AkzoNobel’s Interlux brand 10-step spring maintenance checklist to prep your boat for the new season
Maintaining your boat is essential for its optimal performance both above and below the waterline. The arrival of spring is the perfect time to refresh your boat and ensure everything is in ideal condition to take to the water.
Richard Jennings, Global Technical Manager of AkzoNobel’s yacht division, has shared his 10-step guide for those getting ready to launch their boats this spring.
1) Wash boat with fresh water to remove growth and dirt
You can also scrub it with a sponge but be careful not to use an aggressive surface, especially on topside finishes. The water should spread across the surface while flushing if it’s properly degreased.
2) Scrape away any loose paint that is flaking or in poor condition
Flaking is likely caused by using fouling control paints that are not compatible with each other, or when too much paint has been applied over several seasons. If there’s more than 40% of detachment, please consult your boat professional to determine if removal of existing coating is needed.
3) Remove or repair any damaged areas before sanding
Use 80-120 grit sandpaper to sand any existing primer and frequently change the paper. Any bare substrate needs to be sanded with 80-120 grit to improve adhesion, unless it’s aluminum or steel, which requires 60-80 grit sandpaper to remove oxidation. Always sand along the grain to avoid scratches.
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4) Mask off areas that will not be painted to prep for priming or painting
Once taped then mix your paint following the recommendations on the label or technical data sheet, and add solvents where necessary to aid application or improve adhesion if applying your first coat of paint onto bare wood.
5) Prepare the bare metal and prime
Aggressively sand the bare metal, with 60-80 grit, then apply a primer such as InterProtect® 2000E Epoxy Barrier System, or an underwater metal primer like Primocon, followed by the appropriate Interlux® fouling control suitable for your waters.
6) Start painting the bow or the corner of the transom
Begin with areas where any application overlap will be less noticeable. For large surfaces, use a roller as it is quicker and will achieve a uniform finish. Apply sufficient paint for the product to flow, but not so much to make it sag or run as it can be hard to remove those later.
7) Choose the right fouling control
It’s essential to consider both your boating habits and the specific fouling challenges in your area such as water flow speed, tidal exchange and shading from trees or buildings.
The Interlux® fouling control range protects all types of boats, in all waters and conditions, to stop barnacles, worms, slime and algae from settling and increasing drag. The Micron® range is specifically formulated to release just the right amount of active ingredients to keep the surface clean throughout the season, without the need to scrub your boat between applications.
8) Check coating compatibility
Verify the compatibility of any new paint with the existing one on your hull. If uncertain about the current coating, you can use our Primocon® primer as a sealer before applying your chosen Interlux® fouling control paint.
9) Apply Interlux fouling control to the hull to protect your boat
Follow immersion times carefully to avoid detachment, blistering or cracking of the fouling control. It’s good practice to apply an extra coat to leading and trailing edges such as the waterline, trim tabs, outdrives, keels and rudders which experience more water flow and turbulence.
10) Paint your topsides and apply gloss
Use the Interlux® high performance and easier to apply topside system, Pre-Kote Plus and Toplac® Plus, to reduce the number of coats and sanding time while achieving an extremely smooth and glossy finish. The advanced formula of Toplac Plus enhances flow, eliminating the need for tipping after rolling, thereby streamlining and simplifying the application process.
Toplac Plus offers enhanced UV protection for longer gloss and color retention and can be applied using a brush or roller. Requiring fewer coats than conventional topcoats, Toplac Plus delivers an excellent, professional-quality finish with lower VOCs.
For more information on our range of products and for more step-by-step custom guides, visit https://www.interlux.com/en/us/.
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