How to Paint a Fiberglass Boat

A common question that any marine surveyor may ask is whether or not it is logical to paint a fiberglass boat. As long as there is a full understanding of the work to be performed, the price to do so, and the detail in doing so, the answer is definitively yes. There are numerous advantages for doing so.

Many fiberglass boats are still designed with a gelcoating on the exterior finish. Gelcoat also serves as a mold release agent, which helps to protect the fiberglass from being bonded to the boat mold when it is laid. Sadly, the majority of gel coats have a low resistance to damages by the environment or sunlight, which causes the finish to show chalking and fading in a relatively short amount of time.

Although there are durable gelcoats available on the market, most manufacturers do not use them due to their price, as they tend to be very expensive.

When it comes to painting your fiberglass boat, there are three important factors to keep in mind: preparation, preparation, preparation. The large majority of the price to paint your boat comes in the preparation. The final results of any paint job will be as good as the effort and planning involved in the preparation process. The other factor in getting a good paint job lies in the skill of those who perform the task.

Begin by removing your hardware, teak trim, and plastic parts. Doing so will produce perfect lines. Choose to omit painting in difficult areas or utilize a skilled hand painter. Paint around non-skid decks, as they cannot be sanded and will wear away rapidly. Paint when the temperature is somewhere between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity is less than 65%. Make a good work order or contract with anyone you hire for the job. Take good care of the finished product, as doing so will allow your finish to last for ten years or more. Finally, sit back and admire the polished finish on your favorite fiberglass boat. Take it out on the lake and show off your work!