Paints & Varnish

Our Paints & Varnish range covers everything for protecting and finishing a hull, deck or brightwork: antifouling paint to stop marine growth below the waterline, topcoat enamels for hulls and superstructures above it, and varnishes for timber brightwork – from brands including Jotun, International, Owatrol and Epifanes.

Antifouling, topcoat and varnish do different jobs and aren’t interchangeable. Antifouling goes below the waterline to deter weed and barnacle growth and needs reapplying roughly every season in Irish waters; choose a hard or eroding type depending on your boat’s speed and how often you scrub. Topcoat enamel is for the hull sides and above-waterline GRP or timber, giving a hard, UV-resistant colour finish.

Varnish is specifically for timber brightwork – toerails, handrails, tillers – and needs more coats and more frequent maintenance than either paint. Whatever you’re applying, surface prep and weather matter more in Ireland than the product itself: sand back, degrease, and only paint in dry conditions above the product’s minimum application temperature, ideally around lift-out or spring fit-out with a settled forecast either side. See our antifouling guide for a full walk-through by boat type.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to remove old antifouling before repainting?

Not usually – most antifoulings can be overcoated once the old coat is sound, clean and sanded. A full strip is only needed if it’s flaking or you’re switching antifouling type.

What’s the best time of year to antifoul in Ireland?

Spring fit-out, just before relaunch, is standard – paint too far ahead of launch and some antifoulings lose effectiveness sitting exposed.

Can I use yacht varnish outdoors on deck fittings?

Yes, but choose a varnish rated for horizontal/deck use with good UV and abrasion resistance – traditional brightwork varnishes are formulated mainly for vertical surfaces.

How many coats of antifouling do I need?

Most recreational boats need 2 coats overall, with an extra coat at the waterline and leading edges, which wear fastest.