A paint inspection turns opinions about a finish into measurements. Whether you are accepting a new paint job, deciding between repairs and a full repaint, or settling a warranty question, an independent superyacht coating survey gives the owner, captain, yard and painter the same facts to work from.
When owners ask for an inspection
- Before a refit: to decide whether the existing system can be repaired or needs a full repaint, and to define the scope.
- During the work: independent checks at hold points such as surface preparation, primer, fairing and each coat.
- At hand-over: a joint inspection against the acceptance criteria in the contract.
- For a warranty or dispute: a documented record of defects, their likely cause and the remedy.
- Before purchase: a condition survey of the paintwork as part of a pre-purchase review.
What we measure
Dry film thickness (DFT)
We measure film build with calibrated gauges against the paint specification. Too little film and the coating won't protect or last. Too much and it can crack or trap solvent. On steel, DFT sampling is often based on ISO 19840 or SSPC-PA 2. Those standards are written for thicker protective coatings on steel, so for thin topcoats and for aluminium or composite substrates the sampling plan and limits should be agreed in the project specification.
Gloss
Gloss is measured with a glossmeter, normally at 60°, on the named product after it has fully cured. Readings taken too early, or compared against the wrong product, are meaningless, so the specification should state the product, the angle and when the reading is taken.
Distinctness of image (DOI) and wave-scan
DOI and wave-scan instruments measure how sharply the surface reflects an image and how much orange peel or long-wave unevenness is visible. They are the closest thing to an objective number for "mirror finish", and work best against a reference panel agreed before the work starts.
Colour, adhesion and defects
We record colour difference against a reference where colour is in scope, check adhesion where coatings are suspect, and map defects such as runs, dust, pinholes, solvent pop, print-through and fairing waves on a general arrangement drawing.
Application conditions
Many paint failures start with conditions, not with the product. We check the recorded relative humidity, air and surface temperature and dew point against the manufacturer's limits. A common rule is that the surface stays at least 3 °C above dew point (ISO 8502-4). See why cure times matter.
Acceptance criteria: agree them before the work starts
Most paint disputes come from criteria that were never written down. ICOMIA 51-18 sets out a framework for agreeing superyacht coating criteria before the contract, not a single set of fixed numbers. Good acceptance criteria normally cover:
- Areas: high-visibility and low-visibility areas marked on a signed general arrangement.
- Viewing conditions: lighting level, viewing distance and angle. ISO 11347 sets out a method for appearance inspection.
- Measured values: DFT, gloss, DOI or wave-scan, and colour tolerance, each with the instrument, the product and the timing named.
- Fairness: what is in scope and how it is checked, kept separate from structural geometry.
- Defects and repairs: what counts as a defect, and whether buffing or spot repair is acceptable for the named topcoat.
- Warranty: exclusions and the remedy if something fails.
We review specifications and acceptance clauses for owners, managers and yards, and flag vague or subjective wording before it becomes a problem.
Coating advisory and independent surveys
Beyond our own projects, our team has worked as an independent coating adviser and surveyor for owners, including on M/Y Sharjah (60 m) in the UAE. On our own projects, inspection records and photos are shared daily through the YRA Project Status App. Our team has been painting and inspecting yachts since 1990.
What you receive
A written report with photographs, measured values against the specification, a defect map, the likely cause of any failures and clear recommendations: accept, repair or repaint. If repairs are needed, see superyacht paint repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What does a superyacht paint inspection include?
Dry film thickness, gloss, DOI or wave-scan where specified, colour, adhesion where needed, a defect map and a check of recorded application conditions, all reported against the specification.
What gloss level should a superyacht topcoat reach?
It depends on the named product. Gloss should be measured at 60° after full cure and compared with the manufacturer's data for that product, as agreed in the specification.
What is DOI?
Distinctness of image: a measurement of how sharply the paint reflects an image. It is the most objective way to put a number on a mirror finish.
Is there a standard for superyacht paint acceptance?
ICOMIA 51-18 is a framework for agreeing criteria before contract. The actual values and viewing conditions should be written into the specification.
Do you inspect paintwork done by other contractors?
Yes. We carry out independent coating surveys and specification reviews for owners and managers.
Talk to our team
Contact Superyacht Painters · info@yachtrefitasia.com · +66 (0)80 829 0122
Superyacht Painters Ltd, The Clock House, Western Court, Bishop's Sutton, Alresford, England SO24 0AA