Primer / Anti-fouling
Priming
The first step when you are going to paint the bottom is the foundation work. Depending on how the hull looks before, you may need to prime before applying the bottom paint. If the boat already has a good foundation, you can start painting the bottom right away. Remember to wash/brush off any loose old paint first. But if it has been a long time since the hull was primed or if the boat is brand new, priming is required for the bottom paint to stick. Primer painting may also be needed between new and old bottom paint if you do not know what type of paint is on the boat. There are 2 types of base colors.
1 component base color
1-component primer is a good primer for already painted surfaces below the waterline. Among other things, you can use this type of primer when painting a base if you are not sure what type of base paint you had before.
Most 2-component primers contain epoxy. This type of primer is suitable if the primer is getting old or if the boat is brand new. The purpose of the paint is to create a hold for the base paint. It is also used to get a waterproof layer between the hull and the water to reduce the risk of plastic plague.
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Antifouling
Before you start painting the bottom of your boat, you need to decide which bottom color you want to use. Although all bottom paints are there to protect the hull against fouling, there are a variety of bottom paints that have different properties. Thus, the different base colors also have advantages and disadvantages. So it is important to review how exactly you use your boat, what conditions your boat is moored in and which bottom colors are approved in your waters to find the right bottom color.
Basecoats can be divided into two main groups, polishing basecoat and hard basecoat.
Polishing base color
Is an effective color that is suitable for most different boats. The binder in the paint dissolves at a controlled rate, so that there is always a new layer of bottom paint in contact with the water, resulting in the hull being kept clear of fouling. As polishing primers dissolve themselves over time, no deeper sanding is required when applying a new layer.
Hard bottom color
The thickness does not decrease with use, unlike polishing primers. Hard bottom paints suit boats of all speeds, but are specially developed for fast-moving boats that aim for the least possible friction in the water. Thus, many competitive sailors also want a hard bottom color. In addition, a good color for you who often transport your boat on a trailer, as hard bottom colors are hard-wearing and durable to be loaded on and off the trailer. After a period of use, the outermost paint layer becomes inactive and no longer protects against fouling. Then you need to sand down that layer to avoid thick layers of paint before applying a new layer.
Remove background color
If the existing bottom paint on your boat is in poor condition, it should be removed before applying new paint. With the help of Interstrip paint remover, you can remove all base paint without damaging the surface, even gelcoat.
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Paint gears and propellers
It is not only the hull that needs a good primer and bottom paint, but also drives, propellers, shafts etc. On these surfaces, it is important to choose a hard and durable base paint. However, watch out for the zinc anodes, which are usually close to propellers or shafts, as overpainted paint can greatly impair the effect on the anode.
Foundation
To protect against corrosion, it is important to prime the gear if it is not already primed. It is also important to use a base color that matches the bottom color you have chosen.
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