Boat Detailing Service Areas
Protect Your Boat Bottom – Boost Speed, Prevent Growth, Save Money
Your boat's bottom is constantly exposed to the water, and without proper protection, it becomes a magnet for algae, barnacles, slime, and hull drag. That’s why regular bottom painting is one of the smartest investments you can make as a boat owner in Ontario.
Whether you own a powerboat, sailboat, cruiser, yacht, or fishing boat — if it lives in the water, it needs proper anti-fouling bottom paint.
Whether you own a powerboat, sailboat, cruiser, yacht, or fishing boat — if it lives in the water, it needs proper anti-fouling bottom paint.
What is Bottom Painting and Why Is It Important?
Bottom painting is the process of applying a protective anti-fouling coating to the underside (bottom) of your boat to prevent marine growth and improve performance.
Stops algae and barnacle buildup
Protects your fiberglass or aluminum bottom from blistering
Improves speed and fuel efficiency by reducing drag
Keeps your boat looking sharp and performing at its best
Extends the lifespan of your investment
If your boat sits in the water more than a few weeks a year — you need bottom paint.
Stops algae and barnacle buildup Protects your fiberglass or aluminum bottom from blistering Improves speed and fuel efficiency by reducing drag Keeps your boat looking sharp and performing at its best Extends the lifespan of your investmentIf your boat sits in the water more than a few weeks a year — you need bottom paint.
We Paint All Boat Types
At Toronto Boat Detailing, we specialize in bottom painting for:
Powerboats, Sailboats, Catamarans, Cruisers, Yachts, Fishing boats, Workboats, Dayboats, Bowriders
Whether you dock in Lake Ontario, Humber Bay, Port Credit, Oakville, or Scarborough, we’ve got your bottom covered.
Whether you dock in Lake Ontario, Humber Bay, Port Credit, Oakville, or Scarborough, we’ve got your bottom covered.
Our Full Bottom Painting Service Includes:
1.Haul-Out Coordination – We work with marinas or come to your location
2.Bottom Prep – Full sanding or stripping of old paint layers
3.Cleaning – Pressure washing to remove slime and contaminants
4.Barrier Coating – Optional epoxy base for extra protection
5.Anti-Fouling Paint Application – Premium paints (Interlux, Pettit, etc.)
6.Keel & Waterline Detailing – Including tape-off and trim
7.Final Quality Check – Full inspection for even coverage and thickness
We can also provide prop speed coating, zinc replacement, and touch-up gelcoat repairs during the same visit.
2.Bottom Prep – Full sanding or stripping of old paint layers
3.Cleaning – Pressure washing to remove slime and contaminants
4.Barrier Coating – Optional epoxy base for extra protection
5.Anti-Fouling Paint Application – Premium paints (Interlux, Pettit, etc.)
6.Keel & Waterline Detailing – Including tape-off and trim
7.Final Quality Check – Full inspection for even coverage and thickness
We can also provide prop speed coating, zinc replacement, and touch-up gelcoat repairs during the same visit.
How Often Should You Paint the Bottom?
Generally every 12–24 months, depending on:
Boat usage
Water type (fresh vs salt)
Storage method (in water vs dry dock)
Condition of previous coatings
We offer free bottom inspections to help you determine if your boat is due.
Why Choose Toronto Boat Detailing?
✔ Over 100+ bottom painting jobs completed across the GTA
✔ Local, family-run business with hands-on expertise
✔ Premium marine coatings — never cheap stuff
✔ Mobile service available for most marinas and private storage
✔ Trusted by brokers, racers, weekenders & full-time liveaboards
✔ Professional results with care and attention to your boat’s value
Book Your Bottom Paint Before Winter
Fall and early winter are the best time to paint your bottom — while the weather is still stable and before spring chaos begins.
Don’t get stuck on the waitlist in April.
Don’t risk barnacles eating your fiberglass.
Let us prep your boat now so it’s ready to launch stress-free in spring.
How to Paint the Bottom of a Boat – Step-by-Step Guide (DIY)
If you’re thinking of painting your boat’s bottom yourself, here’s a full breakdown of the process from the pros at Toronto Boat Detailing. This guide works for powerboats, sailboats, catamarans, cruisers, and even fishing boats — basically, any vessel with a wet bottom.
Whether you’re docked in Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, or Lake Ontario, this is what it takes to do it right:
🧱 Step 1: Haul-Out and Safety Prep
You’ll need to get the boat out of the water and securely blocked or trailered. Always work in a well-ventilated area, wear a respirator, gloves, and eye protection.
⚠️ Bottom paint dust and fumes are toxic — don’t skip PPE.
🧽 Step 2: Clean the Bottom
Pressure wash the entire bottom to remove slime, barnacles, and surface growth. The cleaner the surface, the better your paint will stick.
Use a marine-grade hull cleaner or degreaser
Let the surface dry 100% before sanding
🪚 Step 3: Sanding the Old Paint
Use 60–300 grit sandpaper to scuff the old paint or strip completely if it’s flaking or built up too thick. This step is critical for adhesion.
Tip: For large areas, use a rotary sander. For tight spots, go by hand.
Don’t sand through the gelcoat unless you’re planning a barrier coat. If the boat is bare fiberglass, you’ll need a primer or epoxy barrier.
🧴 Step 4: Masking
Use blue painter’s tape or marine-grade masking tape to mark the waterline, thru-hulls, transducer, and any spots that don’t get painted.
Double check the waterline for accuracy — crooked tape = crooked results.
🎨 Step 5: Choosing the Right Bottom Paint
There are 3 main types of anti-fouling bottom paint:
1. Hard Paint (Ablative)
Durable, for fast boats
Builds up over time
Good for trailered boats
2. Self-Polishing Paint
Wears down evenly in water
Great for consistent performance
Ideal for sailboats and cruisers in the water full-time
3. Copper-Free / Eco-Friendly Paints
Less environmental impact
Safe for aluminum hulls
Often required in regulated marinas
✅ We recommend Interlux, Pettit, Sea Hawk, or Blue Water Marine depending on your boat type and budget.
🖌 Step 6: Apply the Paint
Use a 3/8” nap roller or spray gun for even coverage. Apply 2 coats for full protection.
Work fast — bottom paint dries quickly
Stir constantly to keep biocide active
Don’t paint in direct sunlight or rain
Wait for the first coat to fully flash before applying the second
⏳ Step 7: Curing and Launch
Check the label for proper drying time before launching. Most paints require 12–24 hours of cure time before hitting the water. Some premium paints allow launch within 1–2 hours.
Bonus: What DIY Painters Often Get Wrong
Not sanding enough
Painting over loose/flaky layers
Using the wrong paint for their hull or storage type
Skipping protective gear
Forgetting to replace anodes or tape zincs