Which Temperature Is Ideal for Applying a Top Coat on My Surfboard?

There are several factors to consider when waxing a top coat to your surfboard. Water temperature, stickiness and hardness are all factors to consider. Learn which temperature is ideal for applying your topcoat and how to apply it properly. Then, you'll be ready for the next step - choosing a topcoat!

Choosing a Topcoat Based on Water Temperature

It's important to choose good surf topcoat for the application. Water-based paint is best applied between 50deg and 90deg F. Generally, the topcoat should be applied two weeks after the primer. Waiting longer can weaken the mechanical bond between the topcoat and the primer. It's recommended to use two topcoats on new construction. Here are a few tips to choose the right topcoat for your job.

Polyurethane: The easiest top coat to apply, polyurethane is UV stable and U.V. stable. It offers many of the same benefits as polyurea or polyaspartic coatings but is generally less expensive. It's also a good medium for anti-slip aggregate. While polyurethane isn't a high-build coat, it does provide a durable finish.

Choosing a Basecoat Based on Hardness

Hardness of a paint is not a simple thing to measure. In fact, it is difficult to determine the exact hardness of a paint based on its color. Hardness is not directly related to the CC's density, meaning that a dark base coat is not necessarily softer than a light one. It is important to know that hardness is not affected by a base coat's color, either.