DIY Dock Hire
Painting under tuition
Looking to paint your own boat but not sure where to start? Our DIY painting under tuition service offers the perfect balance of hands-on experience and professional guidance. Is this right for me?
Complete Beginners: If you’ve never painted a boat before, don't worry. We start with the fundamentals of tool care and paint prep.
Experienced DIYers: If you’ve tried painting before but struggled with brush marks or "orange peel" finishes, we’ll show you the pro secrets to level up your game.
Restorers: Perfect for those who want to be hands-on in the preservation of their historic or working narrowboat.
You bring your boat to our covered dock at Knighton Wharf, and we provide:
- A fully equipped painting facility
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- Professional Grade Tools
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- One-to-One Coaching
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- From Steel to Showroom
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Preparation is Key: We show you how to properly strip, treat, and prime the steel to ensure your paint job lasts.
The Technique: Learn the "Lost Art" of coach painting—mastering the brush strokes, "laying off" the paint, and managing the edges for a seamless finish.
The Details: We guide you through applying coach lines and decorative borders to give your boat that classic look.
The Final Gloss: We help you navigate the tricky final topcoats to ensure a deep, durable shine.
When you book a DIY Tuition slot, you aren’t just hiring a space; you are gaining access to a professional setup and years of coach-painting experience.
Use our covered, dry dock at Knighton Wharf. No more worrying about wind, rain, or dust ruining your wet paint. We provide expert advice on the best marine paint systems and primers for your specific boat.
Access to the same high-quality brushes, scrapers, and sanding equipment we use on our own commissions.
Dan will be on hand to guide you through every stage, from the first sand to the final flourish.
Ready to start your project?
Spaces in our DIY dock are limited and highly sought after. Get in touch today to discuss your boat, your timeline, and how we can help you bring your vision to life.