- 1). Prepare the surface. Power wash the surface you intend to paint to remove any dirt or residue. Sand the surface with a 100- to 80-grit sandpaper. Make the task of sanding simpler by using an orbital sander to do the work for you. Wipe away any dust or residue you created by sanding with a soft cloth to create a clean surface upon which to place your paint.
- 2). Spray the paint onto the boat surface. The simplest way to get a sleek, brushstroke-free paint job is to use a paint sprayer. Rent or purchase a sprayer approved for marine grade paint, and use this tool to create your desired finish. Use your sprayer outside or in a well ventilated area, as marine grade paint gives off noxious fumes and the use of a sprayer only increases the speed with which these fumes fill an area.
- 3). Brush the paint onto the desired area. Save the cost and hassle of acquiring and using a spray painter by using a brush to apply your paint. Use a standard paintbrush for this task. Apply the paint to the boat surface moving in one direction across the side of the boat. Avoid up and down strokes as these strokes are more likely to leave noticeable brush marks. Paint a small section, then check over your work using the brush to apply more paint and smooth over any spots with noticeable brush marks. You are more likely to see brush marks if you fail to apply enough paint, so apply your paint liberally to the surface.
- 4). Complete the roll and tip method. Use a paint roller and a paint brush to complete this two person process. Begin by rolling the paint onto the boat surface, again working to move around the boat instead of up and down. Give the paintbrush to a helper, and ask him to follow close behind you, inspecting your newly painted surface for bubbles. Ask him to tap the brush gently on any bubbles he finds, then brush over the tapped areas to smooth out the paint and leave a pristine finish.
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