Spot Painting Bottom Paint

dave6330 · #1 07-19-2007

I've had my boat out of the water for a year now and have just returned to the States. I'm anxious to get her back into the water and do some sailing but I noticed some chipped areas on the botom paint. My question is whether or not I can "spot paint" the chipped areas (after sanding) and forgo a complete botom paint job 'til next year? I'm chompin' at the bit to get back but I don't want to mess anything up either.

USCGRET1990 · #2 07-19-2007

Some paints would require a new coat after being out of the water that long.
If not that kind, then it would be ok. You'll need to research your paint.

SanderO · #3 07-19-2007

This Spring I used the cheapest West ablative paint and did only one coat. Works great! How much money have I wasted on bottom paints. Oy!

jef
sv shiva

sailingdog · #4 07-19-2007

Dave-

Most hard epoxy bottom paints would require re-painting, while most ablatives would survive being out of the water that long. If it is an ablative, you might want to check with the manufacturer to see if you can apply it directly over an old layer of itself... if so...then you can probably just spot-paint the bottom.

dave6330 · #5 07-20-2007

Thanks all - the current bottom paint is an ablative but I don't know the specific brand (I had the bottom painted just after we bought the boat four years back). I'll give her a go with spot painting this year and pull it next year for a full bottom paint (when I'm not so pressed for time).