Hull Protection
- Shot blasting of hull sides and base plate
- Application of a two-pack epoxy blacking
Shot blasting and painting
Protecting your boat for the long term.
Industry-leading steel preparation, two-pack epoxy hull protection and professional superstructure paint systems, backed by more than 20 years of experience. From new builds to complete hull restoration, we use the same proven systems trusted by our sister company, Awlworks, specialists in hull restoration and protection. New or restored, we’ve got you covered.
The importance of shot blasting
True quality starts beneath the surface.
At Bluewater Boats, we believe that true quality starts beneath the surface. One of the most critical stages in the construction of your boat is the preparation of the steel before painting — specifically, the removal of mill scale through shot blasting.
Understanding the steel
What is mill scale?
Mill scale is a type of iron oxide that forms on the surface of steel during the hot rolling process. While it may appear as a smooth, bluish-grey coating, it is actually porous, brittle and poorly adhered.
Despite its appearance, mill scale is not a suitable protective barrier — and it can cause serious issues if it is not properly removed before painting.
Why must mill scale be removed?
Although painting over mill scale may seem convenient and less expensive, it severely compromises the effectiveness and longevity of the paint system. Paint applied over unprepared or inadequately cleaned steel is prone to cracking, delamination and premature failure.
Once the mill scale lifts or “pops off”, moisture can penetrate, triggering a galvanic reaction that leads to pitting corrosion of the underlying steel. This corrosion can spread beneath the coating, causing cracking, flaking and more widespread damage.
All mill scale must be removed to present a uniform and clean surface.
Watch the process
More than 130,000 views.
Bluewater’s shot-blasting video has attracted an impressive audience, helping boat owners understand why correct preparation matters so much.
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Preparation, repair and protection.
A closer look at the steel preparation, restoration and professional coating work carried out by Bluewater Boats and Awlworks.
Our process
Prepared to Sa 2.5.
At Bluewater Boats, we remove all mill scale using abrasive shot blasting, preparing the steel to a Sa 2.5 surface profile. This ensures a clean, uniform surface free from contaminants and creates the ideal profile for paint adhesion — critical to achieving the durability and protection your boat deserves.
We have been shot blasting hulls for over 20 years. Many previous builds return to us for re-coating as part of their long-term maintenance, and we are proud to say that we have yet to find any pitting on a hull originally shot blasted by us.
20+ yearsof professional hull preparation, with the results visible years after launch.
Building new or restoring old
The same commitment to quality and detail.
We also carry out restoration work through our sister company, Awlworks Limited, which specialises in shot blasting and applying two-pack epoxy blacking to older hulls.
In many cases, older boats arrive with significant pitting caused by inadequate preparation or poor-quality coatings when originally built. Where necessary, we undertake re-plating work to restore structural integrity, as well as deep-pit welding.
Painting over mill scale may seem like a shortcut, but in reality it is a false economy. Proper surface preparation is key to the longevity and performance of your boat’s protective coatings.
Awlworks protection packages
Choose the right level of care.
Both options ensure your boat is fully prepared, protected and finished to the highest standards, preserving its condition and value for years to come.
Full Boat Protection
- Shot blasting of hull sides, base plate and superstructure
- Application of a two-pack epoxy blacking to the hull
- Application of a two-pack paint system to the superstructure
Painting
Two-pack protection above and below the waterline.
Bluewater Boats is proud to be leading the way in professional shot blasting for boat hulls. Our process is not simply a step in the build — it is a critical foundation for the long-term protection and performance of your boat.
We do not cut corners. Every hull we build is shot blasted to the industry-leading Sa 2.5 standard before premium two-pack epoxy blacking and a full multi-stage coating system are applied to the external areas of the boat.
Jotun Jotamastic 90
After shot blasting, we apply Jotun Jotamastic 90 — a high-performance, two-pack epoxy blacking — to the hull up to the top rubbing strake. The base plate is excluded as standard, although it can also be shot blasted and coated when required.
Why Jotamastic 90?
- Exceptional durability in atmospheric and immersed environments
- Surface-tolerant, high-solids and abrasion-resistant
- Excellent corrosion protection in salt and fresh water
- Harder-wearing than conventional blacking products
- If scratched, the blast profile helps prevent damage spreading
Multi-stage superstructure system
- 01 Shot blasting to Sa 2.5
- 02 Two-pack high-build epoxy primer
- 03 Two-pack epoxy finishing primer
- 04 Non-slip coatings on gunnels, bow deck and stern deck
- 05 Two-pack acrylic topcoats, including metallic options
Topside finish
Alexseal Acrylic Topcoat X.
For a premium finish above the waterline, we use Alexseal Acrylic Topcoat X, a high-gloss, two-pack acrylic system developed for the yachting industry.
- Combines acrylic and polyester technology for exceptional gloss and depth
- Easily sanded and polished for future maintenance
- Excellent UV resistance, colour stability and abrasion resistance
- Withstands saltwater exposure and fuel contact
Why choose this system?
Protection designed to last.
Industry-leading materials and meticulous preparation preserve your boat above and below the waterline.
Superior adhesion
Correct blast profiling gives the coating system the strongest possible foundation.
Corrosion resistance
High-performance epoxy systems protect the underlying steel in demanding conditions.
Longer lifespan
Two-pack systems outperform traditional coatings and require less maintenance over time.
Professional finish
Premium protection and refined finishes are achieved both above and below the waterline.
New build or restoration
Talk to the workshopStart your project→
Protect your investment properly.
Whether you are commissioning a new build or restoring and repainting an existing boat, our team maintains the highest standards at every stage.