FIBERGLASS AND GELCOAT
Any boat remaining in the water more than a day or two requires some type of bottom paint with antifouling protection. New gelcoat will require dewaxing (to remove the wax in the gelcoat) and sanding with 80-grit sandpaper to scuff up and remove the gloss so a primer or bottom paint will adhere.
Gelcoat is porous and will absorb water over time, causing blisters in the gelcoat. For this reason, we recommend applying an epoxy barrier coat (such as TotalBoat TotalProtect) first to prevent blistering, then apply an antifouling paint.
WOOD HULLS
On bare wood, thin the bottom paint 5% to 10% with the product's recommended thinner, and apply the first coat. Apply the second coat unthinned.
ALUMINUM HULLS
On bare aluminum, sand bright with 80-grit sandpaper, and solvent-wipe clean. Apply an etching primer such as TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Etch Wash to seal the aluminum. Prime with TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat Primer (4-5 coats), then apply two coats of antifouling paint.
Sandblast to SSPC-SP 6 Commercial blast, blow off residue with clean, compressed air, and immediately apply 3 coats of TotalBoat TotalProtect, following application and recoat instructions. If sandblasting is not an option, sand with 80-grit sandpaper and remove all sanding residue. Immediately apply one coat of TotalProtect and let dry to a tack-free state (usually 30 minutes to 2 hours, dependent on temperature). Then apply 3 coats of TotalProtect, following application and recoat instructions. Apply antifouling paint can then be applied after 3-6 hrs. @ 90°F, 5-8 hrs. @ 70°F, 7-10 hrs. @ 50°F.