Painting Your Boat with DD Paint [Guide]

Is your boat ready for a new color or is the current paint system due for replacement? In this article, we explain how to apply a new paint system above the waterline on a boat hull. For this article, we use Double Coat DD Paint. DD Paint is a high-quality 2-component topcoat that is exceptionally well suited for boats.

Before you start painting the hull, it is important that you have repaired any holes and cracks in the hull and that you have, preferably, also faired the hull smooth using epoxy putty.

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. Painting non-skid areas.
• Step 6. Next steps.

Requirements

To apply a new topcoat, you will need the products listed below. In doubt about the quantity required for your project? Feel free to contact our specialists. We are happy to provide personalized advice. Ordered too much? Unopened packages can be returned free of charge.

To choose the right color, we recommend using a RAL color fan deck or a De IJssel color chart. These can be ordered in our webshop and come with free shipping.

Raw materials:

• Epoxy Putty
• ZF Primer
• Double Coat DD Paint
• DD Paint Anti-slip Powder
• Double Coat Degreaser (or BioSafe organic degreaser)
• Brush Thinner

Tools:

• Sandpaper 180 and 200 grit (dry)
• Matting pad
• Nitrile gloves
• Paint trays
• Mixing cups
• Mixing spatulas
• Kitchen scale
• Foam rollers
• Roller frame + velour roller
• RAL color fan deck or De IJssel color chart

Step 1. Cleaning

First of all, clean the entire boat thoroughly, preferably using a pressure washer. Next, disassemble as much deck hardware as possible. Notice any holes or cracks while cleaning? Seal those up 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. Non-skid sections can easily be sanded using a matting pad, as you can exert more pressure thanks to the grip of the anti-slip surface. Check whether all surfaces are completely smooth. If not, fair the surface smooth using Variopox Epoxy Putty and sand those areas afterward.

Step 3. Applying ZF Primer

Make sure you degrease and clean the boat thoroughly after sanding and filling using Double Coat Degreaser. You are then ready to apply IJmopox ZF Primer. This epoxy primer provides the required and excellent adhesion between the hull and the paint system you will apply later. Always wear a vapor mask and nitrile gloves when working with ZF Primer to protect your respiratory tract and skin.

Read the technical datasheet carefully before working with ZF Primer. After applying and letting the ZF Primer cure, you may still spot areas that aren't finished smoothly. Touch up these spots with epoxy putty and sand with 200-grit sandpaper.

Step 4. Applying DD Paint

After applying and letting IJmopox ZF Primer cure, proceed with applying a 2-component topcoat system. We recommend using Double Coat DD Paint. This paint is available at Polyestershoppen in all RAL colors and is UV-resistant and scratch-resistant. In addition, DD Paint retains its gloss for a long time. In short, a perfect system for giving boats a stunning finish!

DD Paint Application Instructions:

• Mix the hardener into the DD Paint according to the 67:33 ratio by weight.
• Allow the paint to sit for about 30 minutes after mixing to pre-react.
• Then add approximately 3-5% brush thinner to the mixture. Stir well once again.
• Apply DD Paint using a foam roller. We recommend applying the paint in long passes. Overlap the passes and immediately feather out the surface without pressing hard.

After 24 hours (at 20°C), you can apply a second coat without sanding. The best results are achieved by sanding between coats and allowing the penultimate coat to dry for a few days. Then sand it finely with 400 or 600-grit sandpaper before applying the final coat. DD Paint is dust-dry after approximately 2 hours and fully cured after 5 days.

Step 5. Painting non-skid areas

Once the boat is completely painted, you can optionally apply another coat to the non-skid areas on the deck. Do this after the previous layer has cured for at least 24 hours.

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

Step 6. Next steps

Pleased with the end result? Great, your boat will be looking fantastic again! The only thing left to do is to remount your hardware correctly to complete the job. Have questions about the different paint systems or the proper application method? Feel free to contact our specialists!

Frequently asked questions