Tag Archives: fiberglass boat paint

How to Paint Your Fiberglass Boat

Whether you’re an avid boater or simply enjoy the occasional ride at sea, taking care of your boat is essential to its longevity and performance. One of the key ways to properly maintain your boat is by painting it. If you have a fiber glass boat, painting it gives it a fresh new look and also helps protect it from harsh elements like UV rays and saltwater. However, painting a fiberglass boat can be a daunting task if you’ve never done it before. But don’t worry, in this how to guide we’ll show you everything you need to know to paint your fiberglass boat with ease!

Step 1: Preparation is Key

Before you can start painting your fiberglass boat, it’s important to first prepare it. Start by washing your boat thoroughly with soap and water to remove any dirt, grime, or debris. Next, sand the entire surface of the boat with a fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth and even surface. Be sure to remove any flakes or chips found on the surface of the fiberglass. Finally, rinse the boat with clean water and allow it to dry completely.

Step 2: Pick the Right Paint

Choosing the right paint for your fiberglass boat is essential in ensuring the longevity of your paint job. It’s recommended that you use marine-grade paint to ensure durability and longevity for your boat. Marine-grade paint is specifically designed for use in saltwater conditions, making it perfect for your fiberglass boat. Additionally, be sure to choose a paint that’s compatible with your boat’s surface. Some paints are made specifically for aluminum or wooden boats, so be sure to read the product label carefully.

Step 3: Apply the Primer

After preparing your boat and choosing the right paint, it’s time to apply the primer. The primer acts as a base coat, helping adhesion between the paint and the fiberglass. Apply the boat primer using a roller or spray gun, starting from the top of the boat and working down. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal results. Once the primer is dry, sand it down gently to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.

Step 4: Apply the Paint

Now that the primer has been applied and sanded, it’s time to apply the paint to your fiberglass boat. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully while applying the paint. Begin by working from the top of the boat and working down. Use long, even strokes to create a smooth surface with no drips, bumps, or brush marks. It’s recommended that you apply two coats of paint to ensure complete coverage. Finally, allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

The final step is applying the finishing touches. Once your paint has completely dried, apply a clear coat of marine-grade sealant to help protect the paint from UV rays, saltwater, and other harsh elements. Additionally, you may want to replace any decals or stickers that were removed during the painting process. Finally, inspect your boat for any chips, flakes, or blemishes, touching them up as necessary to create a flawless finish. Painting a fiberglass boat can seem like a challenging task, but with proper preparation and the right tools and materials, it can be a manageable DIY project. Be sure to prepare your boat properly, choose the right paint, and apply the primer, paint, and finishing touches carefully. With these steps, your fiberglass boat will not only look great but also be protected from harsh elements. If you have questions or need assistance selecting the right paint you can always contact the team at Bottom Paint Store.

Link to this post!

The Different Types of Boat Paint

In this article, we will briefly describe some of the different types of boat paint that can be used to repair, restore, protect, and make your boat looks its best.

Topside boat paint is a type of paint you apply above the waterline of a boat. This can include the sides of the hull, deck, as well as interior. Marine topside paints usually consist of one-part polyurethane, two-part polyurethane, and alkyd marine enamel. There are also buffable, two-part acrylic urethanes. Due to the sun’s rays, your boat is vulnerable to UV damage so coating your upper hull and deck with good topside paint can go a long way to protecting your boat.

Blue Water Marine Topside Paints are superior in quality, higher in value and typically, priced better than store brands


Aluminum boat paint can be used for many purposes including to camouflage, decorate, refurbish, or restore and touch up aluminum boat surfaces. Paint that is safe for aluminum and can be applied without a primer and can be used below or above the waterline. If you don’t take care of your aluminum boat, it will eventually start to show its age. One way to keep your aluminum boat looking new is to touch up the paint when it starts to fade or chip. Touching up the paint on your aluminum boat is a relatively simple process.

Aluma Hawk is a high-solids, quick drying corrosion inhibiting coating designed for use on aluminum. It requires no primer and can be applied below or above the waterline with no antifouling characteristics; it also contains dual purpose phenolic resin which makes it possible to use as both primer (for metals) AND topcoat if needed!

Aluma Hawk Paint
Aluma Hawk is a fast drying, high-solids, corrosion-inhibiting coating designed for use on aluminum with no need for a primer.

Duralux Paint is available in a variety of colors to satisfy the most discriminating boat owner’s eye, Duralux offers a complete line of products including enamels and spar varnish. Duralux aluminum boat paint is a solid choice for those who want great protection for their aluminum boat.

Duralux Aluminum Boat Green
Duralux Aluminum Boat Green


Fiberglass coatings usually consist of gelcoat, gelcoat putties, resins, restoration solutions, repair kits, and tools/materials. Gel coats are often used to touch up or repair a boat’s finish. They have a much shorter shelf life and can be a lot more difficult to apply than paint so the manufacturer’s instructions must be carefully followed to ensure a successful result.

Gelcoat can be used to patch existing gel coat, fiberglass repairs, and new construction and projects.


Wood boat paint typically includes traditional types of oil-based finishes, as two-part paints tend to be less flexible. Because wood can flex and swell, especially along seams, expensive finishes will not last any longer than traditional stain or paint. Teak can be used to prevent fading on a boat’s wood finish. If left untreated, it will often fade which leads to the need to clean or treat the wood so it is not susceptible to rot, mildew, and discoloration.

Teak wood cleaner
Just Teak is a simple solution to clean, brighten & protect your teak.


Bottom boat paint is antifouling paint or coating designed to diminish weeds, barnacles, and other aquatic organisms that can attach below the waterline of a boat and cause damage. Bottom paint includes ablative bottom paint, hard boat bottom paint, aluminum safe bottom paint, primers for bottom paint, and boat bottom paint remover.

Biocop bottom paint uses the newest biocide technology which is safe for the environment.

If you need assistance selecting the right marine boat paint for your next project see Bottom Paint Store’s how-to articles or call our technical support department Monday-Friday from 8:30-5:00 pm EST 888-505-2313.

Link to this post!