Yacht Painting Guide

01

Choosing the right antifouling

Antifouling is chosen according to the sailing area, speed, frequency of use and hull material. The right choice means a clean hull and lower fuel consumption all season.

— Sailing and motor yachts moored in the marina: 425 Evolution (self-polishing).

— Fast motor yachts and speedboats: 427 Speed (hard film).

— White and light-coloured hulls: 428 Snow. Aluminium hulls, saildrives and outboards: 429 Crystal (copper-free).

02

Hauling out and washing

Wash the boat right after hauling out, before marine growth dries. Dried residues are much harder to remove later.

— Wash the hull with high-pressure fresh water; leave no salt or sediment.

— Remove mussels and barnacles with a plastic scraper.

— Allow the surface to dry completely before painting.

03

Surface preparation

The life of the paint system depends on surface preparation. Each hull material needs its own preparation.

— New GRP: wipe off release agent with solvent, abrade with P180–P220 and wipe again.

— Old antifouling: scrape off loose and flaking paint, abrade with P80–P120; apply 424 Underwater Sealer if the type is unknown.

— Steel: Sa 2½ blasting or St 3 power-tool cleaning. Aluminium: P80 abrasion and prime the same day.

04

Osmosis check and barrier

On GRP boats, water penetrating beneath the gelcoat eventually causes osmosis blisters. A preventive barrier coat protects the hull for many years.

— If there are blisters, repair osmosis first and let the laminate dry, confirmed by moisture readings.

— Apply 402 Osmo Shield in 3–5 coats for barrier effect.

— Complete coats within the specified overcoating intervals.

05

Primer and tie coat

The primer protects metal against corrosion; the tie coat forms a strong bridge between the epoxy system and the antifouling.

— Steel and GRP: 2–3 coats of 401 Epoxy Primer; at least 3 coats on aluminium.

— Apply one coat of 409 Vinyl Tie Coat before antifouling.

— Antifouling can be applied 6–8 hours after the tie coat (20 °C).

06

Applying antifouling

Stir the antifouling thoroughly and apply evenly by brush, roller or spray.

— Apply at least 2 coats; add an extra coat at the waterline, keel, rudder and bracket leading edges.

— Coverage: about 6 m² per kg per coat. Underwater area ≈ waterline length × (beam + draft) × 0.85.

— Recoat after 8 hours (20 °C, 65% RH).

07

Launching

Antifouling must dry sufficiently before launching. Launching too early reduces film performance.

— Wait at least 12–24 hours after the last coat (20 °C).

— Waiting times increase at low temperature and high humidity.

— Paint the areas under cradle pads and chocks just before launching.

08

Topside and deck

UV resistance matters on topsides and superstructure; slip resistance and safety on deck.

— Premium topsides and superstructure: 401 Epoxy Primer + 462 PU Topcoat (2 coats).

— Classic superstructure: 316 Red Oxide Primer + 460 Enamel Finish.

— Deck: 464 Non-Slip Deck Coat. Bilge and interior: 465 Bilge Paint.

09

Woodcare

In the marine environment, wood needs regular care against sun, salt and moisture.

— Sand varnished surfaces; thin the first coat by 10–15%.

— New wood: 3–5 coats of 323 Yacht Varnish or 4–6 coats of 483 PU Varnish; 1–2 coats for maintenance.

— Clean and dry teak decks and apply 2 coats of 330 Teak Oil; wipe off the excess.

10

Safety and environment

Work according to the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

— Wear gloves, goggles, a dust mask and protective clothing.

— Collect antifouling sanding dust and scrapings; keep them out of the sea and soil.

— Direct wash water to the boatyard treatment system and dispose of waste according to regulations.