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How to prepare your boat for a hull wrap A GUIDE TO GETTING YOU BOAT WRAP-READY

Space

Kindly ensure that your vessel is surrounded by ample safe space and that neighbouring boats are positioned at a safe distance. To install the vinyl wrap, the entire side of your boat will need to be cleared, as the main part of the wrap will be applied as a single, large sheet per side.

Fixtures & Fittings

For the best possible result, remove any obstructing hardware, fittings, or attachments, such as handles, ladders, eye plates, hooks, and drain hole covers. A smooth surface will result in a cleaner wrap and reduce the likelihood of the need for patches.

Silicone Sealing

Due to its flexible nature, vinyl does not bond well to silicone. During the vinyl wrap installation, the edges will be hand-trimmed as closely as possible to any existing silicone. If the silicone is old and in poor condition, it may disintegrate during the wrap application and leave visible residue under the vinyl. To avoid this, it's recommended to remove and clean out the old silicone before the wrap is applied, and then apply a fresh bead of silicone after the wrap has been installed.

Surface Preparation

  • Ensure the surface to be wrapped is as smooth, non-porous, and defect-free as possible.
  • Before applying the vinyl wrap, repair any damage and fair the hull, as the wrap will not conceal scratch marks or surface imperfections.
  • For better adhesion, the surface should be smooth and shiny. Remove any excessive oxidation of the gelcoat by buffing, as the chalky surface particles may hinder adhesion.
  • When filling and fairing areas of the hull, use a waterproof high-build filler instead of car body fillers like P38, which contain chalk and talc that do not bond well with vinyl. Sand the area to a 360-grit finish.
  • If the vessel is constructed with GRP and has been painted in the past, verify that the painting was performed by an authorised marine painter, as the bond with the original gelcoat cannot be guaranteed.
  • For boats over 20 years old, conduct a moisture test by a qualified marine surveyor.
  • Vinyl wrapping provides a waterproof barrier but can trap moisture, such as osmosis, which may result in bubbling under the wrap.
  • Ensure the boat is in a generally clean state before applying the vinyl wrap, which will be preceded by cleaning with soap and water and a degreasing agent.
These surfaces left as they are would not be suitable for vinyl wrapping.

If you need to fill and fair any areas of the hull then please use a waterproof high build filler as car body fillers such as P38 contain chalk and talc that vinyl doesn’t adhere to. The area will need to be sanded to a 360-grit finish.

Waterline

Vinyl wrap cannot stick to antifoul paint, so it is typically finished 2mm away from the existing antifoul or waterline. If antifoul must be reapplied, it is recommended to do so after the hull wrap, overlapping the vinyl edge by 3-5mm to ensure a secure seal.

Some examples of the finishing down to the waterline. Stripes are fitted on top of the main vinyl wrap afterwards.