How To Bring Your Boat Back To Life With Fiberglass Paint
Fiberglass Paint
Fiberglass paint treatment can add years of life to your boat, and also save you time and money on maintenance. If you are wondering whether or not you should have your boat painted, the answer is almost certainly yes, provided you know how to have the job carried out properly, and know how the preparation work should be done. The major determining factor in the quality of result you will achieve is not the paint job itself, but the preparation work which needs to be carried out beforehand. If you neglect a part of this preparation, your results are guaranteed to be impaired at best.
The degree of preparation which will be necessary before any fiberglass paint is applied will vary widely from case to case. The age of the boat is a major factor, but it is the quality of the previous paint finishes which will have the greatest influence. Many old gel coats are of extremely poor quality, and even those which are not are often well worn. This wear and tear can lead to oil and wax deposits on the surface of the boat. Attempting to apply a fresh coat of paint in these conditions will be a total waste of time, as the wax and oil will prevent the paint from adhering properly.
The end result can only be blotches and patches which will be discolored or look worn, even though the coat of paint may be brand new. You will also only be storing up further trouble for the future, as the blemishes will remain for further foreign substances to be attached to the boat. Getting any old oil, wax, or other harmful deposits removed is the first essential to a good fiberglass paint job.
It is also absolutely essential that you find the right person to do the job. Even if it means having to transport the boat quite a distance, it is much better to find the best craftsman you can. If you have owned a boat for some time, you may have contacts who will be able to put you in touch with a dedicated professional. This is definitely a job for someone who is dedicated and conscientious. It is too easy to just accept an order for a paint job, do virtually no preparation, and make a lot more money out of doing a poorer job.
Of course, the onus is on you to not only find the right person, but to make sure that the details of the job are worked out well in advance. Go over the specifications with the painter before any papers are signed, and make sure that you give proper instructions. If there is oil or wax damage, make it clear that removing it is the first part of the job. A dedicated workman, who wants to get repeat business from a job well done, will know the importance of preparation before the application of fiberglass paint.