Dark Paint on Wood Drift Boats

So I have been tinkering with the idea of painting the outside of the hull on my boat. I am in no way committed to this idea yet, but I have been doing a little reading on the topic. Chances are still very good when I get to that point, I will be doing a bright finish varnish exterior.

Here is an excerpt from the System Three Epoxy book regarding painting boats with their LPU paints. (linear polyurethane)

Because of the ultra high gloss of LPU paints any imperfection
in the substrate will show in the finished coating. The tendency
of the alkyd paints to dull to a semi-gloss finish over time can
hide some of the flaws that might otherwise mar an LPU finish.
However, if your project is perfect and you are willing to spend
the time and care required to use LPU paints the results can be
spectacular.

Use any color you want so long as it is light. If you paint a
wood boat with a dark color and use it in the summer sun you
are going to experience a number of problems. First, you’ll get
“print through ”. This is the telegraphing of the cloth weave or
wood grain pattern to the glossy painted surface. Second, you’ll
see what appears to be shrinkage of the epoxy resin (microballoon
putty over screw holes, for example.)

So what's the deal with them saying a dark color is a bad choice for a wooden boat? I mean I have looked at quite a few darker painted boats on this forum, and wonder if you guys have had any of the described problems? I think darker colors can have a nice contrast with the wood interiors...

Randy, I know you guys had the red boat - did you use Interlux Toplac on that boat? I know that is a one part paint... Maybe this is a problem specific to their System Three two part paints?

At any rate, I should be working, but this seemed worthwhile...
Let me know your thoughts....

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Permalink Reply by Dave Z on January 20, 2009 at 5:38pm
Jason,

I have painted the Trapper a dark green. Used exterior latex pain over an exterior latex primer. no problems, hard use.

But once you go paint, you can't undo it.

It's a tough decision, I know, I've been there.
Permalink Reply by Jonathan Clarke on January 20, 2009 at 6:42pm
My boat is painted with oil base porch and floor enamel in a dark green. It's been great so far. I occasionally wax it with old fashioned Johnson's paste wax. Unfortunately, the manufacturer no longer markets my paint, so it will be tough to spot in chip repair. And as Dave Z says, you can't go back from paint.
Permalink Reply by Randy Dersham on January 20, 2009 at 7:46pm
Below is the red boat that Jason is talking about. Only the outside panels are painted. All exterior battens, handrail, and the complete transom are finished natural. The inside is oiled with Penofin Marine Oil. It's a pretty sharp classic look, especially if the transom is finished bright.

The paint in this photo is Toplac. It is a high quality one part marine paint that is very easy to use and gives a great result when rolled on and tipped off with a brush. I'm a big believer in Toplac for people that aren't professional painters. It also comes in a dark blue and a dark green that are perfect outdoor river boat colors.

I am a big fan of System Three and their WLPU in clear. Ironically they were in our shop yesterday. Their colored WLPU,( water based paints) just don't cover as well in the dark colors as they do in the light colors. If you want to go with a dark color stick with a good oil based paint and you will be problem free.

BTW, this red boat is now owned by Bowman Neeley, one of the newest members here on this site. Congrats Bowman.

Permalink Reply by Randy Dersham on January 20, 2009 at 7:58pm


Here's another photo of the same boat on the water. It looks a little darker when it's not in the direct sun. Sandy is rowing up the river against the current in the first test drive of this boat.
Permalink Reply by Randy Dersham on January 20, 2009 at 8:04pm


Just to be fair in your decision here's a photo of a bright boat.

This happens to be Bristol finish. It's rock hard but not that easy to apply. I like it a lot but it takes a practiced hand to not go too thick or mess with it too much.
Permalink Reply by Dave Z on January 21, 2009 at 8:21am
I can see why you might want to paint after seeing that red boat. I saw that on on the slide show a few days ago and immediately was drawn to it. WOW. That sure is pretty. But so is the Bright Meranti one above. Randy, which boat is the red one? Standard 16'x48"??
Jason, this is a tough decision, huh?
Permalink Reply by Randy Dersham on January 21, 2009 at 9:38am
The red boat is a low side 16.5x48. It has a symmetrical bottom and is made for an angler in front and in back of the rower. The rowers seat slides from the center position to the back so both riders can be in front for bigger white water.

Jason is building this boat in a 17x52 version.
Permalink Reply by Jason Knight on January 21, 2009 at 5:21am
This is all good info - Thanks for the input guys.
Nice images too, thanks Randy.
Permalink Reply by Greg Hatten on January 21, 2009 at 8:19am
Jason... I say - build one of each, that solves it!! My next boat will be black exterior... Dan Burr has a great looking example of that one.
Permalink Reply by Jason Knight on January 21, 2009 at 8:30am
This is a tough decision indeed guys... I am drawn to dark blue to be honest...
Although that is my thought for the day, my mind changes faster than a Michigan weather forecast lately! I feel like whatever I choose will be cool looking... but yes, bright finish is amazing no matter how you slice it!
Permalink Reply by Dave Z on January 21, 2009 at 8:32am
Ever seen Rogers' completely oiled fir boat? Its 30+ years old and looks great. I think I am going for that look on my latest project.
Permalink Reply by Jason Knight on January 21, 2009 at 8:36am
No I have not seen that. Sounds like it is standing the test of time indeed!
Have a link to an image of that? or just something you saw in person?

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