CHEAP? CHIP?

Q: What kind of brush should I use to apply anti-fouling paint?

I have always been a trailer boater and will be keeping my boat in the water for the first time this year. Also, can I stir the paint at home, or will I need to take it to the store and have it shaken?

Bob Breen Portland, Maine

A: You’ll be disposing of the brush after use, so buy cheap “chip” brushes — the kind with the unfinished handle and coarse bristles. These work but drop bristles like a shedding sheepdog. For that reason, I source cheap nylon bristle brushes from dollar and variety stores. Often sold three for a buck or two, these tend to shed less than chip brushes.

Anti-fouling paint is heavy, and many stores will not place it on a shaker, though some will. Check in advance. If you cannot get it shaken, invert the can for a day prior to use. This will allow the heavy solids to mix a little. Then purchase a mixing wheel/paddle that fits in an electric drill and use this. Use a stir stick periodically in a scooping motion to pull up material from the bottom of the can. Then resume power-mixing until you are sure the contents are well-mixed. This can take 10 or 15 minutes, so be patient. It’s important to the paint’s performance.

You will find a useful video tip about stirring anti-fouling paint at boatingmag.com/ bottom-painting-tips.