If you’ve had your kayak for a while, you might be getting the itch to change its color. If so, you’ll be glad to know that you can definitely switch it up when it comes to painting your kayak another color.
In fact, I painted my kayak from a dull green to a beautiful, bright yellow a couple of years ago and am getting the itch to change it again.
Can You Paint Your Kayak Another Color?
With that said, with the right preparation, materials, and tools, you should have no problem transforming your kayak into something truly unique and you. This article will provide instructions on how to paint your kayak so that you can make sure the job is done right!
What You Will Need to Paint Your Kayak Another Color
To accomplish this fun task, you will need the following supplies:
- Paint
- Brushes
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Safety gear
Preparing Your Kayak Before Painting It
You’ll be using sandpaper or steel wool to remove any existing paint or oxidation before applying new coats. Apply two coats of primer to seal in any cracks or blemishes on the surface before you start painting.
Specific Type of Paint for Your Kayak
You’ll need a good quality paint specifically designed for boats or kayaks. The type of paint will depend on the material your boat is made of. Marine-grade epoxy paint works best on fiberglass kayaks while others will do well with a regular marine-grade paint. Wood kayaks, on the other hand, would look best with different kinds of stains instead of paint.
Make sure to choose a color that stands out against the color of the water and any other craft surrounding it if you want to for safety purposes. My kayak is bright yellow so everyone can see me and there’s no confusion while I’m out on the water.
You may also want to invest in bottom paint if you plan on taking your kayak into saltwater environments. Bottom paint will protect your kayak from sea life like barnacles, algae, and other things that can create problems.
Airbrushes will provide more even coverage with fewer brushstrokes. In my experience, spray painting outside was a mistake because it ended up getting on everything since it was so breezy outside. Now I spray paint inside my garage with the door open and a mask on for protection.
Finally, you’ll need something with which to protect your newly painted kayak once it’s complete. Marine varnish is recommended as it provides a hard surface that’s resistant to UV radiation and saltwater corrosion.
Once applied, multiple coats should have time in between to completely dry before launching back into the water.
Selecting Colors For Your Kayak
When choosing the perfect color scheme for your kayak, you want to consider both aesthetics and practicality. Colors can add personality and style to your boat, but you should also consider functionality for the type of environment you plan to paddle in.
Bright colors like red, yellow, and orange are often favored as they are highly visible in most settings. They also help make it easier to spot people who might be capsized or otherwise in trouble out on the water.
However, depending on where you are paddling, bright colors may also attract unwanted attention from larger marine animals such as whales or sharks. In this case, more subdued colors like navy blue or forest green might be a better choice as they blend in with the natural environment more effectively.
The Importance Of A Clear Top Coat
Adding a clear top coat to your painted kayak is an important step in preserving the color and finish of your project. I didn’t know that when I first painted my own kayak and the paint started cracking and chipping off. When applied, in the form of a varnish or epoxy resin, it will provide added protection from UV damage, salt water exposure, abrasion, and chemical erosion.
The application process is fairly straightforward regardless of which product you choose but be sure to read manufacturer’s instructions on proper application method and safety precautions before beginning. You’ll want to apply several thin layers of varnish onto a clean surface with either a brush or roller for even coverage.
You may need to sand between coats with fine grit sandpaper if specified in the instructions and/or if there are noticeable irregularities in the coating upon inspection.
Finally, allow adequate drying time in between coats as well as after all layers have been applied, according to manufacturer’s specifications.
By following these steps when adding a clear top coat to your painted kayak, you can expect years of protection from the elements while preserving its aesthetic beauty for many days on the water ahead!
How Else Can I Decorate My Kayak?
Popular decorations for kayaks include brightly-colored paints, stickers, and unique decals. If you’re feeling daring, some kayakers even go so far as to install lights or glow-in-the-dark strips along the sides of their kayaks.
Waterproof vinyl stickers can be applied to give extra visual interest and show off an owner’s personality. Decals with pictures or quotes are also popular choices when it comes to decorating your kayak.
Hull wraps are another option for more adventurous owners. With this option, you can choose from prefabricated designs or have custom work done to create a unique look for your boat. It’s important to note that these wraps need to be particularly resilient as they must withstand constant exposure from saltwater and sunlight without fading or peeling.
If you want your boat to really stand out on dark nights or foggy mornings, you may opt for installing LED lighting strips along the hull of your kayak. These narrow strips come in different colors and emit light when powered by batteries, giving off a cool aquatic vibe and providing improved visibility at night while paddling.
Another nighttime decoration that has become increasingly popular is glow in the dark tape which glows after absorbing light during daytime hours, making it easy to find your way back home through murky waters!
How Do You Paint Polyethylene Plastic?
Polyethylene plastic is a great material for kayaks, but it can be tricky to paint. Before getting started, you will need to sand the surface of your kayak with a finer grit sandpaper and then wash it off with soapy water. This will help ensure that the paint adheres properly to the surface.
You’ll also want to use a special type of paint designed for plastic surfaces, such as a two-part epoxy paint. This kind of paint will provide the best results and greater durability over time.
To apply the paint, start by using a foam brush to lay down an even coat of paint, making sure to cover all areas. After the first coat is dry, add a second layer of paint and let it dry completely before applying any additional coats.
After the paint is completely dry, you can add a clear topcoat to provide extra protection from UV radiation and other elements. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on proper application and safety precautions prior to beginning.
How Do You Change the Color of a Plastic Kayak?
Changing the color of a plastic kayak is an easy project that can be done in a couple of different ways. The first option is by using spray paint specifically designed for plastic surfaces. This type of paint will adhere to the polyethylene material and provide a durable finish.
The other type option is to use vinyl wraps. These come in a variety of colors and patterns, and they will give your kayak a professional finish that can be easily removed or changed if needed.
What Paint to Use on a Fiber Glass Kayak?
When painting a fiberglass kayak, it is important to use the right kind of paint. The most common type of paint for fiberglass kayaks is marine-grade epoxy paint. This type of paint provides superior protection against water and UV damage and can be applied over existing layers of paint.
Epoxy paints are also beneficial because they can be applied in multiple layers for additional protection and durability. When selecting a color, make sure to choose one that is suited for the environment in which you plan to paddle.
Other types of paints such as acrylic or latex may also work well on fiberglass kayaks, but they will not provide the same level of protection and may require more frequent touch-ups.
Final Thoughts
Painting a kayak that is worn out from years of wear and tear can bring life back into it in a fun way. Even if it’s just that you don’t like the original color, you can add your own style to it by adding multiple colors, decals, and/or stickers.
Remember to be safe and paint outside or wear a mask while painting/spraying inside for proper ventilation and if doing this outside, be aware of the wind.
Most of all, enjoy the process and have fun.
