Like putting a reef in the main, the time to repaint your boat is the first time you think about doing it. A topsides repaint can be completed within two weeks and as such need not compromise summer and autumn use.

1. How can I tell if a hull needs painting? Cracking, glazing, fading or pinholes on GRP; rust or corrosion on steel or aluminium; water ingress or rot on wood.
2. Which type of paint is best? Polyester and acrylic urethanes both give the longest lasting gloss, the former favoured on larger yachts due to its superior film-forming properties.
3. How can I achieve the ultimate finish? Always treat the underlying substrate first. Then a professional spray job in a dust-free environment will result in a better look and last longer.
4. Can I get free advice? Heather Morton, Berthon’s Paint Manager, likes nothing better than to ‘talk paint shop’. She is a professional paint scientist after all and was a chemist at Akzo Nobel. Heather also shares tips on adding value through adding paint at

CALL NOW FOR YOUR QUOTE +44 (0)1590 673312 or visit Berthon Yacht Painting for more details and information on what Berthon can offer you.

There comes a point in a yacht’s life when the original gloss and lustre has disappeared and cannot be reinvigorated without a more major intervention. Whether the gelcoat is tired and cannot be brought back to life with a cut and polish or the previously painted surface has degraded, or perhaps the colour of your new yacht doesn’t suit your aspirations, repainting the topsides can be the only viable option. Although this may be a daunting prospect, below are some tips from Berthon on how to ensure a successful outcome.

1 – Substrate Types – Gelcoat which has been cut and polished many times over the years and has lost its gloss may start to show signs of degradation, e.g. star cracking and crazing, pinholing. A previously painted topsides that has been lovingly cleaned and polished and exposed to many hours of ultra violet radiation and fender wear will also eventually become dull and lifeless. Perhaps corrosion has set in by way of fittings? This is common with painted masts and spars. Or alternatively you could have a new yacht which is invariably sold with one hull colour that isn’t the right colour for you? In all cases having the topsides repainted professionally is by far the best option not only to achieve the optimal aesthetics but also adding value to your yacht.

Read more on the Berthon Website on about Top Coat Types – Achieving the Ultimate Finish and more information about Berthon on our Yacht Painting Facility and why you should repaint my boat this summer.

Contact Berthon for a quote today – Heather Morton, Berthon Paint Manager: “Having previously worked as a chemist at Akzo Nobel (which own the Awlgrip & International brands) for 27 years I love being able to give proper advice on paints; check out our website for more information or call me to arrange a quote.” CALL NOW FOR YOUR QUOTE +44 (0)1590 673312 heather.morton@berthon.co.uk

For more information on yacht painting and to view our paint spraying records please visit the Berthon Website – Professional Yacht Painting