Q.) What are some recommended best practices for applying topcoat?

A.) There are several steps you can take to help achieve a perfect finish:

• Ensure an even spread by holding the brush at 45° — this minimizes brush marks.
• The best finish is achieved on large areas by two people, one to apply the paint, the other following immediately behind to ‘tip off’ the finish.
• Clean or change brushes every 20 minutes or so. Always use lint-free cleaning cloths.
• Stir the paint occasionally during the work.
• Dampen the ground with water before commencing painting to avoid any dust rising.
• Use a worn brush for the final coat, this will ensure less brush marks.
• Painting is best achieved on warm, dry mornings – cold weather retards drying and damp will spoil the gloss.
• Never apply direct from the can as this will introduce contamination.
• Always pour the amount of paint that you expect to use into a separate container.

Q.) What are the best products for topside areas of high wear and tear?

A.) Areas where there is considerable foot traffic or harsh abrasion, such as gunwale rails and coaming sides, will need regular attention to keep them in pristine condition. While a two-part system, such as Perfection, offers excellent resistance to abrasion, even this can still wear through in excessive circumstances. Using a one-part system, such as Brightside, on these areas will make it easier to touch up any areas of damage, should this be required outside of standard maintenance intervals.

Q.) If I apply antifouling paint in the fall, can I wait until spring to launch? 

A.) It depends upon what antifouling paint you are using, but at Interlux we definitely have solutions for you. With Micron® Technology products there is no maximum launch time so they can be applied in the fall and launched when you are ready. If you happen to have some oxidation on the surface in the spring, all you need to do before launch is to rinse the hull with fresh water and/or scrub with a Scotch Brite™ pad, as this will open up the surface again. Micron Technology antifouling paints, like Micron Extra with Biolux, provide top of the line antifouling protection, can be hauled and relaunched without repainting, and they wear down with use so they do not build up, hence they keep the surface smooth.

There is no maximum launch time for VC®17m and VC®17m Extra either, so if you are a Great Lakes Boater or simply a fan of VC17m Extra, you can take advantage of the good painting weather in the late fall and avoid the rush in the spring. Products such as these have been designed to be easy and simple to apply and maintain.

If you take on some of the big jobs in the fall, when spring arrives all you will need to do is wax the hull, touch up the varnish, and be ready to launch. Take advantage of the extra time when the weather breaks by going boating!

For more great tips on a variety of paint topics, visit the Support section at interlux.com.