Painting Bottoms

[Sue & Larry]

I am looking for guidance on painting the bottom of my 27-foot Pearsont. I am looking for articles that could detail my work from start to finish, including determining the type of old paint and matching to new paint.

Sue & Larry respond:
If you’re looking for detailed information about painting the bottom of your boat yourself, it’s all right here at SailNet. First check out Tom Wood’s article entitled "Paint the Bottom Yourself." If you want even more information, use the search feature of the site and type in “Bottom Paint.” A list of archived articles and Ask the Expert questions regarding bottom painting will magically appear.

To determine which bottom paint will be compatible with your old paint, you first need to know what type of paint is currently on the boat. If you’re not able to find this information in your past records or from the previous owner, don’t despair. The bottom paint compatibility chart that you’ll find at your local marine store indicates that a modified epoxy paint will be compatible with virtually all existing types of paints with light to heavy sanding performed prior to application. Modified epoxy paints include such popular brands as Trinidad by Petit and Ultra by Interlux.

Don’t forget that any vinyl thru-hull transducers, like those commonly used on depthsounders and speed instruments, will require that you use a special water-based antifoulant. You can purchase these in tiny bottles with a fingernail polish type of applicator.