How to prep and prime a boat using AWLGRIPS 545 epoxy primer

[@salesclerk]

“Scotch-bright, comet, water hose..” that comment alone told me I had to subscribe. Thank you for doing a working class version of boat prep and paint. When other people post a videos talking about a “budget” paint job, and then brings out $400 worth of cleaning products before even getting to the painting, that’s not “budget”.

[@petercassar3546]

Best 2 pac paint video. Excellent explanations, direct instructions, heaps of helpful hints and love the time lapse. Doesn't drag the video where it was not necessary. Thanks for the Vid!!

[@danieljones8587]

All the time and sweat, I spent buffing and waxing my gel coat through the years I could have painted my boat 10- times. DOH! Thank you for your time and effort!

[@stephenlatimer1428]

hi Frankie from Australia. Mate thank you for your simple to understand steps and basic info for us DIYers. also thanks for no loud music, no loud talking product pitching presenter that happens on youtube. all i wanted was to know how to work on my fiberglass boat and have some fun doing it. cheers.

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Stephen latimer cheers! And happy I could help. You’re welcome bud. 👌

[@1Chosen247]

Frankie, You are a blessing. Thanks for making it simple and straight forward 😎🙏🏼

[@1055Richard]

Best boat prep and primer video I've seen - thank you and really helped in planning the topside work on my Chris Craft Commander

[@adamficke4673]

I can watch your vids twice and still be impressed!

[@tmark8550]

One of the best videos I’ve seen in KZbin.

[@j_j_h221]

did my first primer watching all your videos. didnt turn out as well as yours but im learning. thanks a lot for all the information you provide! now off to sand and get ready for top coat lol.

[@pearsonmarine5565]

Just want to thank you for these videos. Awlgrip has zero support online for applying their products. I’ve been spraying awlgrip for six or seven years now and I thought I was dialing my work in pretty good. Your videos help me to paint at a whole new level. Thanks

[@criminalbrewing5509]

Fantastic. My boat isn’t that big, but the job looked too big... I feel much more confident now. Thanks.

[@steveballard515]

Unpretentious, No bs kinda guy who genuinely wants to help. Thank you

[@finrunnersportfishing4902]

Enjoy all of your videos Frankie!

[@fishingismydrug1]

Thank you for posting this! I'm redoing a bass boat. I'll be rolling instead, but the prep work ideas are still helpful. Before I started this project, I was skeptical of prices charged for this work. Not now !!!!!

[@scotthorslin5482]

Wow. Great videos, pt 1&2. Very helpful. Thx for doing these!! 👍

[@rellrich68]

Thank you for posting your tips and techinques, Frankie. I'm straightening and repainting the bottom of my 83 17' Action Marine and your videos have given me more confidence in tackling the job myself. I can tell you..... this boat stuff ain't cheap 😄

[@joecenteno69]

, c

[@davidromero8185]

I love to see profetionals doing ther job great work i love it

[@barryhaupt]

Great video. Very informative. Thank you for posting this.

[@tomharrell1954]

Yeah Frankie great job!

[@cd4222]

Awesome job!

[@peterrivney552]

I'd used wash and wipe with the comet or bon-amy to clean .. but good job on cleaning all the grim and crap off the boat lot of people never think of that scrubbing process to get all the oils from the other boats since fiberglass gel- coat is porous and will collect everything... Usually I sand with 180 grit paper but I only use mixed repair fillers not air dry I go around with a pencil first mark them then sand those areas repair and final sand 180 for primer then once dry sand for paint ... Looking good that's for sure and your right the gray does look better than green

[@harrydclarke118]

very helpful, I will use this tips, thanks brotha

[@billearnhardt2638]

Great job walking us novice boaters thru this repaint 👍

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

I try to help explain the process the best I can bud. I obviously do this for a living and have met alot of people that would prefer to try and accomplish this type of task on their own. It gets costly. I e made some great friends along the way and figured I’d share my knowledge the best I can with these videos. Anyhow, this is why I started this channel. Thx bill. I’ll get more videos out soon. 👌👌

[@myoneblackfriend3151]

Great confidence!

[@paulbriggs3072]

As you were closing this I heard you say 3M acryli-filler. That sounds like what I need. I have one part primer sanded that still has little flaws all over.

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

It’s perfect for shallow voids. 👌👌

[@paulbriggs3072]

@@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029 Yes, so yesterday I went to get some. They had Bondo Glazing Spot Putty. I noticed it had the 3M label on it. So that tells me 3M makes it. I used it and sanded it with 320 and it works excellently. I used a flashlight last night to see imperfections and this stuff fixed them all. Fortunately indoors up here in the Finger Lakes.

[@humnpwr]

Very nice presentation 👍🏻

[@concernedfortlauderdale2158]

Great instructional Videos Frankie. Can you provide a ballpark for what this kind of job (similar sized boat) should cost at a yard. Having watched this and your paint video I need to know if the cost will motivate me to DIY or leave it to the pros. Thanks.

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Concerned Fort Lauderdale this particular job through a yard runs between 4-5 grand. Hope that helps, and thanks 👌👌

[@concernedfortlauderdale2158]

@@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029 yes sir, thanks

[@Jay-dn4uy]

love the videos. I have a question you said that one chemical you use up to 20% and mix it in the paint how would an amateur know how much 20% is not trying to sound stupid! Thanks bud

[@kiwiwifi]

Perfect explanation and tutorial. Thank you

[@808kenjihawaii]

Awesome! Going to work on a 20 foot Boston Whaler Outrage. About how much primer and paint did you use? Trying to figure out how much to pick up.

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

It took a qt of base, qt converter plus 25% reducer for the priming (545) and when top coating I had to open up the 2nd qt because I decided to do a 4th coat. So 2 qts of awlcraft, 1 qt converter and 25% reducer to be sure you get desired finish. 👌

[@808kenjihawaii]

@@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029 Thanks for the fast response! Planning to work on the entire hull so I guess that means doubling it. Also plan to roll the paint on as I don't have an area that I could spray in.

[@aprendiendoconsamuelcarran9682]

👍👍👍hello good morning. I already subscribed to your channel I love what you do brother. I also like to make videos to teach people. just like you do and I would just like to see the work equipment like your compressor, your paint gun that you have. since I will try to paint my boat

[@robNtay808]

Awesome informative video bro!! Mahalo

[@tatlertom3090]

i have a keel sailboat that has gelcoat. I have NO IDEA what I'm doing to prep for new season. Is there a school or training program you recommend? I want to understand all of it. Materials, approaches, how to deal with midseason hull cleaning, fiberglass and gelcoat repairs. It's all so new and confusing. Any advice on schools? Thanks. GREAT videos.

[@Captain_Nunez94]

Awesome video man very helpful for my center console project 👍

[@daviddailey4959]

Frankie if you were in no hurry to finish a job would you use any different products? Like the 3M premium or the other filler you used, would you use something different? Great work, love watching you bud!

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Na. These would still be my main two fillers. There was no heavy damage on this boat and if there was the only other product I might have used would be thickend epoxy. And thx David

[@langbros.1907]

Great video series Frankie. Love it when pros take the time to break it down for the layperson. How much Awlcraft 2k do you usually burn through on a smaller boat like this?

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Thx bud. Sorry for late response. This took a little over a half gallon of mixed product. ( base, converter, and thinner) safe to say 3 qts mixed product total. And there was some left over

[@chrissmollen3190]

Hey Frankie, when you say one to one epoxy filler do you mean mix an equal amount of Awlfair and hardener? If not, 1 to 1 of what. Hate to sound stupid.

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Yes. Half and half 👌

[@jdkeirn]

What size tip do you use for 545? I really like how systematic and step by step your videos are. Thank you, im getting ready to repaint a boat with the same products.

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Joshua Keirn your welcome. I use a 1.8 or a 2.0 for primer 👌👌. 1.2-1.4 for topcoat

[@jdkeirn]

@@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029 Awesome. Thanks for quick reply!

[@madfish211]

Nice job 👍👍❤❤

[@vitalhoma2553]

I have 2000 sea Rey 280 bow rider I need to do a lot of work on it? what’ bottom paint would you recommend for me, this boat had bottom paint before but it looks like is chipping away, so I Pressure washed it off and send it off. I need a second opinion? Now this boat is on the trailer I believe it is going to be after every use, this is my first boat and I want to do this right?

[@andrewcarson9068]

wish you could do my boat

[@grandislefishingreport6689]

Do I recall that you said that was a 20 foot boat? Roughly how much product did the topside take, trying to make sure I order enough.

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Grand Isle Fishing Report I had 2 qts base and 1qt converter. I was able to do 3 coats with 1 qt. Ended up needing to do a 4th coat and I had to open the 2nd qt for that. 👌

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Primer took 2 qts and same with the topcoat to be safe

[@josephattaway]

Frankie, what psi are you running at the gun? Awlgrip doesn’t have a recommendation for 545 and the hvlp gun. Thanks for documenting all of your knowledge for us viewers 👍

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

I run higher than recommended. Honestly I never look at the gauge and it’s covered in overspray so I can’t see it. Lol. I just do it by feel and sound. It’s somewhere between 30-40 psi👌

[@josephattaway]

Thanks Frankie! I put 40 on the gun and it flowed out great. Hard to keep up with refilling the hopper and keeping a wet edge.

[@moodyman7588]

Good afternoon, ok Sir, thank you for your help , thank you

[@raymondmendez8092]

this may sound like a stupid question .. but arent you afraid of the wind blowing sand or dust on the wet surface? .. what do you do if that happens?

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

I don’t spray outside when it’s super windy and the trick is to hose the ground down around the boat and rehose after each coat. It’s needed when spraying outside 👌

[@raymondmendez8092]

@@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029 Great tip ... and great videos too !!! .. thanks Frankie

[@primarysearchoutdoors5224]

I am going to start sanding my top side like you did here ! Is there a recommended cleaning practice that doesn't involve water and the scoring? The boat is under cover so trying to limit water use.

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Primary Search Sportfishing you can solvent clean the heck out of it with den. Alc. you just don’t want wax grease or dirt on your surface before sanding. I just prefer the wash scrub because it’s quickest and easiest.

[@jaykamensky2788]

Hey Frankie, What would happen if you just left it with the primer? Do you need to put a true paint on top of that?

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Yes. It will continually break down if not sealed with a topcoat. Anything that touches it will scratch it etc. I mean I suppose if you wanted to you could prime it and walk away but it’s not recommended.

[@KashIrons]

Great work man, very helpful video's to help me repaint my boat. What is that tape with the plastic rolled up on it? I haven't seen that before and it looks very helpful to masking something quickly

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Pre tape masking film. I get it from Paxton but, you can get it from Walmart also. Lol. Cost more at Walmart but it’s still only like 8$ a roll. For one project, it’s worth it

[@KashIrons]

@@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029 your the man! Thanks for the help

[@306ringer4]

Cool videos! You don't have to grind out any of the stone chips before you glaze them?

[@chrissmollen3190]

Hey Frankie, would it be possible for you to provide the AWLFAIR Epoxy and Hardener product numbers that you use. AWLFAIR seems to have quite a few.

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Awlgrip awlfair LW fairing compound (D8200 white base) and awlgrip awlfair (D7200) standard converter

[@timthompson6257]

Awesome work very informative!!! What do you paint the bottom of the boat with?

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Tim Thompson thanks. And bottom paint is what would be used. On pwr boats most of the bottoms are painted with a hard copper paint, and with sailboats, mostly ablatives. Hope that helps.

[@edwardlocke874]

Excellent info!

[@ShorrockPaul]

Love your videos. Question. How come you never use a guide coat to see high / low spots etc?

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Thanks Paul. The grey primer acts as its own guide coat when you start sanding. Very easy to see all imperfections. I actually show what I’m talking about in a couple previous videos 👌

[@ShorrockPaul]

@@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029 got it! Have just seen you say that in another video. I live in Ghana and will be doing my boat following your videos close as I can. I have spider cracks and saw how you dealt with them in another video. I can't get all the fancy West systems here so will make do with what I can get, but principle will be same. I will spray with awlcraft as is more forgiving for a noob like me. Thanks for all your help

[@tomjohansen2083]

I have just primed my underwater hull with epoxy primer... do I need anything over it if I am just gonna have my boat in a lake? or is the epoxy primer to tacky that will cause my boat to drive slower? want to save time and money :)

[@benwillams8406]

Quick question on your masking. I noticed that you pulled it between primer and topcoat, any particular reason for that? I am about to paint my boat with the same products. This will be a first for me so just curious. If you were going to prime on day 1 and then topcoat on day 2 in a closed environment like a warehouse, would you pull the masking between the two?

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Ben Williams I pull the tap and plastic for a couple reasons. One reason is to make sure no overspray got up underneath it and on to the deck. Second is sometimes after you prime and you keep the first go of plastic on there, when you go to spray topcoat you risk little flakes of primer breaking free from the plastic and getting into your paint. Now if the boat is inside I will leave the plastic on and do all the finish prep before pulling and remasking. If you plan to prime and topcoat all in one go then leaving the plastic on is fine.

[@benwillams8406]

Awesome, appreciate the quick response. Been watching a lot of your other videos, good job with these...very informative 👍

[@chrissmollen5314]

Great video. What was the product you used to fill all gauges in the hull? I have a 17ft Skiff that has lots of deep scratches and gauges.

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Awlfair 👌👌Thanks chris

[@chrissmollen5314]

@@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029 Your video's have given me the confidence to tackle my boat. Thanks.

[@chrissmollen3190]

@@chrissmollen5314 Hey Frankie, when you say one to one ratio, I hate to ask a stupid question, but what does that mean? One to one of what?

[@Ceviche956]

What is the amount of primer mixed for that size boat , and how many paint mixed per coat? Thannks for the info!!!!

[@nickt.2584]

Frankie, you do great work. Did you have to sand in between primer coats?

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

No. When spraying, you can apply all 3 or 4 coats the same day. No sanding in between

[@oscarmendieta1425]

Love your videos??? Question what would happen if I don't sand the primer before applying the top coat??

[@austinschrack7960]

Thanks for a great video! Quick question: I am planning on using the medium gray awlcraft 2000 topcoat for my hull. Do you recommend the 545 gray or white primer? Is it just a preference thing, or should I be contrasting it to assure full coverage when I go to apply the top paint? Thanks for the help!

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

I personally prefer the grey 545. It acts as it’s own guide coat when sanding and you can see what you’re doing a lot better. This is my preference 👌

[@andresbossus927]

Sorry for my ignorance..is that paint the same as for cars?

[@nemanjacorbic9989]

Hi mate, can you plese tell me what gun are you using. I understand that is 3M but not sure exactly wich one? thanks

[@mikeb3175]

Great content, Frankie. I’ll be painting a center console duck boat in a few weeks, can the awlgrip grey primer be the base coat for the camo stencil or will it need a finish coat to make it last?

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

I would finish it off with whichever base color you choose. The primer does not have uv protection. It will get chalky and be a mess. Now you could clear coat over the 545 and stencil and that would work just fine 👌

[@cewterskoot7877]

How much would something like this cost to have done for like a 16ft boat

[@obxteriors1193]

Any tips on prepping the molded non skid on top side decks?

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

OBXTERIORS sorry for late response. Just now seeing this. Are you wanting to do away with existing pattern and start from scratch or do you want to save Existing pattern

[@obxteriors1193]

Frankie Bushong looking to keep the existing pattern. Thanks for the help!

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Use a red scotchbrite equivalent to 220 grit. The dark red ones. Scrub the heck out of it. That should do the trick as far as prep goes. Solvent clean and spray. If rolling then you wanna drop back to the green scotchbrite which is coarser Let me know if ya need more answers 👌

[@benwillams8406]

One more question. I watched the rest of your videos and now see why you sand between primer and topcoat. Is there an amount of time you wait after priming before sanding? Is next day good?

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Ben Williams if the temps are warm enough (70ish degrees) then yes, you can sand the next day. But I always give it at least 24hrs. I’ll do my first go of filling pinholes etc the very next day then I walk away until the following day

[@Akhan92086]

Frankie, how much would a smaller boat costs if I brought my boat to you? I have a 2007 Proline 20’ Sport.

[@benwillams8406]

Another one for you Frankie, I have an Armstrong bracket on the back of my CC. It was painted the same color as the hull. I just primed everything today with 545 and plan to topcoat next weekend with Awlcraft. The bottom part of the bracket is below the waterline, but the boat does not sit in the water when not in use (stays in high & dry). Do you think I need to use a different product on the bottom of the bracket? It was painted before and I didn’t have any issues, but it just donned on me since Awlcraft says for use above waterline only.

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

If you’re gonna only have the boat in the water for a couple days at a time or less then you shouldn’t have any problems if you top coat it with awlcraft. However, if you start to see scratches or gouges then worst case take a artist brush ( tiny paint brush ) and brush paint in those areas to seal it again. But I believe you’ll be okay to paint it if boat doesn’t stay in the water.

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Ben Williams as long as you prepped it properly then all is good

[@michaelmanaje7281]

How long do you wait after stirring the 545? 15 min before you can use it? Also, after coat one, how long do you wait until coat 2? And how long until coat 3? Let's assume 70 degree day. Lastly, how long until you can sand coat 3 down with 220?

[@davesmith8053]

I just got 18ft olympic. So this will work on this boat ? And will it still have good gloss look. This first boat in fiberglass as i alwau have had allmanum

[@harveykellywillis8353]

So i sanded gelcoat filled larger spots with awlfare then i screwed up and did very small areas with filler paste before primer. Did i screw up?? Its not primed yet . But is sanded and extremely small holes only with paste filler.....please help...

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Totally fine. Your good to go

[@sheltongrona3074]

Great videos man! Is that a Gelcoat finish that you are prepping to paint over or was that a painted boat already?

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Thanks!! It was previously painted 👌

[@rickland9838]

How much did this paint job cost if you don't mind me asking

[@jamesowchar8557]

I was just curious if you have your NACE certifications? Or are you self taught?

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Learned basically everything from my father. I have however picked up quite a few tips and tricks on my own since starting.

[@davidcaruso4859]

How much do you charge for a job like that? I have a 20ft. 1979 Mako. Thanks

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Prices vary depending on what is involved. This was around 4 grand bud. Materials and all.

[@thomasstreahle2793]

No spider cracks to repair?

[@primarysearchoutdoors5224]

What is your favorite brush / roller combo for rolling and tipping?

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Primary Search Sportfishing I wish I could give you good advice on the rolling and tipping process and best products to use but I am a sprayer. Rolling and tipping is a whole other ball game. Wooster brushes work great. And the only time I have done rolling and tipping it has been on dead rises.

[@primarysearchoutdoors5224]

@@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029 Understood! Thank you

[@kennyvelez8060]

How do we get a hold of you for an estimate?

[@tywonebranche6529]

What's the price of this job on the same size boat

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Roughly around 4 grand. It just all depends on condition 👌

[@MaxdOut305]

How much would it cost to get a boat that size painted?

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Max Ramos it really all depends. On average I’d say you’re looking at around 3-4 grand👌

[@MaxdOut305]

@@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029 planning on painting my 30 Grady. How much you estimate in Materials?

[@eddieglancerealtor726]

Would sanding alone remove the sticker adhesive?

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

I don’t recommend it but if it’s old adhesive and dry then yes you can. Might burn through a few sheets of sandpaper. Lol

[@jasonsvec7644]

How much material did you use ?

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

I used a half gallon of 545 primer and a half gallon of awlcraft 2000.

[@KevinTheDiveKidd]

What sand paper did you use??

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

3m hook it. Gold film

[@landonbushong3650]

this is my dad in video

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Yes it is buddy!!

[@chrish2996]

@@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029 Hi Landon. Your Dad is awesome. Love his videos and for teaching us how to work with paint and fibreglass. Frankie thanks for all your videos. 😊

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Thanks Chris!! Much appreciated bud

[@ryanobermeyer2104]

No bullshit. I like it.

[@russelldevane5434]

All good but using Comet. Not a good cleaner before painting.

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

I don’t use it before painting

[@russelldevane5434]

@@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029 Then what did you just do in the video? All good though. Love the content.

[@mikejustice1196]

With that being said

[@moodyman7588]

Good afternoon, what does this product name, can you Sir give the name, thank

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

The primer is awlgrips 545 epoxy primer. If that’s the product you are asking about 👌

[@moodyman7588]

@@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029 ok, thank you Sir, but that White one you use to clean hull, before you sanding Sir. Thank you

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

That would be a scotchbrite and comet.

[@lmtada]

Looks like building was painted with primer..........

[@edwardc.3710]

I cannot believe he sprayed outside. If anyone wants to do this outside , please buy some insurance ,if there are overspray issues it will be a headache and VERY $$ expensive to resolve! Just be safe and follow the instructions, might include a viscosity cup for first timers.

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Conway Chewning Lol. You are right. However, I get my best paint jobs outside. People do need to use common sense when doing this type of work. And knowing what you’re doing is another great +. 👌👌

[@Allheadingtosameplace]

Alright everybody I’m a dumb ass When I open my mouth everyone knows it

[@boatpaintingrestorationwit3029]

Not really sure how to take that comment. Lol