The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

A beginner at shipyard has painting questions

I started to work in Painting process. I have few questions! Who can explain the process of painting the ship? Primer, sandblasting, antifouling etc.?

Thanks you very much,

Marko Mendica
Shipbuilding - Pula, Croatia
2003

Hi, Marko. Things are sandblasted to remove rust, loose scale, and oxidation so that the paint can bond to good metal rather than bonding to trash that will itself fail to adhere.

Primer is a paint that is selected for good adhesion and the ability to stop rust; a fine glossy appearance is not required of a primer because it is not the top coat.

Anti-fouling is an ingredient, usually copper, that discourages barnacles and other marine life from adhering to the hull.

That's a quick intro, but there is a lot to learn. If it could be explained in a few paragraphs you'd be at the top of the seniority ranks on your first day with nothing left to learn :-)

Books about painting may be of help, but on-the-job-training seems to be what everyone needs. Good luck in the new job.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
July , 2006