. Sanded hull with 120 grit sandpaper and a palmsander 2. Cleaned hull with a chemical that I can't remember the name of. Use lots of rags. Because it is wet, the rag will remove sanding dust and the chemical is made to remove any left over mold release wax. This is very important. Someone here will remember the name of the chemical. 3. Primed with a 2 part epoxy primer following manufacturer's instructions. 4. Repeated step 3. 5. Applied top coat of anti fouling paint. 6. Repeated step 5. I used an ablative paint. Ablative paints wear off as you use the boat, which makes for easier recoating and less build-up in the future. They also work even after being out of the water for a while. Hope this helps