bottom paint question

[JusDreaming]

how long does bottom paint need to cure before getting wet. I have seen people painting their bottom on cats while beached. And was curious about cure time. And if there is a certain paint that works better than others?

[jdoe71]

You have to be guided by the paint manufacturer. Some paints such as VC17 can go in the water almost instantly, in fact we paint the cradle pad spots when the Travelift picks her up for spring launch, it is so volatile it dries almost instantly. Have never had a problem with that. But other paints have different requirements. Check the can.

Type of paint depends on your area, local knowledge is the best guide. Ask the long term inhabitants of your area what they're using.

[Pblais]

Check directions but ordinary bottom paint is almost good to go as soon as it dries to the touch.

[Oyvind]

My dad worked as a chemist at Jotun in the 70s and early 80s. He says that the boat should go in the water as soon as possible after coating. Preferably within 12 hours of coating, and not more than 24. You can apply regular bottom paint to cradle spots while the boat is in the sling, too, and it will hold up quite well.

[Strygaldwir]

I use the Interlux brand of bottom paints. On their website is extensive information about the application process for their paint lines. There are significant differences between the various different types and lines. I used this an initial resources. I did have some additional questions and called their customer support line for additional clarification. They were great and answered my queries.

[thinwater]

They want the paint dry enough to stay on in the slings. I used to have a very light boat (1300# Stiletto 27) I launched many times with less than an hour to dry. One coat in the morning, one a few hours later, and launch. Because the boat weighed little, if it was dry to the touch, it wouldn't come off on the slings. Less true if the boat goes 40,000#.

Yeah, I would paint between tides, if I could rinse it with fresh water and get the water to dry.

Interlux CSC and Micron 66 are all I know.