Do It Yourself: Clear Coating on Boats

Boats, because of their constant exposure to UV light, water and the many chemicals in some bodies of water, are susceptible to hull fading. To help return a faded hull to its original luster, a clear coat is one good option for those looking to do it themselves. Clear coating a boat will be a big job, but is absolutely something that a boat owner can do without help or expensive equipment.

Things You'll Need

  • Boat trailer
  • Assorted wrenches
  • Dishsoap
  • Water
  • Bucket
  • Rags
  • 400-grit sandpaper
  • 800-grit sandpaper
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Painter's tape
  • Tarp
  • Gloves
  • Face mask
  • Goggles
  • Large paintbrush
  • Clear coat paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Trailer the boat and have it stored somewhere protected from the sun and rain, such as a garage. Remove the bilge plug and let any bilge water drain out.

    • 2

      Remove the motor if it is an outboard motor, or else the outer portion of an internal motor. Similarly, remove any hull components that you are able to, so that you can paint under them.

    • 3

      Add roughly 1 cup of soap to 3 to 4 gallons of water. Wash the hull thoroughly, removing any oxidization. Rinse the hull and allow it to dry.

    • 4

      Sand the hull with 400-grit sandpaper. You can do this by hand, though an electric sander will speed the process up. Whichever method you use, apply only medium pressure, and do not sand all the way down to the original gel coat finish.

    • 5

      Sand the hull again with 800-grit sandpaper, to clean up any rough areas left by the 400-grit paper.

    • 6

      Use rubbing alcohol and a rag to wipe the entire hull down, to remove any residue left by the sanding. Keep doing this until the rags you use no longer become dirty with residue.

    • 7

      Use painter’s tape to mark the edges of your painting area. The area to receive paint will depend on your boat’s design, as well as your personal preferences.

    • 8

      Put a tarp or something similar underneath the boat and painting area, if you want to protect the surface underneath from getting paint on it.

    • 9

      Put on gloves, goggles and a facemask to protect yourself from exposure. You should also ventilate the area you are working in as much as possible to avoid a buildup of fumes.

    • 10

      Begin painting with a large paintbrush. Use horizontal strokes and apply smooth, even pressure. Begin painting at the top of the hull and work your way down towards the bottom. Work on a 4- to 5-foot wide section in this manner. When down to the bottom of the hull, wipe any excess paint off the brush and use it to make long, even, vertical strokes along the area you just painted. This will help prevent runs. Repeat the process for the entire hull.

    • 11

      Allow the hull to dry, according to the directions of whatever paint you used.