Paint Manual - Dove-Medows Marine Coatings Ltd

Painting and varnishing wood
Wood is a naturally occurring organic material that can
suffer from several problems in the marine environment.
Being biodegradable, wood is food for
various organisms, from rot-inducing
fungi to boring worms and crustacea
that turn it to crumbling honeycomb.
It can also absorb water, causing
movement that adversely affects a
coating system’s adhesion.
By correctly preparing the surface and
using an appropriate coating system,
you can overcome these problems –
and enhance wood’s natural beauty.
Before painting
Check the wood’s moisture content
with a moisture meter. Only paint if
the moisture content is below 13%.
Particular tips when painting
and varnishing wood
Consider the construction of the
substrate, remembering that it’s not
advisable to put a two component
system onto carvel or clinker built
wooden hulls, as they require the
greater flexibility of a single pack
system.
Sand wood with the grain using 80–
120 grade abrasive paper to provide a
key for the paint system.
Clean wood by wiping Thinner No
1 along the grain with a cloth, then
allowing it to dry. Oily woods such as
teak and iroko should be degreased
by wiping Degreaser along the grain,
which will remove some of the natural
oil content on the surface and ensure
a greater bond with the first coat.
Note: Both paint and varnish finishes are
available in single component and two
component systems for wood protective
coatings.
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Painting and varnishing wood