Ever wanted to watch paint dry? Not on the top of most people’s to do list, however, ONBOARD catches up with those professionals who literally do this for a living…by: Claire Griffiths
Watching paint dry has long been derided as the most brain-numbing activity known to man or beast. But ONBOARD magazine investigators set out to unearth specialists who might dispute the claim. After probing analysis, we struck gold with a host of specialist enthusiasts who had
the OB gang lapping it all up.
The how, why, wherefore and when of paints and their particularities turns out to be a fascinating business. And, after all its application and maintenance play a fundamental role in creating the majestic splendour of a yacht. Here the yacht paint specialists take the floor to paint a picture of the innovations, technologies and issues facing the paint and coatings market today.
INNOVATE MATE
Factotom is a body of independent paint surveyors who advise on the most suitable products available and ensure they are applied for maximum performance. They don’t develop coatings, but they do closely follow industry innovations.
David Ball at Factotom welcomes the modern fillers that are becoming increasingly lightweight, improving ease of application without compromising strength. Post-curing is also becoming more common, significantly reducing the risk of cracking by ensuring a more stable and resilient substrate.
Ball adds, “Nano-coatings are now widely adopted, providing hydrophobic surfaces that allow water to glide off more efficiently. This not only improves aesthetics but also reduces surface contamination and maintenance demands. As these technologies evolve, our focus is to ensure they are correctly specified and applied, so the owner receives the full benefit of the innovation.”
Gtechniq was founded by quantum physicist Drew Gill in 2001, out of total dissatisfaction with the performance of paint protection products at the time. The brand launched the marine line of paints and coatings in 2020. Managing Director, Rob Earle at Gtechniq picks up the story, “Gtechniq coatings are formulated from advanced polysiloxane technologies. These are reactive, self-cross linking ceramic polymers that covalently bond with gel coat and painted surfaces. The purpose of the coating is to reduce surface free energy, improve scratch and mar resistance, and reduce the coefficient of friction.”
Surface free energy (SFE), by the way, is the measure of the available energy that the surface has for adhesion. The lower the SFE the harder it becomes for anything to stick to the surface, meaning it will stay cleaner for longer. “Micro scratching or marring occurs during the wash process,” says Earle. “This reduces gloss and dulls the appearance of the superyacht. Gtechniq Ceramic coatings create a harder slicker surface that is more resistant to marring, which helps maintain gloss and appearance.
Coefficient of friction is a measure of how slick the surface is. The application of a Gtechniq Ceramic coating will lower the coefficient of friction, making the surface feel much slicker. This is important due to customer experience as well as reducing the negative effects of marring.”
The latest technological innovations involve adjusting the chemistry of the polysiloxanes used in Gtechniq coatings to enhance all of the above performance criteria, whilst also improving durability and ease of application.
Experts at CCS have observed new ways of fairing superyachts which reduces time and risk to new builds. “Furthermore,” says Paul Bournas at CCS, “we have observed that in recent years a base clear coat system really helps in the maintenance and durability. The introduction of a high gloss primer has reduced the total paint specifications with one layer, saving time and money.”
The team at Van Dongen Verf B.V add, “One notable innovation in superyacht paints and coatings is the development of multi-functional products that combine several roles into a single coating. For example, new formulations integrate the benefits of both a primer and a show coat, reducing the number of application steps without compromising performance. This simplifies the coating process, shortens project timelines, and improves overall efficiency.”
Joan Salom is Deputy General Manager at the Nautipaints Group. He agrees that base-coat and clear coat systems offer significant benefits, delivering higher gloss and DOI, improved long-term colour stability and stronger resistance to micro-scratching and environmental wear. For a company specialising in large-yacht refinishing, this represents one of the most relevant advancements in both aesthetics and protection.
Salom also appreciates the advanced ceramic technologies that are being integrated as protective top layers across current systems, providing significantly increased resistance to UV exposure, chemicals, staining and surface degradation. He says, “For owners, captains and management companies, this translates into extended intervals between refits and reduced lifecycle costs.”
More valued innovations can be found in the ranges of specialised after-care and maintenance products now available: “With long-term finish performance becoming increasingly important, manufacturers are developing paint-system-specific cleaning and after-care products. These solutions help preserve gloss, extend coating life and simplify the crew’s daily maintenance routines, ensuring our work retains its quality long after delivery,” adds Salom.
Seajet specialises in antifouling and boat varnish products and Michael Hop is the GM Protective Coatings. He explains that the company is continuously developing new antifouling formulations in order to be ready for the future. “This is in close connection to our laboratories in Japan,” he explains. “However, the development on new or improved silicone based coating are not to be forgotten. We are testing various bio-based raw materials to see if they can be used in our underwater coating solutions.”
AIM TO SUSTAIN
Better applications that are longer lasting with improved after care products are welcome news to yacht owners and captains, of course. But what about sourcing eco-amiable solutions and improved sustainability such as low VOC paints?
Gtechniq is an ISO14001 company and Earle says its long-term R&D strategy is to reduce environmental damage. He explains, “This is being achieved through increased biodegradability and reduction of hazardous chemicals, replacing petrochemicals with bio-based renewable feedstock raw materials and improved circularity of packaging. A coated superyacht will stay cleaner for longer, meaning a reduction in chemicals released into the environment and far lower water usage.” Earle believes that the high durability of Gtechniq coatings means that these benefits continue over years leading to a reduction in environmental impact.
Factotom, as we know, don’t develop coatings, they advise. But they play a role in ensuring that work onboard adheres strictly to international environmental standards. Ball says, “Our contribution to sustainability lies in ensuring that these products are used correctly and responsibly. Incorrect application or shortcuts can lead to premature coating failure, which ultimately increases environmental impact through additional repairs, waste and higher long-term material consumption.”
Bournas at CCS says products to reduce VOC emissions have been in the market along time but regrettably are not being used by major applicators. He says, “There are two ways of reducing VOC emission. One is to catch the emission and the other one is to reduce it by replacing solvents with water, for instance. Water based paint options have been on the market for a long time.”
Nautipaints has come up with a number of measures and procedures to minimise unnecessary environmental impact across its underwater service and paint divisions. These include; the use of electrostatic spray guns to reduce paint consumption, with up to 60% higher transfer efficiency compared to conventional guns, significantly reducing overspray; proper tenting and advanced extraction systems with activated-carbon filters help control and reduce emissions during application.
Its Quality and Technical Department also runs a structured three-year testing programme to evaluate new paint systems, such as water-based or high-solids products, as alternatives to existing ones. Salom adds, “We use automatic cleaning systems for spray guns and paint equipment, which reduce solvent consumption, enable effective solvent recycling and lower VOC emissions and hazardous waste generation.”
Seajet also does its best to be on the ball with any new developments in environmental regulations on biocidal antifouling paints. Adds Hop, “Together with our Regulatory Affairs department we try to be close on the ball for any new developments in environmental regulations on biocidal Antifouling paints. We know some biocides will be forbidden in the near future however we think the authorities should look at a wider scope not to forget the impact of invasive species on the marine environment.”
The Van Dongen Verf team add, “Sustainability is an integral part of our operations. We work closely with suppliers to promote low-VOC and high-solids coating systems that significantly reduce solvent emissions without compromising performance. In addition, we support more efficient paint schemes and introduced our own filler mixing machine that shortens application time and reduce labor intensity.”
PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL
We know that advances in product development and applications have improved the look and longevity of paints and coatings. Does this mean advances in protection from UV exposure, corrosion, and biofouling? Yes says Ball at Factotom: “Regardless of new developments, the fundamentals remain constant: when applied strictly in line with manufacturer guidelines, coatings provide an effective barrier against the elements. Corrosion requires both air and moisture to develop, so meticulous attention to edges, right angles, and areas with dissimilar metals is essential. These locations are particularly vulnerable and must be sealed properly to prevent ingress.”
In terms of antifouling, many yachts are transitioning from self-polishing to ablative coatings. Ablative coatings gradually wear away in a controlled manner, continuously exposing fresh biocide layers and improving overall fouling performance while potentially reducing the frequency of full reapplication cycles.
“As a company specialising in superyacht painting and underwater services, performance and protection are central to our work,” says Salom at Nautipaints. “Long-term corrosion protection begins with precise surface preparation, controlling roughness, eliminating salts and ensuring the correct environmental conditions are met during the works.
Each layer of the paint system plays a specific role: anticorrosive primers, intermediate coats and the topcoat, which provides UV resistance and gloss. Our dedicated Quality Control Department ensures full compliance with manufacturer specifications and technical data sheets throughout every step of the process. This methodical approach is fundamental to achieving the reliability expected in a large-yacht refinish.”
“Much of the innovation in this area is driven by the research and design teams of the coating manufacturers” adds the Van Dongen team, “They continuously work on improving performance, sustainability, and longevity. We are often involved during phase of new products, where our practical experience adds value. We enjoy collaborating at this stage, providing feedback on application, performance, and finish quality.”
Gtechniq coating provides a chemically inert barrier, its marine coatings help prevent corrosion on metal components and fittings exposed to salt and moisture. Explains Earle, “Polysiloxane coatings are highly UV resistant, when they chemically bond to gel coat and paint the new ceramic layer is less sensitive to the effects of photo-degradation. This allows the hull to maintain colour depth gloss, and resist chalking.”
By reducing the surface free energy, Gtechniq coatings prevent bio-foul and other contaminants bonding to the surface. Adds Earle, “We work with gel coat manufacturers, OEMs, refit yards and detailing specialists to test new formulas, validate performance, and ensure coatings integrate seamlessly with modern gelcoat and paint systems. This collaboration supports the development of new technologies with longer-term durability and enhanced chemical resistance.”
SEAJET supplies self-polishing antifouling paints and silicone-based biocide-free coatings. The main differences between self-polishing antifouling and silicone based biocide-free coatings are: The SEAJET top tear antifouling products are based on home cooked resin which fully dissolves in water. This means that all biocides in the antifouling coating are released constantly (fully) to prevent fouling from attaching on the hull.
The SEAJET silicone based biocide-free coatings (SEAJET SEOSIL series) are based on silicone resin which does not dissolve in water but is flexible which makes the surface of the coating slippery. Due to the flexibility of the coating hard fouling like barnacles cannot attach to the hull. “So,” explains Hop, “when a vessel is moving frequently, silicone based biocide free coatings are a good option. When a vessel is static most of the time, a self-polishing antifouling is a better option. When the activity of the vessel is in between both options are possible. When choosing a silicone coating, cleaning the waterline with a sponge is necessary depending on the area.”
APPLICATION AND MAINTENANCE
So what innovations help the application and cost of maintenance, particularly for high-end superyachts? Bournas at CCS says base clear coat systems look expensive initially but when you run the total cost over a period of two refits, you will see that there will be a large saving as the vessel will not have to be repainted that often and maintenance becomes much easier.
Manufacturers are continually refining their products, but the adoption of new technologies typically begins with small-scale trials. During a refit, for example, a yacht may allow a new anti-foul to be tested on a stabiliser to evaluate longevity and performance under real-world conditions.
“An important advancement” say the team at Van Dongen Verf, “is the adoption of spray filler technologies. These products allow for faster, more uniform buildup with significantly less manual fairing work. Together, these developments shorten yard periods, lower lifecycle costs, and deliver consistent, high-quality finishes.”
In some cases, manufacturers back their innovations with extended warranties – an approach that has encouraged owners to trial new systems. Factotom recently oversaw a project where a new coating was adopted in-part due to an additional 3-year extended warranty offered by the manufacturer, demonstrating confidence in the product’s quality and performance.
Other innovations gaining traction include nano-coatings and protective wraps, both of which add an additional layer of resilience and reduce maintenance requirements. Applying an extra clear coat in high-traffic areas is another increasingly common practice, extending durability where wear is heaviest.
Gtechniq Marine ceramic coatings aim to simplify application and significantly reduce maintenance by using a two-step approach: first, the Ceramic Base, which forms an extremely hard, durable layer for long-term protection, and then a Ceramic Top, which adds exceptional dirt repellency, surface slickness and UV filtering. “These coatings chemically bond to gelcoat and painted surfaces, ensuring lasting performance in harsh marine environments,” explains Earle. For ongoing care, Gtechniq offers Rinse-On Ceramic and Ceramic Fast Coat, which provide quick, easy to apply protection during routine wash downs; extending gloss and hydrophobic properties without costly reapplications. This combination of advanced chemistry, strong UV resistance and simplified maintenance routines helps owners maintain a pristine finish while reducing labour, water, and chemical usage over time.
PROJECT APPROACH
“The earlier a paint inspector is brought into a project, the better the outcome,” explains Ball at Factotom. “Early involvement allows us to review the paint specification and contract before work begins, helping prevent costly mistakes and ensuring alignment between expectations, budget and achievable quality. Our independence ensures that owner interests are always prioritised, and quality is never compromised. A collaborative, holistic approach is essential – the application of coatings is interconnected with many other trades. For example, installing a new window or replacing teak decking can directly impact filling, fairing and painting requirements. By understanding these interactions, we help avoid inefficiencies, rework and unnecessary expense.”
For Van Dongen Verft, its simple, “What we are most proud of is our ability to support projects of different sizes, adapting our approach to the specific needs of each client. Over the past year, we have introduced our own filler mixing machine, which has been tested by our customers, something we greatly appreciate. This has enabled us to expand our services and provide customers with an extra level of support throughout their projects.”
BENDS IN TRENDS AND REGULATIONS
What about new trends and regulations that the coating/paint industry needs to address? After all, the industry continues to evolve in response to tightening environmental regulation and increased ESG expectations. Ball at Factotom believes the paint/ coating industry is at pains to ensure correct application and compliance with ICOMIA, ISO and ASTM standards.
“The industry is progressing steadily,” agrees Salom, “with major organisations providing guidance to help companies prepare for upcoming regulatory changes. Each business must then adapt these requirements into its long-term planning. We conduct annual measurements of our carbon footprint to monitor our progress and identify areas for improvement.”
Gtechniq Marine claims to be leading the way in meeting new environmental regulations and ESG expectations through a robust sustainability strategy. As an ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certified company, Gtechniq prioritises reducing environmental impact at every stage of product development. This includes replacing petrochemical feedstocks with bio-based renewable materials, improving biodegradability, and minimising hazardous substances in its coatings. The company also advances circularity through sustainable packaging solutions. Beyond formulation, Gtechniq’s ceramic coatings deliver long-term ecological benefits by keeping superyachts cleaner for longer, reducing water consumption and limiting the release of cleaning chemicals into marine ecosystems. Combined with exceptional durability, these innovations ensure fewer reapplications and lower resource use.
NEW COATS
During METS 2025 SEAJET released its new SEAJET Silicone based biocide-free coatings series. “We believe we can cover the full scope from slow moving inactive vessels to high speed frequently moving vessels with our top tier, self-polishing Antifouling solutions and our new SEAJET Silicone based biocide-free coatings series,” says Hop.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
In recent years, Nautipaints Group has been involved in several notable superyacht refit projects, including well-known vessels such as The Maltese Falcon, Vertigo and Irimari. “More representative than individual yachts is our overall track record,” says Salom. The company can claim 200,000+ m² of yacht surfaces painted, 250+ refit paint projects completed over the last 20 years with projects delivered across 13 different locations.
“One of our most exciting recent projects involved transporting a 24-foot boat to our headquarters in Northampton, far from the sea, to demonstrate the full potential of Gtechniq Marine products and expertise,” explains Earle. “This initiative was designed as a hands-on training and accreditation programme for marine detailers. During the project, we applied our complete ceramic coating system, including Ceramic Base for long-term protection and Ceramic Top for enhanced slickness and UV resistance, showcasing best practices in application and finish quality. The results were outstanding; the boat looked absolutely fantastic, with a deep gloss and a flawless, hydrophobic finish that highlighted the superior performance of our coatings.”
Clear, colourful, concise and coherent were the conversations we had with our coating experts. They proved incontrovertibly that the study of (drying or not drying) paint and coatings, is interesting!
