Where possible apply anti-fouling during late morning or early afternoon in calm, dry weather. Avoid the risk of dampness or overnight dew, as this will spoil the results and subsequently affect the performance. Try also to avoid strong wind or extremes of either hot or cold weather.

Apply masking tape around the waterline and mask off anodes, shafts and fittings to protect them from unwanted coating. Before you start put a plastic sheet down to protect the ground and wet the ground with water to prevent dust rising.

Keep your paint in a warm place or stand the tin in a bucket, part filled with warm water. This will make it easier to apply and give a smoother finish. Anti-foul can settle, so vigorous stirring with a flat bladed knife is recommended. Don’t use paint directly from the can; put an appropriate amount in a roller tray and replace the lid. This prevents contamination and premature ageing of the main can contents. Remember to occasionally stir-up the tray contents during your work. anti-foul is best applied with a mohair roller, but keep a brush handy for those awkward to reach areas.

When using a roller, apply the coating in a ‘criss-cross’ pattern, as if you were using a brush. This helps spread the coating evenly. Alternatively, get someone else to follow you with a paint pad. Don’t work the pad backwards or forwards, or try to spread it too thinly. Apply an extra coat on the leading edges and waterline area, as this is where the boat faces more water-flow. Finally, as soon as the anti-foul feels ‘tacky’ remove the masking tape before the paint is allowed to dry.

Stand back and congratulate yourself on a job well done!

1. How to anti-foul your boat
2. Safety and Equipment
3. Compatibility
4. Quantity
5. Inspection and Removal
6. Surface preparation
7. Priming the underwater hull
8. Applying anti-fouling
9. Antifouling for beginners – ‘How to’ video guides