Painting a wooden boat.

by Greg Spaanderman
(Australia )

I have renovated a small wooden sailing dingy.

The paint has been stripped and I have placed an epoxy over the underside of the boat.

The paint shop tells me that I need a 2 pack marine paint.

The boat will be used about 3-4 times a year and then kept in a shed.

What paint could I use on the underside without paying the earth for a 2 pack paint?

Comments for Painting a wooden boat.

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Wooden Boat Paint
by: Al

Certainly, using a 2 pack marine paint can give your boat a professional and durable finish, but it can be expensive. Here are some alternatives that you might want to consider:

1) Oil-Based Enamel: These are budget-friendly and offer good durability. They can provide a nice glossy finish and are typically easy to apply. However, they do not provide as much UV protection as marine paint.

2) Marine Varnish: If your wooden boat has a lot of nice grain that you'd like to showcase, marine varnish or spar varnish could be a good solution. It offers UV protection and is generally durable but needs to be recoated after some years.

3) Latex Paint: Some boat owners have successfully used high-quality, marine-grade, exterior latex paint on their boats. They are easy to touch up and provide a good finish. However, they may not be as durable as marine paints.

Before applying these paints, make sure the surface is properly prepped. Sand it lightly to ensure good adhesion. Use a primer that is compatible with your chosen paint.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the paint can for the best results. It’s always a good idea to do a small test first to ensure you are happy with the finished look and that the paint adheres well.

Remember also that whatever paint you choose needs to be compatible with the epoxy already applied to your boat. Always check with a paint professional to confirm compatibility.

Even though these alternatives are less pricey than marine paint, they might not last as long, so more frequent re applications may be required. In the end, the choice between a high upfront cost for long-lived protection, versus a lower upfront cost with the potential for more frequent maintenance, is up to you and your specific needs and circumstances.

Enjoy your sailing dingy!

Paint
by: Tlanz

I would say they are right. 2-part is necessary.

I used a Petite paint that was 1-part and turned out Terrible.

The paint is flat (not glossy as advertised)

It was a one part anti-fouling.

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