When a full repaint is the right decision
A full repaint is one of the largest single investments in a superyacht's exterior, and it should be a deliberate decision rather than the default. Localised repairs and blending can restore a sound paint system that has suffered isolated damage. A full repaint becomes the right call when the system itself is failing: widespread loss of gloss, cracking or adhesion problems, repeated repairs that no longer match, a planned colour change, or fairing that no longer meets the standard expected of the yacht. An honest survey of the existing coatings is the first step, and it should tell you which of the two you need.
Superyacht Painters has delivered full repaints on yachts from the 30-40 metre segment up to 95 metres. We now deliver them across Asia from Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Class standards: work carried out to RINA, Lloyd's Register and Bureau Veritas standards.
How a full repaint programme runs
- Survey and specification: assess the existing system and substrate, agree the coating system with the owner's team and the manufacturer's data sheets, and define the standard to be achieved.
- Preparation and removal: from sanding back sound coatings to blasting where the specification requires it, as on our current 76m project.
- Fairing: full or partial fairing to restore true lines. Fairing quality is what a high-gloss topcoat reveals, so this stage decides the final result.
- Primers, build coats and topcoats: applied under controlled conditions, in a covered paint shed or climate-controlled setup wherever the yard allows.
- Detailing and ancillary systems: boot tops, cove lines, underwater systems and brightwork where they form part of the scope.
Throughout the work, the YRA Project Status App gives owners, captains and managers one secure sign-in to a live progress dashboard, twice-daily work photos and paint application reports recording temperature, humidity and hardness tests. Surveyors and Class can see what was applied, when and in what conditions.
“His work is always to the best superyacht standard and to time and budget.”
Paul Johnson, Marine Design & Consultancy · S/Y Mirabella V
Supporting services
- Dry dock coordination: slot booking, docking plans, yard liaison and daily supervision so time on the hard is never wasted.
- Paint surveys and specification: independent coating condition surveys, adhesion testing and written specifications for tender.
- Warranty administration: documented workmanship warranty and manufacturer-backed guarantees on approved systems.
- Gelcoat restoration: cutting, polishing and gelcoat renewal to return older hulls and superstructures to showroom depth.
Refit project management
Complete project management from initial planning through to final delivery, coordinating shipyards, contractors, suppliers and Class surveyors so every project is completed safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.
- Specification writing and tendering
- Shipyard and contractor coordination
- Budget, schedule and quality control
- Class and flag documentation
Full repaint record for 30m+ yachts
- 76m superyacht, Singapore: full fairing and Awlgrip hull system; superstructure repair and repaint in International Paint.In progress
- M/Y Indian Empress, 95 m, Malta: fairing repairs and repaint to a high superyacht standard in Awlgrip.Delivered
- M/Y Leander G, 75 m, UK: fairing repairs and full repaint in Awlgrip at DML Dockyard, Plymouth.Delivered
- S/Y Mirabella V, UK and Italy: hull, topsides and deckhouse in Awlgrip topcoats, ceramic fairing to the keel blade and a new Hempel underwater system.Delivered
- M/Y Midnight Saga, 57 m, UK: fairing repairs and full repaint in Awlgrip.Delivered
- M/Y Carmac VII, 45.7 m, UK: fairing repairs and full repaint in Awlgrip.Delivered
- S/Y Douce France, 42 m, Thailand: full painting of hull, topsides and superstructure in Awlgrip, plus underwater systems.Delivered
- S/Y Merrymaid, 34 m, Thailand: full repaint by roller, brush and tip in Awlgrip topcoat, new underwater system and brightwork.Delivered
“you did an excellent job (full paint, hull topsides, under the water system and superstructure)”
Captain Pascal Goger · S/Y Douce France 42 m
New-build fairing and painting: Hyundai Yachts G40, South Korea
The same standard applies to new builds. In South Korea we worked as the fairing and painting subcontractor to Hyundai Yachts on the G40, a 40 metre aluminium motor yacht, for approximately eight months. The scope was full fairing and painting of the new build to a high superyacht standard in the Hempel Yacht paint system.
- Hyundai Yachts G40, 40 m, South Korea: new build, aluminium motor yacht; full fairing and painting in Hempel Yacht paint system, as subcontractor to Hyundai Yachts.Delivered
“We employed said company as a subcontractor on a project, a 40 metre aluminium motor yacht, for approximately eight months. During this period, we encountered no negative issues, and were pleased with the way the operation was conducted and finished. The fairing and painting work was to a high superyacht standard, and our customer was completely satisfied. We would certainly consider employing said company in the future, should other projects arise, and we were given the opportunity to do so.”
Mick McKie, Director, Hyundai Yachts · 40 m new build, South Korea
What drives the cost of a superyacht repaint
We do not publish prices, because no two repaints are alike. The main cost drivers are the painted surface area; the condition of the existing system and how far it must be removed; the extent of fairing; the chosen system, colour and finish, with dark and metallic finishes demanding more of preparation and application; access, covered space and yard charges; and the programme, including any weather exposure. A clear specification is the best protection against cost growth, and it is where our refit project management starts.
For a comparison of topcoat systems, read our Awlgrip vs Alexseal guide. You can also open our company profile or return to the homepage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to repaint a superyacht?
There is no meaningful price list for a superyacht repaint. Cost is driven by surface area, how far the existing coatings must be removed, the extent of fairing, the chosen system and colour, the yard and covered space, and the programme. We price against a defined specification; send us the yacht's details and we will scope it properly.
How long does a full repaint take?
Duration depends on the same factors as cost, plus weather exposure and the yard programme. We agree a schedule against the specification and report progress daily through the YRA Project Status App.
Should we choose Awlgrip or Alexseal?
Both are established superyacht topcoat systems with different repair and maintenance characteristics. Our Awlgrip vs Alexseal guide compares them using the manufacturers' published data.
Can you work as a subcontractor to a yard or builder?
Yes. We work as a main contractor, for example at ST Marine Engineering in Singapore, and as a painting subcontractor to builders and yards, as on the 40 m Hyundai Yachts G40 new build.