As seen in: Cruising World / April 2007

With so many products on the shelf, do a little homework and find just the right one for your next boatyard projects

IT’S SPRINGTIME, AND CHANCES are that if your sailboat was hauled last fall, you’re facing at least one painting or varnishing project before it goes back in the water. There are basically four kinds of painting jobs: antifouling, topsides and decks, interiors, and 88 brightwork. Here’s a head start on the sorts of finishes that are available, a few tips that will make your project less painful, and some resources to explore to learn more about products and techniques. Wood Treatments Different wood-finishing products are more or less difficult to use and yield results that tend to be proportional to the effort exerted in preparing the surface. Teak and mahogany are the most common woods used externally on boats, with oak being evident every now and again.