Last updated on March 31st, 2022
Narrowboat painting cost
Walk along any canal or marina and you will witness the beautiful art form of narrowboat painting. With narrowboats having limited capacity and space, adorning the vessel exterior with intricate paintings and designs, traditionally, is how boat owners boasted pride in their home. The tradition has lasted over 250 years, with boat owners now choosing more modern, creative ways of painting their homes. This cost guide will discuss current narrowboat painting costs.
Walk along any canal or marina and you will witness the beautiful art form of narrowboat painting. With narrowboats having limited capacity and space, adorning the vessel exterior with intricate paintings and designs, traditionally, is how boat owners boasted pride in their home. The tradition has lasted over 250 years, with boat owners now choosing more modern, creative ways of painting their homes. Painting a narrowboat will require tremendous skill and expertise, especially for detailed designs, so we recommend hiring a professional to entrust your project. This cost guide will discuss current narrowboat painting costs.
How much does narrowboat painting cost?
| Cost provided item | Low cost | High cost | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional painter (cost per foot) | £70 | £100 | £85 |
| Builder per day | £250 | £195 | £215 |
| Blacking cost | £300 | £600 | £450 |
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
Whilst paint in itself is affordable, there are multiple factors at play when evaluating the cost of narrowboat painting. The type of paintwork you wish to see on your vessel will heavily influence the end price of the job. The size of your boat has an influence too, plus there are costs such as docking to consider.
Block colour paintwork will be less expensive than intricate design work. On average, it typically costs between £3,000 – £4,000 for the full job.
Another factor to consider is the conditions the boat will be painted in. It’s always better to paint a narrowboat undercover to avoid insect marks and wind damage to drying paint. Depending on the current location of the boat, you may need to pay an extra fee for this.
The current condition of your paintwork will also influence the price, as the current paint could need to be sanded off with industrial equipment. Only a professional will be able to know what your boat needs, be that sanding, priming or a new protective coat, to ensure your narrowboat’s new paintwork lasts a lifetime. We recommend hiring a professional painter to spray paint the boat, depending on your desired finish.
The cost of narrowboat painting will depend on whether you are hiring a painter or builder. As painting is purely cosmetic, it should be a quick task for a tradesperson – as long as there are no other issues to be solved.
FAQs
How much does it cost to get a narrowboat blacked?
It will cost between £300 – £600.
How often does a canal boat need bottom paint?
You will need to do this every two to three years.
How can I make a new paint job last as long as possible?
You should ensure there is a wax coat of protectant applied after the paint has dried. Some polishes now contain UV ray inhibitors which minimize sun damage on the boat exterior.
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