Bottom Paint

  • July 09, 2020 5:48 PM
    Message # 9091931

    I'm sanding the bottom of my WS 32 #433 in this 90+ heat/ humidity and wondering how much paint other Westsailers use per coat.

    Also what paint are you using and your area you have your boat.

    Be Well, Stay Safe & Hydrate

    Ted



  • July 10, 2020 8:06 AM
    Reply # 9093108 on 9091931
    Deleted user

    I used about 1.3 gallons per coat. I use Bluewater Coppershield 45 here on southern Chesapeake

  • July 10, 2020 8:53 AM
    Reply # 9093258 on 9091931

    Our 28 is a bit smaller, we usually apply 2.5 gallons when we paint the bottom. 

    Two heavy coats to the entire bottom and two additional coats around the waterline and down about 8 inches and several (till we run out of paint) additional coats on the upper rudder as it gets more exposure to sunlight.  We've been using Micron CSC, its worked well for us in the PNW.  

  • July 10, 2020 9:13 AM
    Reply # 9093369 on 9091931

    When we do a bottom job for our boat (W28) we use 2 gallons of bottom paint plus thinner . As for how many coats , I forget . I think that works out to about 4 coats , the main thing is to get extra coats on the hard hit places like the rudder where the diver is cleaning . Also at the water line . We are in the Long beach , Ca . area and our diver cleans us once a month . 

    At first I was using Pettet Trinadad because it had a  high copper count . One time the yard manager told me to use Zspar B 90 . He said it was harder and would last longer and had the same copper count, he was right . Although keep in mind bottom paint loses it's effectiveness after awhile .  

    We always have blisters , I grind them out in tell they are dry and fill them with 3M marine filler . I love that stuff , make fixing blisters almost easy .


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    Last modified: July 10, 2020 10:17 AM | Anonymous member
  • July 10, 2020 3:43 PM
    Reply # 9093972 on 9091931

    Thanks for the Replys. I should have also asked about your tips, tricks, hacks, on doing

    a bottom paint job.

    Plus your favorite color of bottom paint. 

    WOA is a Great resource to share experiences when we need help,  I Thank-You.

    Stay Safe

    ted




  • July 12, 2020 10:25 AM
    Reply # 9096786 on 9091931

    Hello Ted,  A bit late here but I do have some thoughts on bottom painting.  On average I use 5 quarts per coat and almost always will apply 2  coats.  I have used many different types of paint over the years but am currently using Pettit Trinadad pro. It is a hard, modified epoxy paint that lends itself to frequent cleanings.  Here in the river I do not need its high copper content.      

    I always apply paint to a smooth surface.  I always prefer a thin nap foam roller cover, like used and sold by West Systems.  If I can't get these I will use the thinnest nap "candy Stripe" roller covers as they will shed the least amount of fibers when used.  I never ever use the longer nap covers.  I use only the 7" rollers, The 9" are too long to conform to the surface in many locations.  I roll relatively slow.  I want a complete and smooth surface covering.   After painting is finished, wipe your hand over the surface,  You will feel many little "prickly  things".  This is dust, bug wings,pollen and who knows what else.  Overall there will be thousands.  I almost always will sand the surface well after painting,   220 grit or finer.  As a minimum, wipe the bottom completely with a scotch brite pad.  Indeed, I have often sanded longer after painting than before.  It's just me.  Just remember,, a smooth bottom is faster than the alternative.  Good luck.  let us know how it all went.   Dave

    Last modified: July 12, 2020 10:28 AM | Anonymous member
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