How to Paint & Varnish Boats

Make sure the boat is completely dry before you begin painting or varnishing.

Keeping a boat in good shape and maintaining its attractive appearance requires regular upkeep. There will be times when you will need to take the boat out of the water to paint or varnish it. Paint and varnish not only keeps a boat looking new, but also protects it from the elements. The process of painting a boat is similar to varnishing one. Both require clean, dry working environments.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• Bottom paint
• Overcoat paint
• Mixing bucket
• Paint tray
• Paint roller
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Varnish
• Varnish thinner
• Foam roller brush

Instructions

Painting

1. Put on gloves to keep paint off your hands and arms.

2. Mix the the paint thoroughly in a bucket to ensure the copper and pigment are evenly spread throughout the paint. Use a paint shaker if you have one for better distribution. The paint is ready when it is of uniform color and consistency.

3. Pour the mixed paint into a paint tray and dip a clean roller into the paint.

4. Roll the paint evenly up and down the hull. Work fast as the paint can dry quickly.

5. Paint a layer of overcoat over the hull when the bottom paint is dry. Refer to the instructions on the paint can to determine how long to wait before applying the overcoat.

Varnishing

1. Mix enough thinner with the varnish in a clean tray so the combination freely flows off the foam roller brush when you dip it into the mixture.

2. Sand the areas of the boat you want to varnish with 220-grit sandpaper. Sand in the direction of the woodgrain.

3. Apply a thin coat of varnish onto the same area with the foam roller.

4. Wait for the coat of varnish to dry, then sand the wood again, making sure to sand in the direction of the woodgrain.

5. Apply another thin coat of varnish with the foam roller. Repeat sanding and varnishing until you achieve the desired shine.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on the condition of your boat, you may need to chip off any existing paint or repair blisters and holes before painting or varnishing.

• Make sure your boat is free of any dust or debris before painting or varnishing.

• If your boat is protected with a layer of mold release wax, you must remove the wax before painting, otherwise the paint will not adhere to the surface.

• Spread a drop cloth on the ground to collect any debris or drips while you work.

References

• Boat Paint and Marine Painting: Marine Painting
• BoatTech: Painting Tips
• DIY Wood Boat: Boat Varnish, how to beautify and maintain our bright-work
• Defender: Varnishing Basics