Applying Bottom Paint To Your Boat

Boating is a time-honored and exciting way to make the most of a beautiful day, or even to make a living. Your boat can take you on years’ worth of adventures, so long as you take care of it—including applying bottom paint regularly. We here at Collins Marine want to help you keep your boat around as long as possible, so we’ve put together a guide for applying bottom paint. If you have any questions, or you just want to see the boats we have for sale, contact our store in Tonawanda, New York, today!

What Is Bottom Paint?

Also called antifouling paint, this paint is applied to the underside of the hull to prevent marine growth from latching on. Weeds, barnacles, and more can cause significant structure damage, so bottom paint contains a biocide agent to discourage marine life from getting too attached.

Prep

This process can be complicated, but your first step is pretty easy: figure out where the water line is on your boat. Start by launching it into the water (if you use an outboard engine, make sure it’s in place) and make sure the engine has a full tank of gas. Let your boat sit in the water for a few hours in order to establish a stable water line. Mark the point or keep it in mind. 

Next, remove your boat from the water and let it dry fully up to the point where the water mark is. Masking tape can help you mark the water line, but you may want to place it about two inches above where the line was originally to account for the extra weight of passengers and gear. 

Washing

Once you’ve got everything marked out, you’ll want to clean the bottom of the boat thoroughly. That means removing any and all debris, dirt, and grime buildup. You’ll then want to de-wax the hull below the water line. While the wax can help prevent mold and mildew from taking root in the hull, it will get in the way of this process. Use a commercial de-waxer designed for marine use and use clean rags to remove all the residue. 

Start Painting

You’re finally ready to paint! Start by using a specific bottom paint primer and apply it with a wide brush or a roller. This prepares the bottom of your boat to receive the bottom paint. Allow it to dry before applying the bottom paint, preferably with a roller. After that, you’re all set. Remove the tape, stand back, and admire your work—and, of course, let it dry fully before putting it back in the water.

Ready to get started? Contact us at Collins Marine for more information, or to see our available boats. We proudly serve the people of Tonawanda and Buffalo, New York—let us serve you today!