http://durabakdepot.com/ | Non-Slip deck’s are much safer than those painted with other types of paint, non slip paint is the best way to ensure the safety of your crew, yourself and your passengers. The size of the ship does not matter, whether it is a sailboat, yacht, professional fishing rig, or charter the method of applying this non-slip coating to the deck is the same. Applying non-slip paint follows rules and guidelines to ensure productivity.

1. How to Paint a Non-Slip Deck on a Ship or a Boat
A non-skid deck is safer and easier for you, your crew and passengers. It gives better traction
when reeling in a 20-pound fish, and an easier surface to walk across or work on in rain or heavy
sea spray. Whether you're painting a sailboat, yacht, professional fishing rig, or charter boat, and
whether it is a large or small boat, the basics of applying a non-slip coating to the deck are the
same. These guidelines work for painting over wood or fiberglass boat decks, whether your
current deck is a non-skid surface or not.
Choosing Where and When to Paint
You'll need to choose a time when visibility is good, winds and rain are gone, and the dew has
dried. Schedule your painting between mid-morning and mid-afternoon, when the dew is dried
and the sun is high. This is also when it's easiest to see to do the work. If possible, pull your boat
under cover or at least out of the way of blowing leaves, debris, and possible rainfall. Drying
times for paint increase when humidity and moisture levels go up, so if you are caught in an
unexpected rain or high humidity, allow some extra time for the paint to dry thoroughly.1
Preparing the Surface for Painting
A great paint job can't compensate for a poor prep job. Sand the surface, usually 60-80 grit
sandpaper will suffice to roughen the surface to accept the non-slip paint.2 This will help the
coating achieve a mechanical bond as well as a chemical bond. If the surface is in relatively good
condition, this job won't be so difficult. When painting over an existing non-skid surface, it isn't
necessary to remove the entire layer, because the old paint will adhere nicely to the new as long
as it is not peeling and as long as it is compatible with polyurethane.3 Don't be tempted to use
force when sanding; let your sander do the work for you.
After sanding, carefully rid the deck surface of all traces of dust. Sanding dust will ruin even the
best paint job. Use Xylene on a rag for a final wipe-down prior to applying the paint. Tape
carefully around the edges and trim work so you won't get paint on these. Taking your time
while taping means you don't have to paint as slowly and cautiously.
Using Non-Slip Paint
Before you start painting, read the directions on the paint. The directions will give you handy tips
and do's and don'ts, and they will inform you of special mixing instructions, drying times, and
1 http://features.boats.com/boat-content/2013/05/10-tips-on-how-to-paint-a-nonskid-deck/
2 http://www.cruisingworld.com/how/how-paint-sailboat-decks
3 http://www.practical-sailor.com/issues/34_8/psadvisory/Boat-Deck-Painting_5658-1.html

2. other necessary information. The directions will also help you judge how many coats you need to
apply to achieve the durability you need, usually being 2 thin coats.
Work in sections small enough to complete before the paint dries. If you try to paint too large of
an area, it will dry before you get back around to the edges, and the paint won't dry in a smooth,
uniform texture. Mix only what you need to complete a given section, and stop frequently to stir
the paint. As you finish a section, remove the tape before the paint has a chance to set. If you
wait until the paint is thoroughly dry, the tape won't want to come off, and you're likely to
damage your carefully taped lines.
Unlike when working with smooth paints, it isn't necessary to sand non-slip coating between
coats, because the non-stick surface will adhere to the next layer. Keep your boat in its safe
harbor, away from rain and blowing debris, until the paint is thoroughly dry. Once applied and
dried, Durabak non-slip coatings can withstand the punishment of the busiest boats in the most
brutal environments.