The paintwork on a yacht is much more than just an aesthetic coating: it is an essential protection against maritime aggression and a key element of the vessel's visual identity. Each yacht painting project is unique and requires specialised expertise to ensure a flawless, long-lasting finish.
Painting a yacht generally involves five major phases:
According to Théo Lonchamp, project manager at the Monaco Marine shipyard in La Ciotat, ‘The paint jobs are all unique because of the specification of the paint system applied, but also because of the uniqueness of each yacht.’
Each painting project presents its challenges. For example, Théo explains that when the corrosion is significant, the anti-corrosion treatment becomes more time-consuming and complex: ‘Usually, we estimate that 2-3% of the total surface needs to be treated. However, whatever the required job, our team excel at completing the painting within the agreed schedule”
What's more, he points out that painting is not always the last job to be carried out during a refit: ‘Painting is often a key element of the project because it is complex and involves a lot of logistics. At the same time, other work such as five-year surveys or interior renovations can be carried out.’
The yacht Madame Kate, from the Amels Limited Edition 199 series, is a perfect example of the high standards and innovation of yacht painting. After several years at sea, her owner wanted to give her a new pearlescent tint combining metallic brown and black, a rare and complex finish to obtain.
This type of paint required the application of 12 successive coats, a particularly delicate process where every imperfection - air bubbles, drips or dust - could compromise the entire job. The project, carried out by the experts at Monaco Marine in La Ciotat, took six months and involved a highly qualified team.
Managing deadlines is a crucial factor in yacht painting. Théo explains: ‘During a project for which I was responsible, we discovered the extent of the work in a reservoir late on, which jeopardised the initial schedule. Thanks to flexible and responsive management, we were able to meet the deadline so that the yacht could leave on time for the Caribbean season."
The timing of paint coating has proved crucial when renovating yachts such as Adventure. By carefully planning this stage, it was possible to coordinate other work simultaneously, optimising time and resources. Effective schedule management ensures that each phase of the project runs smoothly, ensuring an impeccable finish and on-time delivery.
Painting and antifouling should be included in the regular maintenance of your yacht. Depending on the vessel's use, it is also strongly recommended that the hull be completely sandblasted every 10 to 15 years to ensure optimum protection against the elements and other damage.
It is this regular maintenance that will ensure that your yacht's paintwork will last a long time. The 55-meter yacht Spirit is proof that good maintenance pays off. In fact, 5 years after her last paint job, her gloss index is at 90 GU, indicating that the work carried out was of good quality and that the hull has been meticulously maintained.
Yacht painting is a true art, combining technical skill, project management and an eye for detail. The secret lies in the quality of the paint application, which will restore the vessel's look to that of the day it was delivered to its owner. ‘The quality of the application is measurable, but the final acceptance is based on a discussion between all the parties involved, where the overall aspect and the difficulties of application must be taken into account,’ concludes Théo Lonchamp.
Madame Kate's example shows just how much a quality paint job can transform a yacht, giving it a unique aesthetic and lasting protection against the elements.
