Ceramic coating is a protective layer applied to your boat’s exterior. It helps protect the hull from damage and increases the lifespan of your vessel by protecting against corrosion. However, you need to prep before applying boat ceramic coating.
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Step 1: Remove Any Exterior Objects from Your Boat
Before we get started, removing any exterior objects from your boat is important. This includes anchors, fenders and bumpers, mooring lines, chocks on the front of the boat, etc.
Once all of these items are removed from your boat, use an old rag or paper towel to wipe down all surfaces of your boat with mineral spirits or denatured alcohol to remove any dust/dirt left behind by these objects.
Step 2: Remove the Dirt, Grime, and Mold from Your Boat
Next, thoroughly clean your boat and remove any dirt, grime and mold. Start by using a soft brush and warm water to remove dirt from all surfaces, including the deck, hull, and even under the boat, if possible. You can also use soap if needed but avoid harsh chemicals since these may damage your boat’s finish or paint job over time.
Next, thoroughly remove all soap with clean water. Do not use high-pressure hoses, as they may cause damage to certain areas of your vessel, such as gel coat finishes or painted surfaces with insufficient adhesion.
If mold is present on your boat, wipe it off with paper towels soaked in vinegar solution, followed by clean rags dampened with fresh water after each wiping motion. Moisture left behind could allow mold spores to grow again, which were removed in step two.
Step 3: Clean Both Sides of the Windshield
Remove all dirt, grime, and mold from both sides of the windshield with a glass cleaner. Do not use paper towels or cloths to clean your windshield.
Instead, use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe away dirt and grime without scratching it. Squeegee off any remaining water droplets after cleaning with a squeegee.
Step 4: Clean the Interior of Your Boat
Now that you’ve washed the exterior of your boat, it’s time to clean the interior. This is a step that many people skip, but it’s important to clean all parts of your boat before you start painting.
The interior of your boat should be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner or dust mop to remove any dirt particles from carpets and flooring. If there are stains on these surfaces, you can also use an upholstery cleaner to remove them.
Step 5: Wipe It Down or Wait for It to Dry
Once you’ve washed and rinsed your boat, you’ll need to make sure that the surface is dry before applying the coating. This is because moisture can cause lumps and bumps on your boat’s exterior, which may be difficult or impossible to fix later on.
You have a few options for drying the boat. Using a microfiber cloth will remove any lingering dirt or grime from your boat’s surface. You can also let it dry naturally in the sun. This should take about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Apply Primer
A primer will help your boat achieve a smooth, even final product application, which means you’ll get better results and a longer-lasting finish. The best thing about primers is that they’re easy to apply. Just brush it on with a paintbrush.
If you’ve got any nicks or scratches in the paint, this is the time to fill them in with some touch-up paint. Wait 24 hours between applying your primer and the ceramic coating.
Step 7: Apply the Ceramic Coat
Ceramic coating is an excellent tool you can use to protect your boat, but it can also be expensive. If you spend money on this process, it’s important to do your research and choose a high-quality ceramic coating.
The most important consideration is that you want a high-quality product. You can’t just buy any old coating off the shelf because it won’t last nearly as long as something tested and proven effective.
Benefits of Prepping Your Boat Before Applying Ceramic Coating
There are many benefits to prepping your boat before applying the ceramic coating. Here are some of the top reasons why you should prep your boat before applying ceramic coating:
First, it will save you money. Applying a ceramic coating to a boat that has not been adequately prepared will yield suboptimal results and may cause future issues. By spending a few additional hours preparing your boat for ceramic coating, you can avoid having to pay for costly repairs or replacements in the future.
Secondly, it will save time and effort. If you’ve ever attempted to apply a coating or paint over rust or corrosion, you understand how challenging it can be. By properly preparing your boat before applying any coating, you can avoid having to fix these issues later on.
Conclusion
Before applying a ceramic coating to a boat, it is necessary to thoroughly prepare the vessel. This will ensure that your boat is protected by a strong layer and helps prepare you for any repairs down the road.