The Definitive Antifoul How-to Guide
The Definitive Antifoul How-to Guide
Preparation - is key to ensure you can get the job done effectively and safely by having the
correct equipment. Some may think it's over the top going for the full coveralls, gloves, mask, and goggles, but antifoul is not something you want to be inhaling or allowing on your skin. Particularly when you are sanding and painting in a confined space above you.
Step 2 - Any areas where the antifouling has flaked off need to be reprimed, for this example we used FLAG Metallic Primer as you can see in the picture to the right the metallic areas have now been reprimed, the rest of the hull is suitable to be painted over the top of the old antifoul.
Other basic products you'll be needing are velour rollers (not foam rollers). It's common to think that the velours will get fluff mixed in with the paint but that isn't the case. Foam rollers deteriorate and break down quite quickly when mixed with antifoul and so wouldn't be recommended to use. Common Roller sizes are 4inch for use all over smaller boats or just to cut in along the tape line forlarger boats. 7 inch rollers for a larger surface area to cover. Small and large frames and trays to be used with these.
Low tack tape is used such as our 25mm yellow tape which is perfect to ensure clean lines along the water line. If you're expecting to paint over more than one day then use our Blue Tape (masking tape).
Use a low grade of sand paper with a sand block to rub down painted areas particularly places that have flaked off.
The surface of the hull shouldn't be below 8°C in temperature and by keeping the antifoul indoors the night before it will be easier to mix on the day when at room temperature. Make sure you mix the antifoul as if left standing for a period of time the copper will have begun to sink to the bottom of the tin.
Which Antifoul Do I Need?
For this example we decided to use our most popular Flag Performance Extra Antifoul. With its high copper content compared to other competitors and its performance up to 40 knots, is perfect for use in The Solent or areas of high fouling for both sailing and motor boats.
Other options are: Hempel Tiger Xtra and International Micton Extra.
For fresh water and low fouling areas at low speeds Hempel Cruising Performer is an excellent product for use in areas of low fouling or fresh water where you wouldn't expect to exceed speeds of 25 knots.
Other options are Flag Cruising Performer if on a budget and not wouldn't exceed 8 knots and International Cruiser Uno for up to 25 knots.
For ocean going and/or high speed boating and racing it's recommended to use high strength burnishable antifouls which increase speed and fuel efficiency. Options such as: Hempel's Hard Racing, Ocean Performer, and Glide Speed. Or International's Interspeed Ultra.
Step 1- With a jetwash or a scrubbing brush prepare the surface by clearing any fouled areas. Now use tape such as our Low Tack Yellow Tape to mark off the waterline to prevent paint getting in unwanted areas. Then lightly sand the surface using a fine grade of sand paper using a block to make it easier. Pay particular attention around areas that have flaked off to work it into the undercoat.
Step 2 - Any areas where the antifouling has flaked off need to be reprimed, for this example we used FLAG Metallic Primer as you can see in the picture to the right the metallic areas have now been reprimed, the rest of the hull is suitable to be painted over the top of the old antifoul.
Step 3: 'Cut in' by applying the antifoul along the waterline with either a brush or a small roller.
Step 4: Now after that big build up it's finally time to apply the antifoul to the rest of the hull which is as simple as rolling the stuff on!