How to Customize Painted Fiberglass Boats

Owning a boat is a source of pride for many Americans. In much the same way car owners "trick out" their vehicles, many boat owners decide to add custom touches to their painted fiberglass boats. The easiest way to do this is to contract a boat painter to add a custom paint job to your boat. Designs can vary from simple racing stripes to murals and geometric patterns. Choosing the right painter, writing up the right contract and choosing the right materials are key to a successful customized paint job.

Instructions

  1. Choosing a Painter and Writing a Contract

    • 1

      Choose between contracting a jobber or a yard. The benefits to choosing a jobber is that the cost will be lower, as the jobber has less overhead such as marketing. Jobbers tend to come and go, however, so only choose one with references and a steady track record. Choosing a yard is the safest way to go as the yard may be more established, but the cost will be higher. Again, obtain references before choosing the yard you want to work with. Any painter you select should have a contained paint shed in which the work will be completed for both contamination and quality issues.

    • 2

      Discuss the materials that will be used. Cheaper gel coats will fade and the paint colors will lose their vibrancy and become cloudy. An example of a high quality gel coat is Bertram, but it also comes with a hefty price tag. A good quality gel coat will last for at least 15 years if cleaned and waxed once a year, even if exposed to harsh sun.

    • 3

      Talk about what work will be completed and the accompanying price. The boat should be properly prepared for paint, which may include repairs to the fiberglass. All fixtures, including screws, rails, mirrors and trim should be removed. There may be separate costs for numbers of colors used; submitting your own design; using a pre-made design or contracting the painter to create a design for you; and removing and replacing caulking.

    • 4

      Draw up a contract. The contract should contain all work to be completed; the primers and finish coats that will be used and your quality expectations; the costs by line item with a final total; and the time frame in which the work will be completed. Some companies will agree to a warranty. Never pay in full up front, but agree to paying half to contract the job and the other half upon completion and satisfaction to the terms in the contract. The contract should be signed by both you and the painter.

    Designing and Painting Your Boat

    • 5

      Choose a design and accompanying colors. Search the Internet for images of boat designs and print out those that appeal to you. Some painters may be willing to provide you with design options or even create a custom design for your boat. When choosing your design, keep in mind the colors you would like. It is best to apply dark colors only in small amounts, as dark colors attract and hold heat. Fiberglass is sensitive to heat and painting your boat with large amounts of dark paint can result in irreparable damage.

    • 6

      Deliver your boat to the painter. Keep in mind that the best paint circumstances are when the temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity is 65 percent or less. Choose a time of the year that meets these circumstances in your area. In addition, boat-painting prices tend to be lowest at the end of the boating season, so consider this as well when timing your painting job.

    • 7

      Remove any custom attachments on your boat. While the removal of fixtures is most likely a part of your contract, you don't want to risk the chance of the loss of costly, sentimental and/or custom attachments.

    • 8

      Walk around the boat with your painter. Point out again any areas that you know or suspect are in need of repair. Review the contract with your painter once again before leaving your boat for the work to be completed.

    • 9

      Care properly for your newly painted boat. Never use harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners when washing your boat. Only use soft, natural-bristle brushes or mops, as plastic or stiff brushes will scratch the new surface. If you use a chlorinated cleanser, do not let it sit on the surface for more than a few minutes as it will deteriorate the protective coat and paint. Do not allow dirt to accumulate on your boat and be sure to rinse your boat each time it comes in contact with salt water. Apply a coat of wax to your boat at least once a year and cover your boat during the winter to avoid damage from ice and snow.