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Holiday 2018
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boatingonthehudson.com
requires different types of bottom paint. The Epoxy
Barrier can then be applied by rolling or spraying.
Mixing the paint product, timing and temperature
are critical for a good bond. We suggest a professional
to do this work.
At the very minimum a hull should have barrier
coat. In my opinion this is essential if your boat
is kept in the water! A barrier coat needs to be
applied first and is much more important than
bottom paint.
If you apply bottom paint I highly recommend
applying barrier coat first. You’re wasting your
money if you only apply bottom paint!
Marine antifouling protective paint
a.k.a. “Bottom Paint” will keep organisms from
growing on your hull e.g. algae, bacteria, zebra
mussels, etc. There are many types available.
Ablative –
It is soft and wears away quickly.
As the boat moves through the water fresh layers
of paint are constantly being exposed - great
for high marine growth areas. An advantage of
this type is that there is minimal build up and
you can apply this over most other antifouling
paints. I have been told this type does not retain
its antifouling ability for more than 30 days after
being hauled out.
Controlled Solubility Copolymers
–
Partially soluble similar to ablative types. Product
is also good for areas with high concentration
of fouling problems. Boats can be hauled and
relaunched without repainting. Obviously longevity
is related to the thickness of the paint.
Hard antifouling paint –
Dries to a porous film
that leaches out a biocide when in contact with water
to prevent attachment of marine growth. It tends to
lose its effectiveness rather quickly and a hard paint
film remains on the boat. After multiple applications
the surface will build up and after a while it would
need to be removed and reapplied. It is a good
type for racing boats & sailboats that have bottoms
regularly cleaned.
Self-Polishing Copolymer
– contains a
patented resin that reacts with salt water. Product
remains effective whether the boat is sitting at the
dock or is underway. Not recommended for fresh
water use.
Aluminum boat owners please note! Do not
apply bottom paint containing copper directly over
aluminum. The results would be electrolysis upon
contact with the water.
Many boat owners opt to apply these paints on
their own but it’s really best to hire a professional to
insure good protecting results.
Proper hull prep and application is essential or you
will again be wasting your money.
I also recommend that if you trailer your boat, keep
it on the trailer or a boat lift! Get it out of the water!
Don’t let it sit in the water all week long if you only
use it on the weekends!
Migrating water seeps into an
area of concentrated water soluble
materials and mixes together -
acids are formed. This acidic pasty
mixture is too thick to go back out
through the precocity in the gelcoat.
The gaseous acid expands, pressure
grows and thus the blister is created
on the surface. All blisters are
formed this way.