| Bottom Painting: Applying Ablative Anti-fouling Paint |
From "Shipshape Boating"
episode DSSB-113 |
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In this segment, host John Greviskis is ready to apply the ablative anti-fouling paint. - Get the first coat of bottom paint ready to apply to the craft. For this particular project, Greviskis chose a "micron-extra" paint that has a couple of biocides, which keep the shell or plant life from growing on the hull bottom. This paint also is considered an ablative paint, which means it will wear away -- just like a bar of soap in the shower. It's designed to intentionally wear away. The reason you want this type of paint is that each time it gets worn down or washes away, the paint releases (figure A -- an illustration of how the paint releases) fresh copper and biocides to the surface of the boat, which in turn repels barnacles and other growth.
Note: The disadvantage to using a non-ablative paint is that it has to be sanded away. Not so with an ablative paint because it automatically wears away. - Pour your guide coat (an ablative in this case) into a paint tray and use a 3/8" nap roller to apply (figure B -- use an extended handle) to the hull's bottom.
Tip: Begin painting at the keel and work out to the hull. - For any areas that you can't get with a roller, use a throwaway brush.
- Continue painting until the entire boat bottom is covered.
- Apply a second coat (Greviskis used black this time around) while the guide coat is still tacky (figure C) to the touch. DON'T let the guide coat dry completely.
- There should be great adhesion between the two coats of paint.
- Once the entire bottom surface is painted with two coats are set, peel the masking tape carefully.
In the next segment, Greviskis discusses and demonstrates epoxy barrier coats, which are critical to protecting your boat's bottom surface.
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