After a long time of use and storage, the paint on fiberglass canoes fades.With a new paint job, you can bring your fiberglass canoe back to life.Clean and sand the canoe before painting it.Make sure to use a gelcoat repair kit if you need to repair cracks.Apply 2 fresh coats of marine paint using a paintbrush and a small paint roller.Your canoe will be ready to go in just a few days.
Step 1: Pick 3 days with clear, dry weather to paint your canoe.
You will have to let the canoe dry for a couple of times while you are working outdoors.When there are at least 2 more rain-free days coming up, make sure you start working on a clear, dry day.If you want to move the canoe inside a garage or other covered storage space overnight, you have to let it dry for several hours after each coat of paint before you can pick it up.
Step 2: Put the canoe on the sawhorses.
There is plenty of room to work in a clear yard or driveway.To expose the entire hull of the canoe, set up 2 saw horses and flip it upside down.Since you will be using water to clean the canoe as well as making a mess when you sand it, you need to work outside.It is best to work outside because you will be working with chemicals as well.
Step 3: The canoe needs to be sprayed with a power washer.
Attach the power washer to the hose by placing it near the canoe.The entire canoe should be sprayed with plain water to remove dirt.You can rent a power washer if you don't own one.It's a good idea to wear closed-toe shoes while operating a power washer.If you are using a gas-powered pressure washer, make sure you wear earmuffs since they are louder than electric power washers.
Step 4: Allow the canoe to dry completely.
Wait for the power washing to stop.Run your hands over the hull of the canoe to make sure it's dry.If you want to speed up the process, you can wipe the hull down with a towel and let it dry for a short time.
Step 5: A gelcoat repair kit can be used to repair deep scratches.
Take a look at the hull for any cracks.Press the gelcoat into the cracks using the mixing stick if you mix together a 2-part kit according to the manufacturer's instructions.The gelcoat should cure for 8 hours.You don't need to worry about repairing minor scratches.They will disappear when you sand and paint the canoe.
Step 6: Remove all the stickers.
To loosen decals, use the edge of a utility knife.Once you get them completely off, peel them off in sections.If there is anything left after you remove the stickers, you can rub it off with acetone.
Step 7: Wear a dust mask and protective eyewear.
When sanding fiberglass, wear a dust mask and eye protection.The particles are harmful to your lungs and eyes.If you want to protect your hands from slips, work gloves are optional.
Step 8: If you want to rough up the old paint, use an electric sander.
A 120-grit sanding disk is needed.When you are done roughing up the old coat of paint, turn on the sander and pass it along the entire hull of the canoe.You don't have to worry about removing old paint.The goal is to give the hull and rough coat that the new paint will stick to.
Step 9: Dust can be removed by wiping down the canoe with a tack cloth.
To clean the hull of the canoe, use a clean tack cloth.Before you paint it, make sure it is completely clean.A tack cloth is used to clean up dust before painting.The tacky surface picks up dust much better than any other type of cloth.
Step 10: Remove the non-fiberglass parts from the canoe with masking tape.
Wrap metal and wood pieces along the hull with masking tape.You don't have to worry about getting paint on them if you use this.The gunwales meet at the front or back of the canoe and the end caps cover them.
Step 11: 9 parts marine paint and 1 part paint thinner.
It will thin the paint to make it coat the fiberglass better.Use a paint mixing stick to stir the paint thinner and marine paint thoroughly together in a can or paint tray so the mixture is no more than 10% thinner.If more than 10% is used, the paint will be too liquidy.There is a type of oil-based paint called marine paint.It is easy to clean because it creates a durable surface.You can purchase it at a marine supply shop, paint store, home improvement center, or online.
Step 12: A combination of a brush and roller is needed to apply the first coat of paint.
Use a paint roller to roll on the large areas of the hull, working in areas approximately 2 ft (0.61 m) in diameter.It is difficult to roll paint onto using a paintbrush in areas like the gunwales.If there are bubbles in the paint that you apply with the roller, you can smooth them out with a paintbrush.It is easy to use a small paint roller.You can use a smaller paintbrush for the hard-to-roll spots.You could use a sprayer to apply the paint.This method can be a lot messier.
Step 13: Wait for the first coat of paint to dry.
The paint needs to be dry before you can recoat it.It will be dry to the touch in 1-2 hours and dry in 3-6 hours.If you are going to move the canoe into a garage or other storage space, you should wait 3-6 hours before you pick it up.
Step 14: The canoe needs to be lightly sanded.
The whole first coat of paint should be given using a 120-grit sanding disk and a orbital sander.The second coat of paint will stick to it because this will rough it up again.If you are sanding the canoe, make sure to wear a dust mask.
Step 15: The tack cloth can be used to wipe away the dust from sanding.
Before applying a second coat, wipe down the whole canoe with a clean tack cloth.Dust can affect the paint on the hull.If you don't have a tack cloth, you can use a clean cloth with acetone to remove the dust from the canoe.
Step 16: The method of applying a second coat of paint is the same as the first.
Work in areas of about 2 ft (0.61 m) in diameter and apply paint using your paint roller.Paint around the gunwales, end caps, and other hard-to-roll areas with your paintbrush.2 coats is enough for a third coat if you aren't happy with how it looks yet.
Step 17: Wait at least 48 hours before putting your canoe in the water.
Wait 48 hours before using the canoe to be sure that the paint is cured, as it will take 24 hours to dry.When the paint is dry enough to handle, it is okay to move the boat inside for storage and drying.You should double-check the instructions for the marine paint you used.