Onboard Maintenance Painting Guide - International Marine Coatings

Onboard Maintenance 

Painting Guide 

Marine Coatings 

All products supplied and technical recommendations given are subject to our conditions of sale. 

OBM Painting Guide 

1

Contents 

2 

Introduction and planning: 3 

Surface preparation: 4 - 5 

Paint application: 6 - 8 

Health and safety: 9 - 10 



OBM Painting Guide

Introduction 

Onboard maintenance (OBM) 

of coating systems is important 

in maintaining the cosmetic 

appearance of your vessel, 

minimising the onset of corrosion 

and ensuring that your vessel 

stays in good condition which 

reduces the costs and time of 

scheduled dry dockings. 

This guide contains information on planning and 

carrying out OBM work efficiently and safely. 

Planning 

Maintenance painting onboard and alongside in port should 

be planned to maximise the efficient use of resources both 

in terms of crew time and in the volume of paint used. 

A well planned maintenance programme that involves 

evaluation of the entire process, good record-keeping, and 

use of high performance coating materials can mean less 

time and money spent on OBM in the long run. 

The success of any coating system relates directly to the 

level of care and attention paid to the fundamentals of good 

painting practice, particularly surface preparation, mixing 

of coating materials, and, of course, their application. 

Furthermore, the paint locker should be well ordered, the 

racks and shelves clearly labelled by product name, and 

good stock rotation should be followed. Outdated, worn, 

and poorly maintained equipment for preparation and 

application can dramatically reduce the success of OBM 

painting. 

Here is a simple checklist of good practices for improving 

onboard maintenance. 

• Perform an audit of equipment and invest in new 

equipment as needed. 

• Carry out an inventory of the paint, noting the age, 

coating type, and condition of the stock. 

• Ensure that a copy of the OBM paint specification is kept 

onboard in an easily accessible and well-known place. 

Once these steps have been taken, it is time to look at the 

critical vessel areas and the paint specification. 

The coating specification to be applied will be dependent 

upon the vessel area being treated and this will have an 

impact on planning the work. It is recommended that the 

vessel be sectioned off into small, manageable areas. 

An OBM planning meeting 

Key factors to consider are: 

• Time between coats in a multi coat specification 

• Time before access to painted areas is possible 

The technical data sheets for the products to be 

used provide the following information: 

• Touch dry time 

• Hard dry time 

• Minimum and maximum overcoating time 

• Working life (pot life) for two component products – (pot 

life, in practical terms, is the time from combining the 

components of a two component product to the point 

at which the mixed paint is no longer usable) 

• Equipment cleaners 

3 

Introduction and planning 

Surface preparation 

Paint application 

Health and safety




Health and safety 


The single most important 

function which can influence 

paint performance is the quality 

of the surface preparation. The 

importance of removing oil, 

grease, old coatings, rust and 

other surface contaminants 

cannot be over stressed. 

The following process is recommended: 

• Freshwater wash – to remove all salt contamination. 

This is best achieved using something like a fan jet 

lance or a power washer if available 

• Degrease – to remove all surface grease and oil. This 

is usually done using rags or brushes soaked in solvent. 

If a painted surface is to be degreased without being 

damaged, a solvent must be chosen which will not 

dissolve the paint film. 

Freshwater washing 

4 




• Steel preparation – For OBM, International® 

recommends that a standard of at least St2 thorough 

hand and power tool cleaning is achieved for bare steel 

areas. The existing coating should be taken back to a 

sound edge and the edges should be “feathered” back 

using a combination of manual methods: 

• Hard scraping or slicing – this is carried out with 

various types of scraper. Scrapers are useful for 

removing loose material. 

• Chipping hammers or chisels – chipping can 

be carried out using a wide variety of hammers 

or chisels, best results are obtained if chipping is 

followed by secondary preparation such as wire 

brushing. 

• Wire brushing can remove loose contamination, 

but it is ineffective at removing scale and deep 

seated corrosion. 

Hard scraping

Power tool methods of surface preparation 

Power tools used for cleaning fall into two basic categories 

– rotary cleaning tools and impact cleaning tools. 

• Rotary wire brushing using “braided” wire wheels 

Radial brushes are used for preparing awkward areas 

such as corners or weld seams. Cup brushes are more 

often used for preparing large areas. 

• Rotary discing cleaning of a surface is achieved by 

coated abrasive discs attached to angle grinders or by 

using abrasive flap wheels attached to straight or in-line 

tools. 

Rotary wire brushes 

For both rotary wire brushing and rotary discing, the 

surface must not be polished and it is essential that a 

surface profile is created. 

• Clean down – The prepared area should have any 

residual dust, paint flakes and debris removed by 

brushing or vacuuming. Paint application should 

begin as soon as possible after cleaning to prevent 

deterioration of the prepared surface. 

Rotary discing 

5 




Health and safety






Paint mixing 

Before use, paints should be mixed well, following the 

instructions on the technical data sheet. 

• Thinning – thinning of paint is not recommended. Follow 

the guidelines on the technical data sheet. 

• Film thickness – it is important to apply the specified 

wet film thickness. This should be measured using a 

comb gauge. 

Wet film thickness should be measured with a comb gauge 

Brush selection 

Application by brush is recommended for patch priming 

and repair work to ensure good wetting of the substrate. 

This is essential when painting over manually prepared 

surfaces. 

• The choice of brush will depend upon the application 

required and the quality of finish to be achieved. 

• Flat square end brushes, often called wall brushes, are 

used on flat areas. Angular cut ‘sash’ brushes 2” - 3” 

(5cm - 8cm) wide are used on narrow surfaces, and 

round or elliptical section brushes are used on irregular 

shapes such as nuts and bolts. 

• Brushes with angled heads and long handles are used 

for painting the backs of stiffening bars and other 

inaccessible areas in tanks. 

6 

Brush application 




• Brushes should not be dipped into the paint more than 

half the length of their bristles, the aim is to load the 

brush with enough paint to get some work done, but 

not too much so the paint drips and splatters. 

• The applied paint should spread evenly using smooth, 

steady strokes then be smoothed by light parallel 

strokes to eliminate irregularities. 

• On flat, vertical surfaces, it is best to finally lay off the 

paint in a vertical direction because this will reduce the 

tendency of the paint to run or sag. 

• Applicators should either be advised to apply a single 

“thick” coat or multiple thin coats which can be applied 

when the paint is touch dry if the area is accessible. 

• Particular attention should be paid in ensuring that the 

applied paint is brushed into the bottom of pitted areas 

of steel and that the edges of nuts, etc are well coated. 

Flat and round ended paint brushes 

The brush should be held like a pencil

Roller selection 

• Rollers are useful for applying paint to large flat areas 

such as tank tops, vertical sides, walkways and deck 

areas. 

• A short bristled brush is more practical for badly pitted 

and rough steel, because paint can be worked into the 

profile of the steel. 

• Roller application requires less skill from painters than 

brush application. 

• The most common roller fabrics used are lamb’s wool 

and mohair. Synthetic foam rollers have no role to play 

in the marine industry, they are prone to dissolve in the 

type of solvents used in heavy duty coatings and can 

swell and distort. 

• Roller covers vary in diameter, length, type of fabric and 

fibre length. Small diameter rollers are used for areas 

of awkward or difficult access, but the most common 

sizes are 1½” - 2” (4 - 5cm). Length can be anything 

from 1” to 18” (2.5 - 46cm), but the 9” length (23cm) is 

most popular. 

Roller application 

• Pitted areas should be touched up by brush before 

roller application. 

• Immerse the roller into the paint tray, roll it in the paint 

until fully saturated, and then roll it back and forth on the 

tray ramp to remove all excess material. 

• This not only avoids the problems of drips and splatters, 

but ensures that the roller is fully wetted and that air is 

removed from the fibre pile. 

Roller sleeves 

Roller application 

• Paint should then be applied to the surface by forming 

a ‘W’ or ‘M’ shape in the area to be coated. The ‘W’ 

or ‘M’ shape area should then be filled by rolling back 

and forth until it is covered, with finished rolling in one 

direction so that appearance is uniform. 

• It is difficult to achieve high thickness in single 

coats; multiple applications can be required to meet 

specifications. 

• Over rolling can cause paint pick-up, particularly with 

fast drying coatings. This is often associated with 

serious entrapment of air. 

• An alternative to using paint trays is to put a roller grid 

in the paint bucket or paint tin and work out excess 

material on this. This can allow the painter to work from 

ladders or scaffolds. 

7 




Health and safety





Comparison table 

The following table gives a simple comparison between 

brush and roller paint application: 

8 

Brush Good for small, 

complex areas 

Advantages Disadvantages 

Inexpensive 

equipment 

Minimal 

wastage 

Roller Faster than 

brushing 

Good for large 

flat areas 

They require 

more coats to 

achieve film 

thickness 

They require 

more coats to 

achieve correct 

film thickness 

Possibility of 

uneven film 

thickness 

Weather conditions 




• Usually it is not possible to paint wet surfaces, if rain is 

forecast then exterior maintenance painting should be 

abandoned or suitable covering should be installed over 

the areas in question, condensation also needs to be 

avoided. 

• Condensation is formed when the steel temperature is 

lower than the atmospheric dew point; providing that 

the steel temperature is at least 3°C higher than the 

measured dew point then condensation is unlikely to 

occur and painting can proceed. 

• Extreme weather conditions can also cause problems 

during maintenance painting activities. Technical data 

sheets should be consulted during planning of any 

maintenance painting work: 

• Below 5°C the curing of two pack paints such as 

epoxies and polyurethanes can be slowed down. 

• Paints which dry by solvent evaporation such as alkyds 

and acrylics can be used below 0°C provided that the 

surface is free of frost and ice. 

• Above 30°C solvent can evaporate very quickly which 

can result in difficulties in brushing and rollering of paint.


The primary source of health and 

safety information is the product 

Material Safety Data Sheet; these 

are available for all International 

Marine products from: 

http://www.international-marine.com/products/msds.aspx 

International® also publishes a secondary source of health 

and safety information in the form of simple one page 

safety advice sheets, which are designed to help paint 

applicators, for example. 

advice sheet 

safety Marine & Protective Coatings 

This contains basic health, safety and environmental information that is important for the 

actual user of the product. It does not replace the Material Safety Data Sheet. 

Product Name: Interlac 665 Ref No: 0015 

Use/Application 

Revision Number 1 

An alkyd cosmetic coating for use in non-immersed areas. May be applied by airless spray, conventional spray, 

brush or roller. 

Safety Dangers 

This paint contains solvents. When used or spilt it will release solvent vapours which may catch fire 

or explode. 

Health Dangers 

If breathed in, solvents may cause headaches and dizziness and long term nervous system 

damage. Paint in the eyes will cause irritation. Repeated splashes on the skin may cause irritation, 

loss of fat and skin damage (dermatitis). 

Control Measures 

Extraction/Local Extract Ventilation: When paint is used anywhere inside a confined space or 

area with limited ventilation on a ship or inside a building, forced extraction with fans must be used 

to stop solvent from creating an explosive mixture and to reduce the solvent concentration that 

people may breathe in. 

Ignition: Cigarettes, lighters, matches, welding or cutting torches, grinding and all electrical 

equipment except approved spark proof lights must be kept well away from paint mixing and paint 

application. 

Personal Protective Equipment 

Lungs (Inhalation) The sprayer and assistant should always wear a cartridge respirator. Other 

people who can smell paint should also wear a cartridge respirator or carbon mask unless they are 

or 

sure the solvent concentration is below the national occupational exposure limit (OES). Cartridge 

respirators and carbon masks become less efficient with time and should be replaced periodically. 

(Follow respirator manufacturers recommendations). 

Eyes: Wear safety glasses or goggles or a face shield at all times when mixing, spraying, rolling or 

or 

brushing paint. 

Skin: Wear an overall with full length sleeves and legs. Wear solvent resistant ‘rubber’ gloves (long 

sleeve). Wear safety boots. Make sure there is no gap at wrist and ankles. Change and wash the 

overall as appropriate and at least twice a week. If paint is able to pass through the overall, replace 

+ + + it. Wear a hard hat. Protect face skin with barrier cream (not petroleum jelly). Gloves should be 

replaced periodically. 

Hygiene/Cleanliness: Always wash hands before eating, smoking or going to the toilet. Paint 

transferred from the hands to other parts of the body can cause damage. Have a shower at the end 

of the working day. 

First Aid 

(In case of doubt seek 

Medical Advice) 

Breathing/Dizziness: If inhaled, quickly take the person to a place with fresh air. Lie them down 

and keep them warm. If breathing has stopped, give them artificial respiration (the ‘kiss of life’). If 

breathing is difficult give oxygen. Seek medical attention. 

Eyes: Give rapid assistance by holding the eyelids apart and washing with clean fresh water for at 

least 15 minutes. Afterwards seek medical attention (some paints stick to the eyes and need UV 

light to be seen and specialist cleaning to remove all traces of paint). 

Skin: Quickly remove clothing and wash skin with soap and water or a special skin cleaner. DO 

NOT use solvents (thinner/equipment cleaner). 

Mouth: If paint is accidentally swallowed quickly get a doctor or take the person to a hospital, DO 

NOT make the person vomit/be sick unless instructed to do so by medical personnel. If conscious 

they should drink as much water as possible. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious 

person. 

Other 

Emergencies 

Spillage: Put sand/earth around spills to stop them getting into drains or rivers or the sea. Absorb 

the paint with more sand/earth and send to a special waste dump/treatment works. 

Fire: Fight fire with foam (large fires); Powder, CO2 foam (small fires). 

Waste Disposal Follow local regulatory requirements. 

Important Note 

The Product Data Sheet, the Material Safety Data Sheet and the package labelling together form an integral information system about this product. Copies of the Product 

Data Sheet and the Material Safety Data Sheet are available from International Paint on request or from our Internet sites: http//www.international-marine.com & 

http//www.international-pc.com 

Official Advisory Body Tel. No. For Advice to Doctors & Hospitals Only +44 (0)870 600 6266 

Country 24 Hr. Emergency Tel. No. Country 24 Hr. Emergency Tel. No. 

Australia +61 (0) 1 800 807 001 Sweden 112 

WM/Interlac 665/DS Finland +358 (0) 9 471 977 Turkey +90 (0) 216 574 31 91 

January 2004 Portugal +351 (0) 65 702 025 UK & Rest of World +44 (0) 191 469 6111 

Safety advice sheets for marine products are available from: 

http://www.international-marine.com/supportadvice/ 

safety-advice-sheets.aspx 

The following notes give some very basic advice on health 

and safety when using International Marine paint: 

Health hazards 

• Over exposure can lead to irritation of the eyes and 

respiratory system. Excessive exposure can result in 

headache, nausea, dizziness and drowsiness and in 

extreme cases even loss of consciousness. Splashes 

in the eye will cause discomfort and possible damage. 

Prolonged contact with skin can lead to skin irritation 

and in some cases dermatitis. 

Health precautions 

• Inhalation – avoid breathing vapours; work in well 

ventilated areas and if necessary use local ventilation 

methods such as respirator masks. 

• Eye contact – avoid splashes in the eye by wearing 

suitable safety goggles or glasses. 

• Skin contact – avoid skin contact by wearing 

suitable clothing and gloves. Barrier creams are not an 

acceptable alternative to the proper choice of glove. 

• Ingestion - whilst there is little hazard by this route 

during onboard maintenance painting, do not eat 

whilst handling paint. 

First aid 

• Inhalation – remove the sufferer to fresh air, 

keep warm and rest. 

• Eye contact – wash with plenty of clean, fresh water 

for at least ten minutes holding the eyelids apart. 

• Skin contact – remove any contaminated clothing; 

wash the skin thoroughly with a proprietary skin 

cleanser. DO NOT USE SOLVENTS. 

• Ingestion – do not induce vomiting, seek medical advice. 

• General – in all cases of doubt seek medical attention. 

9 




Health and safety





Fire and safety precautions 

• Storage – usually paint should be stored in dry, 

shaded conditions away from heat and ignition 

sources. Specific conditions can be found on individual 

product technical data sheets. 

• Ventilation – the use of suitable ventilation during 

painting operations should be promoted. 

• Ignition – painting should only be undertaken when 

all naked lights and unprotected electrical equipment 

have been removed from the area. 

• Waste disposal – any waste should be dealt with in 

accordance with prevalent local requirements. 

Personal protective equipment 

The following equipment should be used during onboard 

maintenance painting: 

• Overalls 

• Fluorescent or high visibility vest or jacket 

• Hearing protection 

• Dust mask 

10 

Safety helmet 

Gloves or gauntlets 

Overalls 

Safety boots and/or shoes 

Face mask and cartridge filters 

Hearing protection 




Safety goggles Safety spectacles 

Dust mask 

Life jacket 

For further information: 

Fluorescent or high visibility 

vest or jacket 

The following should also be available as 

appropriate: 

• Life jacket, if working over water 

• A fall arrest safety harness and lanyard if working at height 

Fall arrest safety harness 

and lanyard 

Call: +44 (0)191 469 6111 

Fax: +44 (0)191 495 2003 

Send an email: marine.communication@akzonobel.com

International Paint Ltd is part of AkzoNobel, 

the Netherlands based company serving 

customers throughout the world with 

coatings and chemicals. 

International Paint Ltd, 

Stoneygate Lane, Felling 

Gateshead, NE10 0JY 

United Kingdom 

Call: +44 (0)191 469 6111 

Fax: +44 (0)191 495 2003 

Send an email: 

marine.communication@akzonobel.com 

Visit our website: 

www.international-marine.com 

Sign up to keep up to date with our latest news visit 

www.international-marine.com/signup 

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Important Notes: 

All products supplied and technical advice or recommendations given are subject to our standard 

Conditions of Sale. 

The contents of this leaflet are for information purposes only and no representation or warranty of any 

kind is given in relation to any of the information or opinions expressed in it. Whilst we have made all 

reasonable efforts to ensure that statements appearing in this leaflet are accurate, we disclaim all liability and 

responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the information, advice and opinions contained in this leaflet. 

and International® and all products mentioned in this publication are trademarks of, or are licensed to, 

AkzoNobel. © AkzoNobel, 2012 

When you have finished 

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Onboard Maintenance Painting Guide - International Marine Coatings

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