How To Paint A Sailboat: A Complete Guide
Last Updated by
Daniel Wade
June 15, 2022
Whether you’re new to owning a sailboat or not, you have likely put some thought into painting your boat yourself. It is important to keep your boat well painted as it can save you a lot of money in the long run. It can also save you a lot of money if you choose to paint your boat yourself.
Whether or not this is the first time you have painted your boat, you will still find this article useful. It has lots of tips and tricks for making sure you get the job done and get it done well. Hiring a professional may be easier, but there is a sense of pride and accomplishment in doing it yourself. If you use this article as a reference, you can’t go wrong.
Table of contents
Why is it important to paint your sailboat?
Painting your boat is not just an excuse to put some creative flair into your boat, it is an important process in keeping the boat safe. Safe from salt, safe from barnacles, and safe from damage. The paint acts as a vital protective layer, without it your boat will be vulnerable to all kinds of damage. If you have a wooden hull, this protective layer will keep the wood from rotting. It can also plug any minuscule holes that might allow sea life and salt to make its way into the body of the boat.
There is also, of course, the added benefit of having a boat that looks good . A boat is a point of pride and should be treated as such. Having a glossy looking boat is something to be proud of. Most boats are not painted far above the waterline, so it is even an opportunity to make your boat stand out. Some people also believe that painting a boat brings good luck. Unless of course, you paint it green, green is thought to bring bad luck. Whether or not you believe that is up to you.
What are the benefits of painting your boat yourself?
When it comes to painting your boat there are only two options. Hire a professional boat painting contractor, or bite the bullet and do it yourself. They both have their pros and cons, of course, but there is so much more to be gained by doing it yourself. First of all, painting your boat yourself is just as fun as it is difficult. Learning to paint is a valuable life skill that you won’t regret learning as early on in your sailing career as possible. If you can learn to paint your boat now, you will save yourself a small fortune in the long run.
Hiring a contractor is expensive, to say the least, it may be faster and easier overall, but the extra cost can make it simply not feasible. Or simply unappealing. If this is the first time you are painting your sailboat you will need to make a one-off purchase of all the equipment needed for prepping, painting, and finishing the boat. After these one-off purchases are out of the way, you will only need to buy paint and new rollers the next time. Even if you need to buy all the equipment brand new, it can be cheaper than hiring someone else to do the job for you.
How often do you need to paint your sailboat?
The general rule of thumb for painting your boat is that it will need bottom paint about once a year. This is when you will need to take the boat completely out of the water and give it a fresh new coat. If your boat spends all of its time in the water, it certainly needs painting at least once a year. The saltwater is so corrosive that you shouldn’t let your boat go without a fresh coat of bottom paint for more than 2 years. Even if your boat only spends half its time in the water, and the other half on land, you will find that its best to keep its coat topped up.
The top paint, or the above waterline paint, doesn’t need painting anywhere near as often. It isn’t in direct contact with the seawater so it simply isn’t going to get eroded down as much. The salty sea spray can still be damaging over time so this paint should be re-done every 3 years. It can be more or less frequent depending on use and personal preference. Some people like to do above waterline paint yearly, with the rest of their boat, but it isn’t necessary.
What are the best paints to use for your sailboat?
There are plenty of great brands of paint out there, in various colors and shades, so you won’t struggle for choice. There are some things you might want to look for in your paint . For example, you may have noticed that a lot of boats tend to have red hulls. This isn’t just a fashion statement, and while red is supposed to bring luck this isn’t the main reason either. The reason is that this red/orange paint is perfect for added protection along the bottom of your boat.
This red/orange paint is interestingly chosen because it is, of course, traditional; but mostly because of its copper. The copper is actually what gives the paint its red/orange color.
Copper is perfect for the bottom of your boat for several reasons. First, copper acts as a biocide. It stops worms from making their way into the hull if your boat is wooden. If it is metal or fiberglass, it still has the benefit of stopping barnacles and other sea life from attaching themselves deep into the hull of the boat. Copper is also strong enough to hold up to scraping.
Scraping is when you scrape barnacles and other sea life off the hull of your boat. Scraping is an important part of keeping your boat in good condition. It is important to check with the marina or port authority whether or not you are allowed to scrape. If you scrape without permission you may find yourself on the receiving end of a hefty fine. The reason is that they don’t want you introducing invasive species on to the marina floor. This is mostly a problem when you are coming from somewhere vastly foreign, not sailing from New York to Chicago for example.
How many coats of paint does a sailboat need?
When painting your boat it’s a good idea to think about how many coats of paint you are going to need. There is no exact number that is needed, it is mostly to do with how well protected your boat needs to be and how much time you have on your hands. Every coat takes time and attention to detail.
If you choose to do four coats of paint it is going to be time-consuming but very well protected. That being said, the minimum number of coats is two. One is not enough. If your boat only spends part of the time in the water, two to three coats are plenty.
If you are someone who lives on their boat full-time, or at least most of the time, you may want to do more coats. Three, maybe even four, might be ideal here. The reason is that first, your boat is going to experience way more wear and tear than one that is just an ocean part-timer. And second, taking out your boat (which is also your home) is a giant hassle. It is a tedious process, so doing it as infrequently as possible is probably in your best interest. More coats last longer. When you are sailing from place to place, finding somewhere to take your boat out of the water and perform this maintenance is inconvenient. You want to be doing it as little as possible.
What safety precautions do I need to take when painting my sailboat?
All paint can be toxic when inhaled. Even if it is “non-toxic” paint it is going to be harmful to your lungs. They aren’t meant to inhale anything but air, even non-toxic paint is going to be bad for them. This is why it is important to wear a face mask.
Your mask should be specifically for painting, not surgical masks or other cheap medial masks. They are not going to be strong enough, with a fine enough air filter. Whether you feel the need to wear eyewear is up to you during the painting process.
Before the painting begins, when you are scraping and sanding, it is a good idea to wear some goggles to keep debris and splinters out of your eyes. It is also a good idea to wear gloves. You don’t want to rough your hands up too much, they need protection from not only the paint but splinters and sharp pieces of metal.
Painting a boat can be dangerous work. Without taking the proper safety precautions you are putting yourself at unnecessary risk. This safety equipment costs just a few bucks and is equally important as any of the other tools needed to paint your boat.
What tools do I need to paint a boat?
There is more to painting your boat than just using paint and a brush . You will also need tough sandpaper , potentially an angle grinder or welder , paint, primer , brushes, paint rollers , paint thinner , and solvent. You will need to make sure you have all of these things before you start painting. You can pick any of these items up at a boating goods store.
It is a good idea to bring some buckets with you for filling with water, both for rinsing off your boat and your brushes. All of your safety equipment needs to be brought too.
If this is your first time painting your boat yourself, you may find you need to buy all of these things at once. That can be a lot to stomach when its all in one go, luckily, most of these tools and equipment can be reused. Besides, it is still going to be far cheaper than hiring someone to do it for you. All of this equipment is an investment in your boat.
How to paint a sailboat
Whether this is the first time you have painted your boat or not, you may find some of the tips in this next section useful. Painting your sailboat may be tricky at first, but over time you will get the hang of it. The problem with painting your boat is that it can be a very expensive mistake if you get it wrong.
It is important to read this guide carefully, take your time, and make sure you do the job properly. It may be slow going at first, speed will come over time. Once you have gathered all of your safety equipment and tools you are ready to get started.
The workspace
First of all, you need to ensure you have the right workspace. You cant paint your boat in the water so you are going to need to find somewhere to do your work. This is easy enough if you don’t live on your boat full time, take the boat to your house and do your painting on the driveway. If this isn’t an option because you don’t have space or live on your boat full time, you are going to need to rent somewhere. There are typically places affiliated with the marina that you can use. In some cases, these even come with a majority of the equipment you will need. This, of course, drums up the price a bit, but that’s unavoidable.
Your workspace needs to be well ventilated, or you risk making yourself very sick. Both from paint fumes, rubbing alcohol fumes, and fine matter from when you sand the hull down. This means painting your boat in your garage, if it even fits, is not always the best idea. If you do decide to paint outside, it is important to consider the chance of rain. Of course, your boat is pretty waterproof, but once you begin sanding rain might damage the wood if left to sit there.
Before you do anything else, it is important to look your boat over fully from top to bottom. You are looking for any bumps, scrapes, cracks and general damage. This damage is not going to be noticeable while the boat is in the water, so just before you paint it is one of the only times you get to have a close look. Once you have made note of all this damage, it is time to get to work repairing it. Depending on just how severe this damage is, you may want to get help with this next stage.
All of this damage needs to be repaired before anything else can take place. Painting over these damaged areas is just going to hide the problem temporarily, the next time it comes to painting you will find they are far worse. If you don’t deal with this now, they are going to snowball into complicated and expensive repairs.
After your repairs are done it is time to start sanding. This is very time consuming as you need to do it three times. Per coat. First, take the 600 grit sandpaper and make your way around the boat. It is best to use electrical tape to mark out a section at a time so you don’t keep losing your place. After you have finished with the 600 grit sandpaper, it is time to move on to 800, then 1200. This process is important so you will be painting on as smooth a surface as possible. It is then a good idea to wipe the surfaces of the boat down with a damp cloth to remove any of the dust and flakes of metal/wood. Otherwise, you end up painting over them.
You could wash the boat down with a hose but you want to avoid getting the boat unnecessarily wet now that the hull has lost its protective layer. If you are sanding down a boat with a copper paint bottom, you may find the sanding process difficult. Just do your best, it doesn’t need to be 100% perfect. It is important to get as much of the old paint off as possible. Your new paint won’t adhere to the old paint as well as it would to the boat hull itself.
Putting on a layer of primer is not 100% necessary but it is recommended. The idea is that you want your topcoat to adhere to the boat as well as possible, a layer of primer can help you do that. The primer needs to be painted on evenly all over the boat. If you only feel like doing below the waterline, that is fine too. It will save you a lot of time. Putting on the layer of primer is not the most time-consuming part, it is mostly the sanding down that you will have to do. You will need to sand down using the 600 grit paper, then the 800, then 1200. Just like last time. Your layer of primer needs to be as smooth as possible for the maximum adhesion.
Now comes the paint. It is recommended to do at least two layers of paint. One undercoat and one top. Some people choose to go as far as two layers of primer, two layers of undercoat, and three layers of topcoat. This is going to be very time consuming, remember you will need to sand down three times between each layer of paint. You can paint using a brush if you like but is far easier to use a roller. It is also far easier if you employ someone to help you with this stage. It could be your spouse, child, friend, or anyone. It doesn’t need to be a paid professional. It can take a long time to go through this process. Especially if you are effectively doing 8 layers of paint (including primer).
The fastest way to paint, especially if you are on your own, is to use a sprayer. They are easy to use, with a little practice. If you haven’t used one before you may find that you struggle to get an even coat. You should always paint in vertical stripes, not horizontal. Additionally, it is a good idea to have someone following after you with a small brush doing small touch-up jobs. Any unevenness will need to be sanded down and repainted. The whole painting process can take a week if you aren’t efficient.
Take pictures
It is a good idea to take pictures throughout the whole process. This is for future reference. For example, if you take pictures of the boat when you are assessing it for damage, you can compare them to after you have repaired or sanded the trouble spots down. If you cant see the trouble spots still, great! If you can, it will help you keep an eye on them after you have painted too. It’s a good idea to catalog all of these areas if they start to become regular problems you may want to have your boat looked at by a mechanic. You might also like to have a before and after picture for your blog, or just as a personal memento.
Hopefully, you now have all the theory needed to paint your boat. There is a lot more that goes into painting your boat than simply grabbing some paint and a brush. It takes planning, practice, and attention to detail. If you follow this guide you will have no trouble at all. If this is your first time painting your boat, don’t be disheartened if it takes a lot longer than you expected. Speed will come with time, it is far more important to get the job done right than get it done quickly. If you put the work in you will be painting like a pro in no time at all.
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Interior paint
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Looking to refresh the paint in my new to me boat as there are a lot of wear spots. Looking for white. Seen a few YouTube videos using rustoleum primer and paint. Wondering what you have used and how it worked out. Only repainting the white that’s faded, not covering any teak.
Rustoleum topside paint has worked well for me. As always prep is critical.
Any quality topside marine paint will work. If these are areas that receive a lot of wear and tear, I would consider a 2 part system. That will have a harder finish.
I have seen multiple recommendations to use topside paint on the interior. What is the reasoning behind it? wouldnt a high humidity mold resistant paint be enough. And yes I am painting panels that are already white but i can see wear marks in places where the paint is scratched, scuffed etc. The floor of the boat i would use external paint on but the walls?
Since you said you're refreshing the paint, I assume you have painted surfaces down below already. If not, I'd never start painting. As you see, it only needs to be done over and over. Two part paint is more durable, but harder to apply and I don't think can be put on top of previous one part paints. I think its curing solvents eat the old paint away.
painted the last boat interior with Pettit Easy Cabin white and had very good resultants. very easy to apply and hides a lot. saw it just the other day after 6 years and still looks good
I tried that product too, wasn't too impressed. Opened the can and thought "this smells just like regular latex house paint". Applying it, acted just like regular latex house paint. Advertising said it would stick to anything, but I had some spots where it peeled off with the masking tape even though I thoroughly cleaned and lightly sanded. I took a color sample in to Home Depot and had it matched with Glidden latex bathroom paint, they also suggested Glidden Gripper primer. Did the rest of the interior with that. There was no peeling and 8-10 years later it looks as good as the Pettit product. Had a little mildew on other surfaces but not on either paint. I think that's the "marine" and "bathroom" part. As far as I can tell, EasyCabin is just bathroom paint at double or triple the cost.
I think it’s all a questions of how durable you need/expect it to be. As you can see, what you have now needs to be done over. Just a matter of time.
I highly recommend the Rust-Oleum white primer it is very expensive per quart but I have found that generally the more you pay for a paint the better the quality of the paint. The Rust-Oleum white primer is very heavy in the can and goes on thick and creates a great Bond between the surface or prior coats of paint and a good top coat which I also use Rust-Oleum gloss white. I will also stress the prep work is very important whether it's sanding or cleaning before placing down either the primer or top coats. Matter of fact I sometimes leave the primer as a top coat but it is not a gloss it is simply White.
Krystian1 said: Looking to refresh the paint in my new to me boat as there are a lot of wear spots. Looking for white. Seen a few YouTube videos using rustoleum primer and paint. Wondering what you have used and how it worked out. Only repainting the white that's faded, not covering any teak. Click to expand...
Pro Industrial™ Acrylic Coating - Sherwin-Williams
One final suggestion about the Purdy brush. Take good care of it, clean and wash it after each use, hang it to dry, and store it in its original jacket that it comes in. Wash the brush thoroughly after each use using only soft soap hand soap or similar liquid hand soap. Do not use dishwashing soap as it will dry the bristles out and make them stiff. If you take good care of your brush it will last you the rest of your life and will get better with each use, like a good pair of blue jeans. Paint rollers, on the other hand, are not worth cleaning. They take a long time to clean and a lot of water and they never really clean completely. The roller covers are relatively inexpensive and can just be used once and thrown away.
Thanks for the great suggestions, my job is the prep while my girlfriend is the painter. But I fully agree that the quality of the tools and supplies is critical. I like your suggestion for paint, would you recommend a primer or since it’s white on white to just paint directly?
Krystian1 said: Thanks for the great suggestions, my job is the prep while my girlfriend is the painter. But I fully agree that the quality of the tools and supplies is critical. I like your suggestion for paint, would you recommend a primer or since it's white on white to just paint directly? Click to expand...
Right! Why not add a little color to that cabin? Cool sleek gray. Calming sky blue. Energizing warm copper. No need for cabin interiors to be the same old white. And if you tire of the color, or it’s time to sell the boat, just repaint and change the color again. Not a huge investment. We love color in our reaching sails. Let’s carry that sportiness down below. More adventurous color styling will come to boating, like it has to our houses, it’s just a matter of time.
Hey Ninefingers! Great to hear from you. ProClassic and All Surface Enamel are also good choices, for sure. It’s important to note that there are oil-based and water-based versions of both of these paints, and I would only recommend the water-based versions for boat cabin interiors. My first recommendation remains Pro Industrial Acrylic Coating because it is more moisture and mildew resistant. This is the coating of first choice by architects for natatoriums, aquatic centers, and indoor pool enclosures; not Pro Classic or All Surface Enamel. Your are correct that Pro Industrial Acrylic Enamel is a bit trickier to apply smoothly, however, with the correct brush and roller, and on the small surface areas of a boat cabin, the finish will be more than acceptable. Certainly, for your application for household kitchen cabinets, Pro Classic and All Surface Enamel are great choices, and they do deliver a beautiful, smooth, and elegant finish over large surface areas, especially when sprayed or applied with a foam roller. Like you, I would use Pro Classic on household kitchen cabinets. However, on the interior surfaces of a boat cabin, I would definitely go with Pro Industrial Acrylic Coating. We appreciate your contributions to this thread!
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- How to paint a boat: A step-by-step guide
Painting your boat not only enhances its visual appeal but also protects it from the damaging effects of saltwater, sunlight, and other elements. Whether you have a sailboat, powerboat, or kayak, the principles of boat painting remain largely the same.
Assessing your boat's condition
Before you begin, evaluate your boat's current condition. Inspect the hull for any damage, scratches, or rust that may need to be addressed before painting. Make a list of necessary repairs and tackle them first.
Gathering the right tools and materials
To paint your boat successfully, you'll need a range of tools and materials, including paintbrushes, rollers, sandpaper, masking tape, drop cloths, and, most importantly, the appropriate marine paint.
Preparing the boat surface
Proper preparation is the key to a successful paint job. Start by cleaning the boat's surface thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, and old paint. Sand the surface to create a smooth and clean canvas for the new paint to adhere to.
Applying primer
Priming is a crucial step to ensure good paint adhesion and durability. Apply a marine-grade primer that is compatible with the paint you've chosen. Allow it to dry thoroughly as per the manufacturer's instructions.
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Choosing the right paint.
Selecting the right type of marine paint is essential. There are different types of boat paint available, such as antifouling paint, topside paint, and bottom paint. Choose the one that suits your boat's needs and your intended use.
Applying the paint
Start by applying the paint to the boat's surface using a paintbrush or roller. Use long, even strokes, working from one end to the other. Be mindful of the weather conditions, as extreme temperatures and humidity can affect the paint's drying process.
Applying additional coats
For best results, you may need to apply multiple coats of paint. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for drying times between coats. Applying multiple thin coats is often better than one thick coat.
Drying and curing
Allow the paint to dry completely before launching your boat into the water. The curing time can vary depending on the type of paint and environmental conditions. Follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for specific guidance.
Final touches and cleanup
After the paint has dried, remove any masking tape and clean your tools and equipment. Inspect your boat's finish for any imperfections, and make any necessary touch-ups.
Painting a boat requires careful planning, preparation, and attention to detail, but the results can be incredibly rewarding. Not only will your boat look like new, but it will also be better protected against the elements, ensuring many more enjoyable days on the water.
Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a boat owner looking to maintain your vessel's beauty and functionality, this step-by-step guide on how to paint a boat will help you achieve a professional and long-lasting finish. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your materials, and give your boat the makeover it deserves. Happy painting!
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Home » Blog » Live on a boat » Give your boat interior a fresh look
Give your boat interior a fresh look
By Author Fiona McGlynn
Posted on Last updated: August 4, 2023
12 AFFORDABLE BOAT INTERIOR DESIGN IDEAS
When we first moved aboard, our sailboat interior was a mess and we didn’t have the money to update it . We wanted to go cruising and our priorities were things like new sails, rigging, fiberglass repair, and electronics.
As much as I wanted a beautiful boat interior it was impossible to justify hiring an interior designer or updating the upholstery when we didn’t even have a dependable bilge pump! Fortunately, I found some creative boat interior design ideas and was able to makeover our sailboat for next to nothing.
In addition to sharing our boat interior restoration ideas, I’ve included my favorite boat interior photos from Pinterest and Instagram to further stoke your inspiration!
A quick note that this post contains affiliate links (so if you purchase through a link we’ll earn a small commission). The opinions are our own.
1. START BY DEEP CLEANING
As un-fun as it might be, a deep clean is the cheapest way to radically brighten your interior. It’s especially affordable if you use homemade boat cleaners. Dirty boat upholstery, mildewed cabin liners, and salt-encrusted hatches made our boat feel damp, dark, and generally unpleasant.
Deep cleaning (after years of neglect) drastically improved the boat cabin’s appearance and gave me a better idea of where to focus our boat interior makeover.
- Professionally launder your upholstery
- Wipe down the cabin liners with vinegar to prevent mildew and mold
- Wash hatches to maximize natural light
- Clean under all the cabin soles and the edges of any rotting boards
- Wash the walls and treat any wood with the appropriate wax, oil, or varnish
- Scrub out the bilge to prevent that boaty smell.
2. INSTALL INTERIOR BOAT LIGHTS
One of the great challenges of sailboat interior design is lighting. I’ve always felt that living on our sailboat is like living in a basement apartment because it is totally lacking in natural light !
One of the quickest ways to brighten things up is to install marine LED lights. The key to making LED boat lights look great, is placement.
The 3 best places to places to put LED strip lights on a sailboat
1. Under counter lighting. They look especially nice under cupboards or overhangs because the light strip is hidden.
View this post on Instagram < New battery installed! Lights and radio work. There’s LED strip lights which are great, but in the future we may need to swap those out for the multi colored ones. Our house has party-mode, the boat should too! #catalina22 #sailing #boatlife A post shared by SV Buza Sasha (@sv_buza_sasha) on Jul 11, 2018 at 5:18am PDT
2. LED rope lights make great courtesy lights . Tuck strip lighting on either side of a walkway to help guests navigate in the dark.
Battery operated fairy lights look cute coiled in a jar of seashells and are another easy way to add decorative lighting because no wiring is required. For the same reason, Solar Luci lamps and Solar Luci strings are a great option for lighting the cockpit.
3. COZY-UP TO NEW BEDDING
Ditch those damp cotton sheets and invest in hydrophobic options like 100% polyester. If you have a vberth, quarter berth, or non-standard sized bed, you may want to spend a few extra bucks on custom fitted boat sheets.
I know many cruisers who swear by memory foam mattresses and the Hypervent mattress pad for preventing condensation. If you like duvets and comforters, consider a mulberry silk option because it’s mold and mildew resistant.
4. FRESHEN THE HEAD
Add a splash of color to a dark bathroom with cheerful microfiber towels , Or, if you don’t want to feel like you’re camping, try the more luxurious quick-drying Turkish towels .
Tie them in with a cute wall-mounted soap dispenser and a spill-proof whicking air freshener and you’re on your way
5. GO GALLEY GOURMET
- Replace a rusted or dull faucet with a sparkling new one with a pull-down sprayer.
- Splash-out with colorful dish towels
- Use biodegradable loofas and scrubbies instead of plastic
- Pick up non-breakable dishware and glassware in fun patterns and designs.
- Create extra space with chopping board stove and sink covers
- Add custom knife, wine, and spice racks
- Add a green bar to keep greens fresh without a fridge
View this post on Instagram Boat decor #sundance #sailboat #sailboatlife #sailboatlifestyle #1969 #tartansailboat #sailboatinteriordesign #sailboatinteriors #maltetaller A post shared by Sundance Sailboat (@sundancesailboat1969) on Aug 15, 2017 at 5:32pm PDT
6. BOAT INTERIOR UPHOLSTERY IDEAS
Reupholstering a boat is the single most expensive part of a sailboat interior refit but it makes a huge difference. It costs thousands of dollars if you hire someone to do it. Fortunately there are a few tricks we used to avoid a full upholstery overhaul.
- Fun throw cushions and blankets can give your interior new life (and cover stained or threadbare upholstery)
- Packed out seat cushions can be easily fixed by inserting a layer of high-density foam and batting on top of the existing foam.
- If your upholstery is in really bad shape you may want to sew elasticated cushion coverlets that go over the top side of the cushion (it’s also a good way to protect nice new upholstery from boat projects (see: dirt, grease, and sweat stains).
- You can reupholster your boat for a fraction of the cost if you do the sewing yourself. It’s possible to score good deals on durable materials and marine-grade fabrics online. Also, if you’re not a sewer but you’re going cruising, you may want to bring your boat interior fabric with you and have the cushions sewn up in a place like Mexico or Fiji. We eventually had all of our saloon cushions sewn up for $100 USD in Ensenada, Mexico.
If you choose to reupholster your boat, look for boat interior upholstery fabric . You don’t have to worry (as much) about finding a waterproof or UV-resistant fabric (because it will be inside). However, always choose a synthetic fabric , heavy-duty nylon thread, and plastic zippers. Cotton will eventually rot and metal zippers will rust. You can get away with not using marine upholstery but natural fibers are a big no-no!
7. CUT A RUG
8. LOVE YOUR WALLS
Securely fasten art, photos, and souvenirs to your walls. Mirrors are great for creating the illusion of space.
Privacy curtains are also a good way to add a splash of color and are straightforward to make
View this post on Instagram My husband’s an artist…the cat approves 🐙🤣 . . . . . #catvskraken #sailboat #chalk #artist #sailboatinteriors #chalkboardart #kraken #catsofinstagram #meow #liveaboard #fridayvibes #fridaymood #instamoment #talent #husbandskills #saltytails @sv_saltytails A post shared by Erin 🌊🌴⛵🐚👙☉ (@erin_svsaltytails) on Jul 27, 2018 at 2:42pm PDT
View this post on Instagram After all of the sanding, refinishing, painting, ripping out old floors and carpet, we’re really loving our space. There are more projects to do, but we’re enjoying the results so far! When we originally bought our boat back in December, we had enough time to take care of the “must do’s” so this summer we are spending the time to really make her ours! . . . . . . #lightandbright #sailboat #sailboatinteriors #woodwork #overhaul #huntersailboats #cherubini #interiordesign #laboroflove #tinyliving #liveaboard #boatlife #sailors #ourhome #takingabreak #fornow #summerprojects #traveler #travelblog #results #saltytails @sv_saltytails A post shared by Erin 🌊🌴⛵🐚👙☉ (@erin_svsaltytails) on Jul 22, 2018 at 11:27am PDT
9. WHITEN AND BRIGHTEN YOUR SAILBOAT INTERIOR
Painting panels in light colors can brighten and modernize a boat cabin and set off teak trim. We repainted our red and blue fiberglass bathroom white and it made the space feel much bigger. It also makes it easy to clean because you can see the dirt.
View this post on Instagram #beforeandafter #boatrestoration #vintagesailing #menorca #sailing #boat #sailboat #sailboatinteriors #boatinterior A post shared by Velero Vintage en Menorca (@vintagesailing) on May 1, 2018 at 5:02pm PDT
10. STOW SIMPLY WITH CUTE STORAGE SOLUTIONS
Boats are always short on storage space but a few decorative baskets and storage containers can really improve the look of the space while giving you more room to tuck things away.
11. FUN AND FUNCTIONAL WINDOW COVERINGS
12. CHOOSE A FUN FEATURE
Let your imagination run wild. A feature wall, table, or piece of artwork can really change the feel of a sailboat interior. Have fun with colors, patterns, and make your new floating home your own.
View this post on Instagram #sailboat #boatlife #boatlifestyle #sailboatinteriors #ceder #liveedge #boatlifestyle #vancouver #boatinterior #art #windspirit #homesweethome #liveaboard #westcoastliving A post shared by @ arana_arte on Nov 2, 2017 at 9:13am PDT
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed about revamping your sailboat interior you may want to consider hiring professional help . There are plenty of interior designers who would welcome the challenge of working on a boat! Look for someone who has experience designing for small spaces and tiny homes.
We hope you enjoyed this list of custom boat interior ideas…
Good luck with your sailboat makeover.
Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.
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Best boat paint: 9 of the best DIY topcoats for fibreglass, wood or metal
- Ben Meakins
Nothing improves the look of a boat quite like a fresh lick of paint. Whether your boat is wooden, steel or GRP, today’s easily applied boat paints can give your boat’s topsides a new lease of life
Nothing improves the look of a boat quite like a fresh lick of high-quality boat paint. Whether your boat is wooden, steel or GRP, today’s easily applied topcoats can give your boat’s topsides a new lease of life.
But it’s not quite as simple as slapping a coat of enamel over any surface. To get the best results from your boat paint, you need to put in the hours with sanding, priming, filling and fairing.
The good news is that the best boat paints available today are easier than ever to apply, and are formulated to give an excellent finish for the DIY applicator.
A roller and a brush are all you need for a good result, and with practice your boat will look hugely improved. Pay attention to the instructions and above all to the recommendations on weather, temperature and surface preparation and you’ll be well on your way to an excellent paint finish .
There are, broadly speaking, two distinct types of boat paint you might like to consider – one- and two-pack. Let’s take a closer look.
Best one-pack boat paint
This type of boat paint is relatively inexpensive, available in a wide range of colours, and easy to apply. Most will dry through solvent evaporation, and will be easy for the DIY boat owner to apply with either a brush or a roller: or sometimes using both and the ‘roll and tip’ method.
- Easier to apply than two-pack boat paint
- Cheaper than two-pack paint
- Softer and less durable than two-pack paint
International Toplac boat paint
This is the classic one-pot boat paint. It’s got a good reputation for easy of application and longevity and is easy to apply. Available in a wide range of colours, it’s claimed to last longer than conventional one-part enamels, while its Silicone alkyd technology gives high-gloss and lustrous colour. 2-3 coats are recommended, with Pre-Kote undercoat recommended to prepare the surface.
RRP: £25.50/750ml
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International super gloss hs boat paint.
International have been making strides to make their topcoats easier to apply by amateurs, and Super Gloss HS is their latest one-pack boat paint that claims to not need brushing out – you can just roll it on. Available in a limited selection of colours, it is nonetheless easy to apply and claims to offer excellent gloss in 1-2 coats when applied by brush or roller. Like Toplac, it can be applied over Pre-Kote undercoat.
RRP: £23.95/750ml
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Hempel’s Brilliant Gloss boat paint
Hempel’s Brilliant Gloss is an alkyd topcoat that can be rolled and brushed on. It’s recommended to paint on top of the company’s Primer Undercoat, and, like Toplac, 2-3 coats are recommended. Application is said to be easy and the end result should be resistant to pollutants and the marine environment.
RRP: £24.95/750ml
Jotun Yachting EasyGloss boat paint
Another one-pack alykd topcoat, Jotun’s easygloss is designed for application by brush and roller. It should be applied over the company’s EasyPrimer and is designed for easy DIY application. Two coats are recommended, and this boat paint will dry to a high gloss finish, especially when the correct undercoats are used.
RRP: £18.99/750ml
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Teamac Marine Gloss boat paint
Teamac is a long-established paint manufacturer from the North-East of the UK and while their boat paints aren’t as well known as the big brands, they come well reviewed and are well priced compared to the alternatives. Their single-pack marine gloss is available in over 50 colours, can be applied by brush or roller and should be applied over Teamac Marine Undercoat.
RRP: £16.77/1L
Epifanes Yacht Enamel boat paint
Available in 46 colours, Epifanes’ Yacht Enamel claims excellent flowing properties on application and can be applied by brush or roller. 3 coats are recommended for optimum durability when applied by brush, and 4 when applied by roller. Epifanes undercoat is recommended.
Best two-pack boat paint
If you’re looking for the best combination of finish and durability, then two-pack boat paints are your best bet. Unlike single-pack paints, they rely on two components being added together and cure with a chemical reaction, so are much more hardwearing than one-pack paint.
They are significantly more expensive (around twice the price) and this, combined with the need to mix only as much as you will need, can lead many people to think they are more complicated to apply. That needn’t be the case – application is no harder than with one-pack – but prior planning is needed. You also need to be aware of the substrate – if it’s previously been painted with one pack, then you’ll need a barrier coat underneath as the solvents in the two-pack paint will eat the boat paint underneath.
- Much more durable and hard-wearing than one pack
- Better finish than one pack
- More expensive than one pack
- Need to be aware of the substrate
International Perfection boat paint
International’s Perfection is a 2-pack polyurethane which has been long used to good effect by DIY painters to get their boats looking like they’ve been painted by a pro. 14 colours are available, and 2-3 coats are recommended, to be applied by brush or roller – or a combination of the two. Recommended undercoat is Perfection Undercoat, which is available in white or grey depending on the colour you’ll be painting on top.
RRP: £57.25/750ml
Hempel Polygloss boat paint
Designed for brush or roller application, Hempel Polygloss is a high gloss enamel that is claimed to protect against abrasion and degradation. This boat paint has a limited number of colours available (white, black and blue), but should give good results.
RRP: £40.99/750ml
Epifanes poly-urethane yacht coating
Dutch manufacturer Epifanes has long been popular with wooden boat owners for the quality of their varnishes, but their boat paints come highly recommended by those in the trade, which is always a good sign. Their poly-urethane yacht coating is well priced and is available in a wide range of colours.
RRP: £34.99/750ml
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COMMENTS
For onto 20 years now in my own boats, and boats I've built for customers, for interior painting I've used (and will continue to use) a good quality ACRYLIC Latex enamel in semi gloss. Note the emphasis on Acrylic. I also use Zinzer 1-2-3 primer.. Used to use a different one (Kilz), but I've had it bubble with condensation.
480. Catalina C-320 Washington, NC. Feb 23, 2009. #11. House Paint. We painted the interior of our old Cal 27-T/2 with white semi-gloss Exterior Latex house paint with a mildewcide additive in 2001 after spraying the interior with house cleaner mixed with bleach and then pressure washing (obviously, empty the boat first).
After you have finished with the 600 grit sandpaper, it is time to move on to 800, then 1200. This process is important so you will be painting on as smooth a surface as possible. It is then a good idea to wipe the surfaces of the boat down with a damp cloth to remove any of the dust and flakes of metal/wood.
The paints are all about the same, but it is the prep. Follow the directions to the tee, do not take any short cuts. Have plenty of cheesecloth. If brushing, use a badger hair taper long handle brush (expensive) Use paper strainer to strain the paint into a small plastic container.
Avoid oil-based paint or solvent-based paints. The oil in oil base paint is a food for mildew, and you will have mildew problems forever if you use oil base paint. Use only water-based, acrylic or latex paint for your boat interior, as they are inherently mildew resistant. Avoid flat or matte finishes. Use only semi-gloss or satin finish.
A local paint store will be able to work from the Pantone codes to create these colours for you. 3. Paint the walls a light colour. Painting a lighter colour throughout your boat will reflect natural light and onboard lighting. The higher the gloss finish of a paint, the more reflection you'll get.
Registered User. Join Date: May 2010. Posts: 1. Painting Interior - What Kind Is Necessary ? I have recently bought a clipper marine 21' sailboat and am interested in doing comsmetic work on it. I am interested in starting on the interior with painting.
Jan 19, 2010. 12,533. Hobie 16 & Rhodes 22 Skeeter Charleston. Mar 27, 2017. #2. A high quality exterior house paint is very suitable for interior boat paint. Have the paint person at Lowes or Home Depot add the anti-mildew/mold treatment to the paint that is often added for bathroom use. I've done this with several boats and had great results.
Allow the paint to dry completely before launching your boat into the water. The curing time can vary depending on the type of paint and environmental conditions. Follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for specific guidance. Final touches and cleanup. After the paint has dried, remove any masking tape and clean your tools and equipment.
Typically, topside marine paint and fiberglass boat paint have a high-performance coating for UV resistance, color retention, flexibility and durability. These types of boat paint are also more resistant to cracking, chipping and peeling. Topside paints are great for touching up scratches or minor dents to improve the appearance of your watercraft.
Revamping our 1971 sailboat is no easy task. We had to constantly look for materials which would best suit her condition and which would give us nothing but the best quality. For our blue, yellow, and white Miami style hue, we used. which is templated into key areas of flooring for easy access, removal, and storage.
1. START BY DEEP CLEANING. As un-fun as it might be, a deep clean is the cheapest way to radically brighten your interior. It's especially affordable if you use homemade boat cleaners. Dirty boat upholstery, mildewed cabin liners, and salt-encrusted hatches made our boat feel damp, dark, and generally unpleasant.
Hempel Polygloss boat paint. Designed for brush or roller application, Hempel Polygloss is a high gloss enamel that is claimed to protect against abrasion and degradation. This boat paint has a limited number of colours available (white, black and blue), but should give good results. RRP: £40.99/750ml.
Location: Muskegon, Mi. Boat: Columbia 36. Posts: 1,256. Re: Interior Paint. Interlux CabinCoat is a "marine" paint marketed specifically for boat interiors. It is a latex paint. Three times the cost of quality latex house paint, but no different. I bought a quart in off white to try it out on my Columbia 36.
Interior Finish 750* High-Gloss Polyurethane Finish, Reactor, 22oz. It's amazing how a few coats of paint can transform a nondescript boat with a worn-out finish into one that garners "oohs and awes!" from fellow boaters at the dock. But beyond mere aesthetics, topside paints help to protect above-the-waterline areas (hull, deck and cabin) from ...
Prep the surface by washing, de-waxing, and thoroughly sanding it. Apply the primer, then the paint. Wax the boat from stem to stern to protect the new paint job. Then, simply keep it clean, and rinse it thoroughly after use in saltwater. Remember, before you paint a boat always read the warning labels on all of the supplies and be sure to use ...
TSP Is A Heavy Duty Cleaner That Easily Deglosses, Degreases and Dewaxes Those Uneven Sufaces That Are Very Difficult To Sand, And It's No-RinseThose Liquid ...
Painting a fiberglass boat is a lot easier than it looks. Sure, getting a high-quality finish takes work, but you probably have all the skills the job requires. ... The Satin Finish has a very attractive semi-gloss finish—very suitable for interior use or to top coat outside surfaces painted with high gloss paint. Epifanes Enamel Flat Black ...
Repair and fair any dings or gouges in the hull or deck. Sand carefully and remove all dust. Apply primer, if necessary, and resand. Apply the finish paint with a partner, using roller and brush. Let each coat dry completely before lightly sanding for the next, laying on a minimum of two coats.
Sailboat Interior Re-Paint. Thread starter npaulay; Start date Jun 3, 2020; Forums. Forums for All Owners. Ask All Sailors. npaulay. Apr 14, 2020 20 Windstar 27 Seattle Jun 3, 2020 #1 Hello, I'm in the process of refinishing the interior of my 27' sailboat. I've almost completed sanding of the interior which was just painted fiberglass and some ...
Step 1. Give the sailboat a thorough cleaning. Step 2. Start sanding the hull's surface. Step 3. Prepare the primer, then apply it. Step 4. Prepare the paint, then start applying the topcoat and antifouling coat. The Importance of Painting Your Sailboat.
Then Janet used a solvent wash to ensure a strong bond with the primer paint. 3. After dings and cracks were repaired and sanded, two coats of epoxy primer were applied. 4. Following another round of sanding, vacuuming, cleaning, and taping, the couple rolled and brushed on a fresh coat of Awlgrip topcoat. 5.
Those "dry" parts include the boat's interior, hull, deck, and upper half of the sides — basically everything that stays above the waterline. ... (ultraviolet) damage, this solid topside boat paint coating protects the vessel in the long run. Aluminum boat paint. From restoration, refurbishment, and decoration, to exciting applications ...