Marine Care — Prep, Repair & Finish for Long-Lasting Result

Marine Care — Prep, Repair & Finish for Long-Lasting Results

Whether you’re restoring timber brightwork, repairing a fibreglass ding, or refreshing topsides, Paintworld’s Marine Care range covers the full workflow: clean → repair → prime → coat → maintain. Shop marine-grade varnishes, epoxies, primers/undercoats, fillers, thinners/solvents and fibreglass laminating materials—chosen for durability in harsh salt, UV and wet environments. Browse the full range here: Marine Care. Paint World

Choose the Right System for the Job

Timber Brightwork (handrails, spars, exterior trim)
Go for a clear, UV-resistant marine varnish for depth and gloss.
→ Example: Microshield Marine Spar Varnish — high-gloss urethane/alkyd blend for exterior marine timber. Paint World

Fibreglass Lamination & Structural Repairs (GRP)
Use epoxy or polyester resin with fibreglass cloth or chopped strand mat; fair with marine fillers.
→ See fibreglass cloth / mat and the Norglass marine repair range within Marine Care. Paint World

Fairing, Filling & Edge Repairs
Choose a marine epoxy filler for strength, then sand and undercoat before topcoat. (Look for lightweight fairing fillers for larger areas.) Paint World

Priming & Undercoating (before topcoats/varnish)
Use marine undercoat/primer matched to substrate (timber, GRP, metal). Proper priming improves adhesion and topcoat durability. Paint World

Cleaning, Degreasing & Surface Prep
Before coating, remove waxes and contaminants; between epoxy stages, use the correct epoxy thinner/cleaner; for metal, consider metal-etch cleaners where appropriate.
→ Example: Norglass Epoxy Thinner (for thinning/cleanup in epoxy systems). Paint World

What You’ll Notice with a Matched Marine System

• Better adhesion & film integrity when primers and topcoats are paired correctly
  

• UV & salt resistance from marine-formulated varnishes and enamels
  

• Cleaner laminates & stronger repairs using the right resin + cloth/mat
  

• Faster, cleaner prep with purpose-made marine thinners and acetone
  
  

Buyer’s Checklist — Spec it Right, First Time

1. Substrate: timber vs GRP vs metal—this decides your primer/undercoat. Paint World

2. Location: topsides, brightwork or interior—choose UV-resistant varnish for exterior, solvent-safe options for enclosed spaces. Paint World

3. Repair scope: cosmetic fairing vs structural laminate—select suitable resin (epoxy/polyester) and glass weight (cloth vs chopped strand). Paint World

4. Prep & compatibility: use dedicated cleaners (e.g., epoxy thinner, acetone) and confirm recoating windows on the product page. Paint World

5. Finish level: high-gloss varnish for brightwork, hard-wearing enamels for topsides, appropriate anti-slip where needed.
   
   

Practical Tips from the Yard

• Wipe-down before every coat—contaminants cause fish-eyes and adhesion loss (use listed marine thinners/cleaners). Paint World

• Build multiple thin coats of varnish for depth and UV pack; respect dry times on the listing page. Paint World

• Fair then prime—don’t skip undercoat on filled areas before topcoating; it evens absorption and sheen. Paint World

• Use proper glass—cloth for directional strength and a smooth finish; chopped strand mat for bulk build and quick shape. Paint World
  
  

Featured Marine Picks (quick links)

• Microshield Marine Spar Varnish — glossy, UV-resistant timber finish. Paint World

• Norglass Epoxy Thinner — thinning & cleanup for epoxy systems. Paint World

• Norglass (brand range) — primers, fillers, resins, thinners and more. Paint World
  
  

Marine Care FAQs

Do I need a primer under marine topcoats or varnish?
Yes—primers/undercoats promote adhesion and even gloss. Timber and GRP respond differently, so match the primer to the substrate and the topcoat system. Paint World

Varnish vs 2-pack clear: what’s the difference?
Traditional marine varnishes (like Microshield Spar) deliver warm tone and flexibility; 2-packs give harder films but require stricter prep and conditions. Choose based on exposure, maintenance plan and desired look. Paint World

Which resin for small hull repairs—epoxy or polyester?
Epoxy bonds broadly and is often preferred for structural patches; polyester can be used with chopped strand in like-for-like repairs. Always follow the resin manufacturer’s guidance and compatible glass. Paint World

What should I use to clean between coats?
Follow each product page: epoxy thinner for epoxy systems; acetone is common for degreasing (observe safety data and compatibility). Paint World

How many varnish coats do I need for exterior timber?
Multiple thin coats (often 4–6+) build depth and UV blockers. Lightly sand between coats and keep surfaces dust-free. Paint World