Deck and Porch Staining · Aug 2011
Boat deck refinished white
Boat deck refinished white. These are before and after photos from the job, taken Aug 2011. This deck and porch staining project was done by Larry Gaytos and the My Personal Painter crew. We are based in Florence, Kentucky, and our work is covered by a 2-year touch-up warranty.
Before and After Photos
Fiberglass Boat Deck and Cabin Top Refinished Bright White
This job moved us from houses to the water. The before photos show a cabin cruiser’s rear deck with yellowed, chalky fiberglass, brown rust stains around screw holes, scuffed patches where hardware was once mounted, and dark grime on the engine hatch cover. A nonskid textured deck panel, chrome cleats and a rod holder sit along the gunwale. The finished photos show the transom area, gunwales and engine box in a smooth, glossy bright white with an even shine. The rust bleed and old mounting marks are gone, and warning decals sit neatly on the clean surface. Up front, the cabin top, foredeck and hatch have the same fresh white gloss around the windows, horns, anchor and stainless bow rail. A wood bench board and dark nonskid matting in the cockpit stand out against the new white finish, and the dark hull band below the rub rail was left as it was.
How We Refinished This Fiberglass Boat Deck
- We washed the deck with a marine cleaner to lift salt, grime and oils. Fiberglass that is not fully clean will not hold any coating for long.
- Rust stains around screws were treated, and old holes and gouges were filled with a marine-grade filler, then sanded flush with the surrounding fiberglass.
- The whole surface was sanded to dull the oxidized, chalky gelcoat. Then we wiped it down with a solvent to remove dust and any wax left behind.
- Cleats, rails, decals, windows and the nonskid panels were masked with tape and paper so only the worn fiberglass areas being refinished would take the new coating.
- A primer made for fiberglass was applied, followed by coats of white marine topside finish, rolled and tipped with a brush to remove bubbles and leave a smooth gloss.
- After drying, we pulled the masking, cleaned the hardware, and checked every edge where the white meets the nonskid and the stainless rails.
Paint Colors Similar to This White Boat Deck, for a Dock or Railing Nearby
These are similar colors to consider for a dock, railing or boathouse trim near a boat like this. They are not the exact coating used on this deck.
Sherwin-Williams High Reflective White SW 7757
A very bright white close to this glossy deck. On dock railings or boathouse trim, it gives the same clean look beside the water.
Sherwin-Williams Pure White SW 7005
A slightly softer white for dock posts, benches or shed trim. It pairs well with stainless rails and natural wood boards.
Sherwin-Williams Naval SW 6244
A deep navy like the dark hull band. It works on a boathouse door or dock accents to frame a white boat.
Questions About Refinishing a Fiberglass Boat Deck
Why does fiberglass on a boat turn yellow and chalky?
Sun, water and time break down the gelcoat surface. It oxidizes, loses its shine and can look yellow or chalky. Rust from screws and hardware can also stain it. Light oxidation can sometimes be polished out, but heavily worn areas often need sanding and a new coating.
Can you paint over a fiberglass boat deck?
Yes, with the right products. The surface must be cleaned, de-waxed and sanded, and the coating must be made for marine use. Regular house paint will not hold up to sun, salt and foot traffic. Nonskid areas need special care so they stay safe to walk on.
How do you keep a refinished boat deck looking new?
Rinse the deck with fresh water after each use, wash it regularly with a mild boat soap, and avoid harsh scrubbing pads. A cover helps block sun when the boat sits. Fix loose hardware and reseal screw holes early so water and rust do not stain the finish again.
Get a Free Estimate for a Project Like This
We’re not just a painting company. We’re your personal painter.