Primer & base coat

Choose the right primer, epoxy primer and base coat for your boat project.

If you are planning a boat project, it is important to choose the right primer, epoxy primer and undercoat for the job. Epoxy primer and undercoat provide a layer of protection and prepare the surface before you start painting. We have a wide range of primers and undercoats that are specifically designed for marine applications. Read on to learn more about choosing the right primer and undercoat for your boat project.

Prepare your project with primer/base coat

Primer is an important step when preparing the surface of your boat project. This type of paint is designed to fill in small damages and scratches on the surface, while also making the surface even and smooth. Primer is another step and is used to ensure that the paint layers adhere properly to the surface. When you apply primer, you get a solid layer of protection that ensures that the durability and color intensity of the paint layers remain intact.

Primer makes the boat waterproof

Below the waterline, the boat is not actually waterproof. This is because gelcoat and antifouling paint in themselves do not make the boat waterproof. In principle, there is nothing wrong with that, but if it is an older boat it can cause osmosis. That is why many people choose to "epoxy-treat" the bottom of the boat. In its simplest form, this means that you paint a layer of epoxy primer on the bottom so thick that it becomes waterproof. Normally, you say about 25 my (approx. 1/4 mm). Then the bottom is antifouled with normal antifouling paint.

Epoxy and osmosis

If you encounter osmosis, this is typically a sign that the boat has been exposed to a lot of acid and/or a lack of regular maintenance. Osmosis can be difficult to remove, so it is important to take precautions to avoid it. This can be done by using epoxy primer on the bottom of the boat. Epoxy primer is a type of primer that is specifically designed to protect against osmosis. This type of primer is very durable and resistant to both acid and heat. However, before you start this project, it is important to remove any osmosis first.

Anti-fouling after primer

After you have applied epoxy primer or other primer, you need to apply antifouling. Antifouling is the final step in the preparation process and is important as it provides a layer of protection and ensures color intensity and durability. When choosing antifouling, you need to take into account whether it is a fast or long-range boat, as the materials can be different. You can choose between regular self-polishing, hard antifouling or thin-film antifouling or you can also choose a product like Copper Coat.