For surface prep, the equipment is the same regardless of whether you’re rolling or spraying. When it comes to applying the paint, however, each application method requires its own tools. The following list indicates common tools for surface prep, priming, and paint application. After that, specific equipment is listed according to whether you’re rolling & tipping, or spraying the topside paint.

• Personal protection for sanding and spray application of paint – paint suit with hood, eye protection, a NIOSH-approved chemical organic vapor cartridge-type respirator or fresh supplied air, and gloves
• If the previous topside paint is cracking, peeling, or lifting, sand it off or use a chemical stripper like TotalBoat TotalStrip
• Pressure washer, scraper, or cleaning brush for removing loose paint before sanding
• Large diameter sanding discs and a right angle grinder or sander, preferably dustless
• ScotchBrite pads for scuffing between coats
• Masking tape – use high-quality masking tape or flexible tape for curved surfaces
• Lint-free rags and denatured alcohol or mineral spirits for cleaning
• Dewaxing solvent prior to sanding
• Tack cloth for dust removal before painting
• Synthetic mesh strainers for filtering paint into your paint pot
• Appropriate thinner for the topside primer or paint
• Optional – Epoxy fairing putty, random-orbit sander, and vacuum for sanding cleanup

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