Great advice along with useful Hints & Tips

For the benefit of our visitors, we will make regular updates to this section of our site and will try to provide seasonal advice. If you have questions relating to substrates or paints, please email us.

If you want a great finish to your vessel, please follow these useful Painting Tips:

Always use the specific paint system recommended methods of protection i.e. Personal Protective Equipment.
Make sure you thoroughly prepare the substrates (surfaces) as this is the key to a successful finish.
Read all labels carefully and follow all the recommendations.
Always stir paint thoroughly to an even consistency (if instructed to do so on the label).
Apply when there is likely to be the minimum amount of dust particles in the atmosphere.
Use the largest brush/roller possible for the job.
Wipe out excess paint from the brush and clean it out every 30 minutes for optimum application.
Where possible do not use a new brush for the final coat.
When spraying, do not inhale the fumes or overspray. Always use a mask.
Rub topsides with wet and dry abrasive paper starting at 240 grade.
Use 500 or 600 grade abrasive paper before applying the final coat.
Choose a day with moderate weather conditions to paint.

If in doubt, give us a call on +44 (0)1202 290 167 for helpful and practical advice.

Practical advice and product-related answers to some frequently-asked questions.

Q: I want to add a non slip coating to my deck, what products are available?

A: We can offer either a non slip, ready mixed or an additive to mix with your paint. Self adhesive mats and tapes are also available.

Q: My boat has been in the water for a while and I have a yellow stain running along the waterline. Soap and water won’t shift it, what can I use?

A: We offer various makes of cleaners; why not try our Yachticon Yellow Stain remover.

Q: My boat has been anti-fouled in a different make of anti-foul to the product I want to use; can I paint over it using a SeaJet product?

A: Yes, as long as the old antifoul is listed on our compatible antifoul chart. Please remember some antifouls will require a primer or a binder coat.

Q: What is the best colour to paint an engine room bilge?

A: A light colour is recommended as it will show up any oil or fluid leaks from an engine through colour contrast, i.e. reddish liquid could possibly be automatic transmission fluid or power steering fluid, thus enabling quick fault finding. We offer various bilge paints in light blue, white or mid grey.

Q: After heavy rainfall I have black streaks down my topsides. How can I remove them and prevent them from appearing again?

A: The black streaks come from air borne pollution. Various cleaning products in our range will remove them. If you use a good wax and polish after removing the streaks, it will prevent them from reappearing so quickly.

Q: When masking up for painting and leaving the tape in position over a couple of days, I can never remove the tape cleanly; have you any ideas?

A: Try our low tack tape which will remain in place for seven days and yet can be easily removed. This will allow you to complete a number of coats without having to remove or reapply the masking tape.

Q: How do I get a better finish by varnishing?

A: Its all down to the preparation and varnishing in the in the best climate conditions open the PDF Better Varnishing for more Information

Remember; once you have taken care of the many tasks and maintenance jobs on your boat, please don’t forget to service your trailer! We offer various marine-based lubricants and be sure you give it a protective coat of paint to finish off the service programme. Call us on 01202 290 167 for help and advice with our product range.

Great advice along with useful Hints & Tips

Technical Help & Enquiries: 01202 290 167