Do you need bottom paint thinner?

Posted on March 16, 2011 by BottomPaintStore

Bottom Paint is formulated to apply via brush or rolller. Under these normal application methods, there is no need to thin bottom paint (reduce bottom paint).

Bottom Paint Reducer

Bottom Paint Thinner

There are reducers for bottom paint, but these are used for spray applications, extremely hot climates (90F+) or if you applying to wood. (bottom paint should always be reduced by 20% for the first coat of bottom paint on wood.)

When used for these applications, please follow the manufacturers’ guidelines. (typically thin bottom paint no more than 10% unless barewood (20%) per application)).

Don’t waste your money on bottom paint reducer unless your application meets these conditions. Otherwise, you are just spending more money thinning your bottom paint and waiting for it to dry! Remember that bottom is not like house paint, thinning bottom paint means that you are actually spreading less bottom paint over the surface. Bottom paint needs to be thick enough to repel growth as the paint film wears away over time.

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How to Paint an Aluminum Jon Boat

Posted on March 14, 2011 by BottomPaintStore
Paint a Jon Boat

Aluminum Jon Boat

Jon Boats are flat bottom boats manufactured for easy maneuverability in shallow water. The most used material for construction is aluminum, making them lightweight and durable for fishing and hunting. A camouflage paint job is a good idea for hunters using a Jon boat to help blend into the surrounding land and water; choose your favorite color of marine enamel that come in over 15 colors and a higher gloss than camouflage paint.

Make sure you have a location for painting your jon boat that is free from blowing dust and debris (a garage is ideal).  

Surface Prep: The surface must be dry and free of grease, wax, dirt, or other foreign matter. Scrape off all loose paint and dull any gloss area with a light sanding or power brushing. Remove all dust with a cloth dampened with paint thinner and allow to dry, you can use wax and grease remover or acetone. Sand the existing jon boat paint surface or bare aluminum with 80-100 grit sandpaper.

Use a paint scraper or sander to remove any peeling paint or areas that are likely to cause peeling on your new paint. Don’t worry about scratches because these will make it easier for the new paint to adhere by etching the surface. Use a soft bristled brush to make sure you remove all debris left from sanding.

Duralux Aluminum Boat Green

Duralux Aluminum Boat Green

Painting a jon boat:

A primer coat is used to help the paint adhere to the jon boat aluminum surface and provides an extra layer of protection from corrosion. When using the Camouflage Paint Spray Kit, Duralux Camouflage Paint, or Marine Enamel on bare aluminum apply two coats of Duralux Zinc Chromate after sanding.

If you choose to use a simple one-step system on your bare aluminum jon boat, then Duralux Aluminum Boat Paint Green is an excellent choice since is can be used as a primer/paint in one over bare aluminum. You should prep the surface as stated above, and then wipe down the bare aluminum jon boat with white vinegar prior to coating. This acts like an acid and will “etch” the surface for better adhesion.  You will need to apply two coats of of Aluminum Boat Paint Green. (only available in dark green)

 Then you are ready to apply your paint to your jon boat. A few quarts of paint and primer should do the trick!

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What Is Bottom Paint?

Posted on February 14, 2011 by BottomPaintStore
What is bottom paint

What is Bottom Paint?

If you don’t know what bottom paint is, you are not alone. A boater that keeps his/her boat in the water for an extended period of time, must have bottom paint on the bottom of the hull to prevent growth (fouling) from occurring. 

Bottom Paint, also called antifouling paint, boat bottom paint, and anti-foul paint, is a special marine paint that is formulated with pesticides to keep those marine critters from growing on the bottom of the hull. Copper is most common pesticide used in bottom paints, and will prevent hard growth. Hard growth is considered mussels, barnacles, or any other crustacean that can attach to the bottom of the boat. Hard growth mostly occurs in warmer water and salt water. However, depending on your geographical location, hard growth will occur in fresh water and nutrient rich cool waters as well. 

Some boat bottom paint is  also combine other pesticides (biocides) with copper to prevent soft growth. Soft growth refers to algae and grass. 

Why do you need bottom paint? If you are going to keep your boat in the water for more than a couple of days, you will need some bottom paint!

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What Bottom Paint Can go Over Polyethylene?

Posted on February 14, 2011 by BottomPaintStore

Yes, you can apply bottom paint over polyethlene (plastic). We recommend applying an ablative bottom paint. (preferably ablative such as Cukote)

You should sand the boat with a 60 grit sandpaper, then wash it off with S-80 Cleaner and Dewaxer. After it is cleaned, you should apply 1-2 coats of 1277 barrier coat primer. Let it dry overnight and then apply the Sea Hawk antifouling paint of your choice.

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Do I Need a Reducer For Bottom Paint?

Posted on February 14, 2011 by BottomPaintStore

Reducers help the paint to dry faster or slower, depending upon the reducer you use. There is a warm weather reducer that makes it dry slower, and a cool weather reducer that make it dry faster.

Generally speaking, reducers should only be used in extreme weather conditions, or to thin the paint for a spray application.

Here is the link to reducers for bottom paint.

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How to Apply Bottom Paint Over Existing Bottom Paint

Posted on February 14, 2011 by BottomPaintStore

Bottom Painting is not very technical, but you must have a clean surface to insure good adhesion.

Refer to the Sea Hawk Compatibility Chart to determine if your existing coating is compatible with Sea Hawk antifoulant paint choice.To insure that your bottom paint adheres to your existing coating, it is important to have a clean prepared surface and an existing coating that is in good condition.

Known Compatibility of Existing Bottom Paint:
Power wash (pressure wash) to remove any loose paint,dirt, grease, or any other surface contaminants.
Scuff sand with 80 grit sandpaper, or scuff with a 3M Scotch-Brite® 7447 pad scrubbing thoroughly. Remove all residue and let dry.
Apply minimum of two coats of Sea Hawk antifoulant. Allow 3 to 6 hours between coats and a minimum overnight dry. See the specific Technical Data Sheet for antifoulant being used. Some antifoulants may require more than 2 coats.

Unknown Compatibility* of Existing Antifoulant:
Power wash (pressure wash) to remove any loose paint,dirt, grease, or any other surface contaminants.
Scuff sand with 80 grit sandpaper, or scuff with a 3M Scotch-Brite® 7447 pad scrubbing thoroughly. Remove all residue and let dry.
Apply 1 coat of 1277 Barrier Coat Primer, sHAWKocon or 1283 Island Primer (see respective technical data sheet)
Apply minimum of two coats of Sea Hawk antifoulant. Allow 3 to 6 hours between coats and a minimum overnight dry.See the specific Technical Data Sheet for antifoulant being used. Some antifoulants may require more than 2 coats.

Poor Condition of Existing Antifoulant:
If previous coating is cracking, flaking or peeling then strip antifoulant with Sea Hawk 1280 Marine Paint Stripper, or by sanding or commercial blast. Refer to Bare Fiberglass Application Guidelines for new antifoulant application.

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