How to paint your boat: 5 steps to optimal shine ⛵

Boat varnish is an effective way to make wood materials on your boat or yacht wear-resistant and ensure long-lasting protection against weathering, moisture, water damage, abrasion and mold. It offers an attractive glossy finish, durability in various weather scenarios, optimal water resistance and UV protection. The paint also reduces the damage from everyday bumps and knocks that you experience while boating.

Whether it's touching up small areas or the entire boat, here are five steps to ensure your new paint job goes smoothly.

You need:

• Boat varnish (matt or glossy, color?)
• fine sandpaper
• possibly. Painter's tape to mask the surface not to be coated
• Paint roller, brush or airless spray gun
• If necessary, dilute (this can also be used afterwards to clean the device.                      ).)

1) Preparation 

Good preparation makes the painting process easier and leads to the best possible result.

Wash the hull with soapy water and a scrubber. This removes deposits and impurities. Also clean your work area thoroughly.

Use painter's tape to mask off all areas that should not be painted.

The processing and especially the drying of boat paints should not take place below 10°C.

2) Protect yourself and the environment

It is recommended to wear latex gloves . These prevent the absorption of toxins through the skin and you don't have to laboriously scrape the paint off your hands.

Protect your lungs by wearing a dust mask. Avoid inhaling dust and paint and solvent fumes. Always read the paint's warning labels and dispose of paint cans and other chemicals in an environmentally friendly manner.

3) Grinding

Then it's time to sand. Sandpaper with a grit size of 120-180 is recommended. Dents and deep scratches in the hull should also be generously sanded out. Remove rotten material. After thorough sanding, remove any dust from the surface and your work area. The area to be coated should be clean, dry, free of grease, silicone and wax. You should definitely remove any loose old paint or rust beforehand. Important: Do not use soapy cleaners or scouring milk.

4) Roll or paint the base paint onto the hull.

Paint the boat with a paint roller or brush. You should work quickly and paint the boat from bottom to top using the roller. To get a natural look, paint with the grain of the wood. Complete the majority of the work with a painter's roller. The fine work can then be done with the brush. Please note: highest smoothness means highest shine.

Tip: Use the same color as the top (especially when painting over a dark colored hull). Leave the color approx. dry for eight hours.

When the paint has hardened, roughen the entire surface again and then remove the dust.

5) Paint additional layers

Two to three coats should be enough and will provide a deep shine once you have applied your final top coat. Sanding should be carried out between each coat.

> Get out there and enjoy the ride!

Ready for your project? Whether matt or glossy, colorless or in over 200 different RAL colors; We offer you a large selection of high-quality boat paints.

Please also note our helpful Instructions for use.