Paint for a 26 foot Wooden, Clinker, Ketch

What is the correct paint for my 26 foot wooden, clinker, ketch, circa 1963 asked Richard from the UK?

Richard asked the question on the DIY Wood Boat contact form, unfortunately the email address he gave ‘bounced’ when I tried to answer him.

So, I'm posting my answer below in the hopes that Richard will see it.


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Hi Richard,

I'm not sure that there is a ‘correct’ paint.

There are so many ‘wonder products’ on the market these days, all with their guarantees but all with lots of caveats.

I'm not an industrial chemist, so any list of ingredients just leaves me baffled.

I personally use a good quality, oil based, exterior, house paint on my wooden boat.

One reason being that I do not have a chandlery convenient but there are the usual DIY stores near by, so buying house paint is convenient.

Besides I'm not convinced that having the word ‘Marine’ on the tin makes much difference, apart from the price.

The ingredients that do make a difference to the finish and how long it stays looking good are not in the tin, they’re in the preparation, elbow grease and maintenance.

And sometimes the color is more important than the type of paint.

The red pigment for some reason, regardless of the type of paint seems to fade faster than other colors.

Lighter colors will reflect rather than absorb heat and light, not that we get that much in the UK.

And I find that a creamy color looks better than pure white and a ‘satin’ finish less likely to emphasize any bumps, scratches, etc than a high ‘gloss’.

Sorry not to be more specific but I hope this helps.

Mike.