Painting a boat with DD Paint [manual]

Is your boat in need of a new colour or a new paint system? In this article, we explain how to paint a hull above the waterline. We used Double Coat DD Paint, a high-quality 2-component topcoat that is perfecty suitable for boats.

Before you can start painting the hull, it is important that you repair holes and cracks in the hull and that you, preferably, fair the hull with epoxy filler. 

We cover painting the hull or deck of your boat in the following six steps:

• Step 1. Cleaning.
• Step 2. Sanding.
• Step 3. Applying primer.
• Step 4. Applying DD Paint.
• Step 5. Paint non-slip sections.
• Step 6. Follow-up.

Supplies

To apply new paint, you will need the following products. Are you unsure about the required quantity for your project? Please feel free to contact our specialists. We are happy to give you tailor-made advice. 

To choose the right colour, we recommend using a RAL colour chart or a De IJssel colour chart. You can order these in our webshop.

Raw materials:

• Epoxy Filler
• ZF Primer
• Double Coat DD Paint
• DD Coat Anti Slip Powder
• Double Coat Degreaser
• Brush thinner

Tools:

• Sanding paper grit 180, 200 (for dry sanding)
• Abrasive sheets
• Nitrile gloves
• Paint trays
• Mixing cups
• Mixing spatulas
• Kitchen scale
• Foam rollers
• Paint roller frame + velour roller
• RAL colour chart or De IJssel colour chart

Step 1. Cleaning

First of all, clean the entire boat with, preferably, a high-pressure cleaner. Then disassemble as many fittings as possible. Did you discover holes or cracks during cleaning? Then repair these first. Read more about this in our information article: repairing holes and cracks above the waterline.

Step 2. Sanding

After cleaning, sand the entire surface with 180 grit sandpaper. You can sand anti-slip parts well with a matting sheet because you apply more force due to the grip of the anti-slip surface. Check that all surfaces are smooth. Isn't this the case? Then smooth the surface with Variopox Epoxy Filler and sand these spots.

Step 3. Applying ZF Primer

After sanding and filling, make sure you thoroughly degrease and clean the boat with Double Coat degreaser. After this you are ready to apply IJmopox ZF Primer. This epoxy primer ensures a necessary and excellent adhesion between the hull and the paint system that you will apply later. When applying ZF Primer, always use a vapour mask and nitrile gloves to protect your respiratory tract and skin.

Please read the technical data sheet carefully before you get started with ZF Primer. After applying and curing the ZF Primer, you may still discover spots that are not nicely finished. Fill these areas with epoxy filler and sand with 200 grit sandpaper.

Step 4. Applying Double Coat DD Paint

After applying and curing IJmopox ZF Primer (see the technical documentation), continue with the applying a 2-component paint system. We recommend using Double Coat DD Paint. This paint is available in all RAL colours and is UV resistant and scratch resistant. Moreover, DD Paint retains its shine for a long time. In short, it's a perfect system for a perfect paint job!

Processing instructions for Double Coat DD Paint:

• Mix the hardener with the Double Coat DD Paint according to the proportions from the technical data sheet (67:33).
• After mixing, allow the paint to stand for approximately 30 minutes to react.
• After pre-reacting, add approximately 3-5% brush thinner to the mixture. Stir this well again.
• Apply Double Coat DD Paint with a foam roller. We recommend applying it in long strokes. Overlap the strips and iron the surface immediately without pressing hard.

After 24 hours (at 20°C) you can apply a second coat without sanding. The best result is obtained by sanding between coats and letting the penultimate coat dry for a few days. Then sand it finely with 400 or 600 grit sanding paper before applying the final layer. Double Coat DD Paint is dust-dry after approximately 2 hours and fully cured after 5 days.

Step 5. Painting anti-slip parts

After the boat is completely painted, you can redo the anti-slip parts on the deck if necessary. You do this after the previous layer has cured for at least 24 hours.

Mix 50 grams of anti-slip powder per kilo of Double Coat DD Paint. Then apply the mixture of paint and anti-slip powder crosswise with a velour roller to distribute it evenly.

Step 6. Follow-up

Satisfied with the end result? Great, your boat is now well renovated! All you have to do is assemble the fittings correctly to complete the job. Do you have questions about the different paint systems or the correct working method? Please feel free to contact our specialists!