Pre-Season Paint Preparation: Getting Your Boat Ready for Summer

As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to inspect, prepare, and repaint your boat so it’s ready for the warmer months ahead.

A proper pre-season routine not only enhances your boat’s appearance but also ensures long-term protection against the harsh marine environment.

At Seacraft Paints, we supply high-performance marine coatings and expert advice to help you get the job done right.

Start with a Thorough Inspection

Begin your preparation with a close inspection of all painted surfaces. Look for the following signs:

• Fading or chalking on topside finishes

• Peeling, blistering, or cracking paint

• Rust patches on steel or pitting on aluminium

• Marine growth or worn antifouling on the hull

Identifying these issues early allows you to schedule repairs before peak boating season begins.

Clean and Prepare the Surface

Once any damage is identified, give your boat a deep clean. Use marine-safe degreasers and surface cleaners to remove salt, grime, and oil residues.

For fibreglass boats, a light sanding may be necessary to restore adhesion. Steel and aluminium boats will require proper surface prep to ensure primers bond correctly and corrosion is removed.

We recommend using:

• 3M Perfect-It Boat Wash for cleaning

• 3M Gelcoat Compound for polishing oxidised surfaces

• Abrasive pads or sanding tools matched to your substrate

Proper surface preparation is critical for long-term paint performance.

Choose the Right Paint System

Different materials require different paint solutions. Seacraft Paints stocks a comprehensive range tailored to your vessel:

Wood

Products like Weatherfast Premium Enamel and Jotun Pilot II offer durable, brushable finishes ideal for timber yachts and dinghies.

Aluminium

Use Penguard Primer, Altex Epoxy Primer, and Jotun Hardtop to build a protective, corrosion-resistant coating system. Pair with Pettit Vivid Antifouling for underwater protection.

Steel

Start with Jotun Penguard Primer, followed by Hardtop Ultra Topcoat for gloss and colour retention. For below-waterline protection, Seavictor 50 Antifouling delivers strong marine growth resistance.

Fibreglass

Seal and protect with Jotun Hardtop Ultra for topside protection and Penguard Primer beneath. Use Seavictor 50 to keep hulls clean and efficient.

Don’t Forget the Antifouling

Before relaunching, inspect and recoat the antifouling paint on your hull. This coating prevents barnacles and algae from attaching to your vessel, reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency.

We stock trusted antifouling brands like Altex No.5 PLUS and Seavictor 50, both offering season-long performance.

Final Checks and Touch Ups

Once painting is complete, take time to:

• Check hardware for wear or corrosion

• Reapply protective waxes or polishes

• Touch up any nicks or scratches

• Ensure paints have cured properly before water exposure

Polishing with 3M Perfect-It Boat Wax gives your boat a glossy, UV-resistant finish that enhances your new paintwork.

With the right products and preparation, your boat will look its best and perform reliably throughout the summer. Our team at Seacraft Paints is here to provide tailored recommendations based on your vessel’s material and condition. Visit us in South Fremantle or contact us to get expert advice and premium marine coatings for your pre-season paint preparation.