Painting your boat might seem like a task left to the pros, but it can be done at home, especially if you have a smaller craft. It is best to do it when the temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees, as it allows the paint to dry at a good rate. A humidity level above 65 percent is also ideal. Get someone to help you with the painting and you can have what looks like a brand-new boat in just a few days.
Painting Your Boat
Mix your primer paint to get it all consistent, so the color can settle. Scrape the sides of the paint container to get all the paint mixed in. Set it aside for roughly 20 minutes to settle. After the 20 minutes are up, stir it again, then mix in paint thinner to get the desired thickness.
Roll on one coat of primer with a foam roller that has a tight weave. Cover the roller and tray with a rag while you wait for the first coat to dry. It will probably take 45 minute to an hour, depending on the temperature of the air as well as the thickness of the paint coat. Allow it to dry until it is not tacky. You should be able to press your finger on the paint and leave a fingerprint, but not get any paint on your finger.
Paint on a second coat, using the same roller. If the old paint was very dark, it may take more than two coats to cover it. Allow the finished primer coats to dry overnight, or at least 10 to 12 hours, before proceeding to the sanding phase.
Use 320 grit sandpaper on the top coat of primer. Make sure to sand the entire painted surface. Clean the sanded grit off the boat using compressed air and a rag or clean water and rags. Dry the boat with more clean dry rags. It is important to get all the dirt and dust off the boat, as the top paint layer is usually glossy, and will show dirt and dust.
Prepare your topcoat paint the same way you did your primer. Stir the paint in its container, scraping the sides to get it all mixed. Set it aside to sit for about 30 minutes this time. Stir it again and add the paint thinner.
Use the roll and tip method of painting when doing the top coat. Roll the paint onto the boat with the roller. Use a very fine tipped brush to brush the air bubbles out and smooth out any drips that the roller may have left behind. When brushing, always brush into the paint, and not out to the unpainted portion of the boat. This coat of paint is best accomplished with two people, one for the roller and one for the brush.
Let the paint for at least three days before applying decals, stickers or painted wording. Try not to let dust or dirt get on the boat while it continues to dry.
