Proper preparation is the key

Whilst painting a boat is not difficult, prior preparation will make all the difference for a professional-looking marine painting application.

Marine Painting

• First, wash and de-wax the surface; apply the solvent, clean it off, and then wash the surface down with a detergent.
• Fill any dents and gouges.
• Sand and prime (keeping in mind the make of the boat, whether it is wood or fiberglass.
• Mask the area to be painted.
• Apply the coats needed. This may be a two-person job; one to apply the paint with a roller, another to smooth the application with a brush – this is known as ‘rolling and tipping’. Sanding and washing will need to be carried out between each coating.

Industrial applications

• Industrial painting has its own set of prerequisites before a job can be carried out.
• The substrate (the surface to be painted) must be cleaned, so that the paint can be properly applied for correct adhesion.
• The correct solvent must be used to thin the paint before application.
• Even the type of spray gun must be taken into consideration before the process can begin.

Remember Occupational Health and Safety at all times

Given the numerous situations in which industrial painting takes place, other factors such as flammability and high temperatures within an industrial environment need to be taken into account before application.