Visit our Popular Forums

markpierce · 15-09-2010, 18:36

I'm contemplating the painting scheme for my future boat, thinking a dark hull (dark green or blue) with white superstructure except for orange on the pilothouse roof. However, I'm concerned about glare. I have relatively light-sensitive eyes but despise sunglasses. I'm thinking of painting the forward-cabin roof a less-reflective color than white, yet I don't want a color that would significantly affect solar heat absorption. Does anyone have a recommendation for the forward-cabin roof color? Thanks.

mintyspilot · 16-09-2010, 12:31

I've seen trucks where they have a tinted screen they can drop down in front of the driver. What about something along those lines?

Eleven · 16-09-2010, 12:45

My neighbour painted his roof gloss white in expensive two pack. big mistake.
If heat intake is a problem add a sail cloth cover over the coach roof, in a more moderate colour. the air gap will prevent excessive heat in the cabin.

Astrid · 16-09-2010, 13:23

Tan or desert sand might work well, perhaps RAL1101 or RAL1102, maybe even RAL1105, particularly if in a matt finish.

https://nextdayoqaos.materialise.com...p/RalChart.htm

Astrid · 16-09-2010, 13:42

I like Minty's suggestion too, of using tinted windows that would hinged up at night but could be dropped and dogged down during the day. Would probably be less costly in the long run and not need touching up from time to time.

barnakiel · 16-09-2010, 15:39

Light cream color works well.

You can cut some of the glare by covering the bottom portion of your fore windows with a blind.

You can also make a canvas shade for the whole area over the cabin - but this only works in light weather.

b.

colemj · 16-09-2010, 15:53

There are flattening agents for paints that eliminate the gloss, thus the amount of reflected light. You could also roll on white gelcoat thickened with cabosil. That will provide a non-skid surface as well as stop reflective light. I wouldn't worry about solar heat absorption if you are painting the hull a dark color - that will heat up the boat well before an off-white cabin top will.

Mark

markpierce · 16-09-2010, 16:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by colemj

I wouldn't worry about solar heat absorption if you are painting the hull a dark color - that will heat up the boat well before an off-white cabin top will.

The boat is insulated. I'm worried that the surface could become uncomfortable to the touch.

I'm appreciating the feedback.

Shrew · 27-09-2010, 13:58

Light reflected off of the water will still be substantial, regardless of what color you paint the deck. Sunglasses is really the best measure unless you go with some kind of tinted screen. However a tinted screen won't help you on the deck, dock, etc.

markpierce · 27-09-2010, 14:29

I agree with you Shrew, but my current thinking is to have the forward cabin's roof painted medium gray (and the pilot house roof international orange; the superstructure, decks, and saloon roof eggshell white; and the hull jade mist green.) I have until the end of the year to decide.

**David M** · 27-09-2010, 15:34

A light khaki color or whats sometimes called buff. It's also very traditional and does not look out of place for a boat.

There is also light yellow. Not a canary yellow but yellow mixed with white. It's sort of a muted yellow.

**Wotname** · 27-09-2010, 16:18

All good suggestions, I can only add:

The only color that minimizes heat absorption is white; even off white and other very light colors really heat up much more than white. I have found matt white to be a suitable compromise for me - YMMV.

As you don't have to decide right away, experiment a bit, paint a couple of panels some different colors and leave them outside for a few hours and check the surface temperature and reflection etc. For the trial you don't need t buy all the colors, just add enough white to whatever paints you have around to get an approximate shade.

If necessary, can you insulate the forward cabin roof.