Sail into a Fresh Look: Is it Time to Repaint Your Boat?

Look out for these unmistakable indicators that your boat might be due for a fresh coat of paint or even a complete strip-down to the bare surface:

• Flakes of paint peeling away, leaving jagged edges.
• The emergence of craters in the paintwork; a smooth hull surface is the norm.
• Appearance of blisters on the paint surface.
• Observable damage to the hull.
• Glossy paint starts to lose its shiny finish.
• Chalky blooms may start to appear.
• Pinholes can start to emerge.
• Cracking in paint
• Micro blisters
• Corrosion/rotting may start to appear.

The presence of micro blisters suggests that there is moisture beneath the barrier coat. While small blisters can be addressed individually but more significant or widespread blistering, consider employing a water meter to assess moisture levels within the hull. In cases where large blisters and potential osmosis are suspected, seeking professional expertise is advisable.

How often should I paint my boat?

Different parts of the boat may need painting at different times, parts of the boat such as the hull (below the water-line) will likely need more maintenance than the top side of the boat. 

The longevity of the coating also hinges on factors such as the environmental conditions, the duration spent in the water, the age of the boat, and the types of coatings previously applied.

As an illustration, let's take a closer look at Teamac Antifouling. Specifically formulated for application below the waterline, this coating is primarily utilised in saltwater environments. The anticipated lifespan of Teamac Antifouling is approximately 18 - 24 months. Notably, all our anti-fouling products are ablative in nature. Ablative coatings gradually wear away over time, releasing biocides to prevent the growth of fouling organisms on the hull. This unique characteristic ensures ongoing effectiveness in marine environments, providing reliable protection against marine growth for the specified duration. It's important to anti-foul your boats hull regularly not only enhances the vessel's overall performance but also help maintain its fuel efficiency, manoeuvrability, and structural integrity.

The topsides of the boat could be starting to look dull, this indicated that the protective feature in the coat has begun wearing away and the pigment starts to leave the paint. It is always best to freshen up when this occurs to keep the substrate of your boat as protected and fresh looking as possible.

What marine paint should I use and how should I prepare it?

When it comes to preparing the surface and picking the right paint, it all depends on the substrate, the current condition of the substrate, which section of the boat you're painting and what

Talk to our friendly experts on 01482 320194 or via our online chat, we are avalible Monday to Thursday 8:30am until 5pm or Friday 8:30am until Friday 3:45pm.

Our friendly team will be able to provide the best step by step guides tailored to your boats needs.