Various Types of Boat Paints and Their Uses
It is crucial to paint your boat regularly. You might be surprised by knowing this, especially if you are new in the field. When you paint the vessel, it provides overall protection to the entire structure from the harmful UV rays to marine species that can try to make the boat hull their home.
Here is a brief information about types of boat paints, their uses, and considerations for painting fishing boats for sale in Port Alberni, BC, Canada.
What Exactly is a Boat Paint?
Many people call it marine paint. We need you to know that the paint for aquatic products differs from the paint we use for our cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Boat paint contains specific properties and components that protect a vessel's surface from harmful elements in and out of the water.
Based on the type of vessel, professionals suggest a specific paint and coating. A luxury boat may cruise along the calm coast, but commercial vessels and sportfishing boats run on the schedule. The marine paint has an appropriate formulation that ensures the boat moves smoothly through the water.
Types of Boat Paints
You will require various paints according to vessel surfaces above and below the waterline. While the topside paint protects the surface from water, sand, debris, and sun rays, the bottom boat paint enables the vessel to withstand dirt, barnacles, algae, micro-organisms, and other underwater elements.
Below are some of the most common types of boat paints.
1. Topside Paint
As mentioned earlier, topside paint is specifically used to protect the boat's parts above the waterline. Such components include the deck, hull, interior, etc. A topside marine paint typically contains alkyd marine enamel, one-part polyurethane, and two-part polyurethane paints.
We know when the boat stays longer directly under the sunlight, the UV rays can impact its surface. You can hire professionals to apply the solid coat on the upper hull, deck, and other parts to protect the vessel. The fibreglass fishing boats in BC, Canada, mainly have topside boat paint for colour retention, UV resistance, durability, and flexibility.
2. Bottom Paint
It is one of the most effective paints against micro-organisms, fouling, and other harmful elements underwater. When you apply bottom paint to the vessel parts that constantly stay under the water, it diminishes aquatic features like barnacles, weeds, etc., that can cause damage to the bottom part of the boat.
A few bottom paints suit well for both saltwater boats and freshwater vessels. However, the most common bottom paint types include aluminum boats safe bottom paint, hard vinyl antifouling paint, ablative antifouling paint, thin film paint, modified epoxy antifouling paint, and hard boat bottom paint.
3. Aluminum Boat Paint
Many owners of aluminum fishing boats in BC use the specific aluminum-safe paint for multiple reasons. You do not need to apply primer before the colour; you can apply it on the surface above and below the waterline. Passionate anglers also prefer this paint for decoration, restoration, refurbishment, camouflage, and other reasons.
4. Fibreglass Boat Paint
If you own a fibreglass boat, you can think of this option. You need to check the manufacturer's manual carefully, though. A fibreglass boat paint has resins, Gelcoat putties, Gelcoat, and other restoration elements. Marine service specialists also use it at the time of boat repairs or finishing. However, such paint can have shorter shelf life than other standard boat paints and can be challenging to apply.
How Often Should I Paint My Boat?
You can consult an experienced marine services company on Vancouver Island, BC, to know how often you should paint the bottom part of your vessel based on your use and how long you keep your boat in the water.
Conclusion
If you are curious about maintaining your boat and looking for the best boat dealer, boat services, or boat storage in BC, look nowhere other than Alberni Power & Marine. Our experienced staff will help you choose the correct boat model according to your needs and make the right service schedule for your beloved vessel. It includes but is not limited to the repowering options, maintaining the engine, selecting the right boat paint, and keeping your vessel in its original condition in the best possible way.
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