Over the last 30 years at Chesapeake Light Craft we have painted and varnished countless decks and hulls. We have put finishes on prototypes, on demo models—as of this writing more than 60 demo boats are stored at CLC—and on boats built for to order for customers. We have tried every brand and type of marine coating. Of all these, the finishes produced by Interlux are the easiest to apply, and the most durable. The Interlux components work well together, and are compatible with the type of marine epoxy shipped with CLC boat kits.

The suggested quantities below are sufficient for a beautiful finish on your boat. The number of coats of paint tends to vary based on the color chosen. The chemicals used to tint blue or white paint cover surfaces easily and build depth quickly. Yellow and red, for some reason, require additional coats. Likewise, the coverage for varnish will vary, for example, if you're creating a satin as opposed to a gloss finish. Here's a deep dive on the subject of marine varnish.

Since ALL of our designs are coated with epoxy, the primary goal for varnish or paint is to protect epoxy from UV light. This will require a minimum of three coats and a maximum of five or six. That is how we calculated these quantities:

For a painted hull and varnished deck finish;

  • 1 qt. of primer, 1 qt. of paint, and 1 qt. of Varnish for single kayaks and small skiffs
  • 1 qt. of primer, 2 qts. of paint, and 2 qts. of Varnish for tandem kayaks and larger skiffs

For an all varnished finish;

  • 2 qts. of Varnish for single kayaks and small skiffs
  • 3 qts. of Varnish for tandem kayaks and larger skiffs and sailboats

Click here for answers to your frequently asked questions.

Finishing Starter Kit

Finishing Starter Kit

Our #1 selling product over the last 30 years has been Interlux Schooner Varnish. We have been at this boatbuilding stuff for a few years, and we know what works when it comes to finishes. We've put together this Finishing Starter Kit with many...

$66.45

3M Acryl-White Glazing Putty - 14.5 oz

3M Acryl-White Glazing Putty - 14.5 oz

This Acryl-White Glazing Putty from 3M is perfect for filling shallow scratches, pinholes, and other surface defects beneath paint. Fast drying, easy to spread, and easy to sand, this is what the professionals use at body painting and yacht...

$26.99

Fine Line Tape

Fine Line Tape

The ultimate masking tape! Your paint won’t bleed onto your varnish and vice-versa. Green polypropylene; won’t leave residue. One 60-yard roll.

$21.56

Disposable Nitrile Gloves - Box of 100

Disposable Nitrile Gloves - Box of 100

Even though epoxy fumes and odor aren't too bad, even indoors, you can't get the stuff on your hands. The big-box stores will charge you too much for small packets of low-quality disposable gloves. Buy them like a pro in a box of 100 (50...

from $17.99

King Starboard/Starlite composite board

King Starboard/Starlite composite board

King Starboard is an marine-grade high-density polyethylene composite board that will not rot, rust, delaminate or easily break down when exposed to UV, humidity and/or submerged in water. The King Starboard comes in White only, and the Black is...

from $18.00

5

5" Sanding Discs

Boatbuilders spend most of their time sanding. Don't buy small over-priced packs of crummy, quick-dulling sandpaper at inflated prices from the big box stores! Buy high-quality sandpaper in box quantities at wholesale prices from us. These...

from $16.19

3M Adhesive Backed Sandpaper Sheet Roll 2-3/4

3M Adhesive Backed Sandpaper Sheet Roll 2-3/4"

A peculiar product that seems to be available only to professional boatbuilding shops.  We've always had a couple of rolls of this sticky-back paper in our shop, which can be used with flexible fairing boards, hand file boards, soft and...

from $67.50

Foam Sanding Handblock

Foam Sanding Handblock

3M Stikit Hand Blocks are made of sturdy, durable, high-strength material and are shaped to provide maximum user comfort and control while sanding. Using a hand block eliminates finger pressure marks in the finish by providing even distribution of...

$31.50

Sanding Block

Sanding Block

A rubber sanding block is a tool that you'll find in every boatbuilding shop.  The durable rubber pad conforms to the curve of the hull, can be used with wet or dry sandpaper, and makes changing paper a snap.

$5.39

Foam Brush - 2

Foam Brush - 2" Disposable

2” wide, for applying varnish and paint.  Save when buying by the case! These are the brushes we use for applying and "tipping out" varnish and paint on the CLC showroom boats.  These don't melt the way the cheap home center foam...

from $0.89

Foam Brush - 3

Foam Brush - 3" Disposable

3” wide, for applying varnish and paint.  Save when buying by the case! These are the brushes we use for applying and "tipping out" varnish and paint on the CLC showroom boats.  These don't melt the way the cheap home center foam...

from $1.16

Foam Roller Covers

Foam Roller Covers

9” roller covers suitable for applying epoxy, paint, or varnish. These rollers are formulated to not melt in the presence of corrosive epoxy hardener or highly solvent marine paints and varnishes.  Cut each roller in half and use...

from $3.95

Roller Frame 4

Roller Frame 4"

This 4-inch roller frame is for use with your no-lint thin-nap foam rollers.  You'll cut the roller covers in half to fit. This width is ideal for rolling out epoxy or paint and varnish along the strakes of our small craft.  Most CLC...

$2.25

3M 6000 Series Respirator with HEPA Filters

3M 6000 Series Respirator with HEPA Filters

The 3M™ 6000 Series reusable respirator offers users comfort and convenience - coupled with cost savings. Each face piece is remarkably comfortable, soft, lightweight and easy to adjust. NIOSH approved for negative pressure air purifying and...

$35.99

Epoxy Mixing Cups - Quart

Epoxy Mixing Cups - Quart

These Quart (32oz) sized graduated mixing cups are what we use for mixing epoxy in our shop.  Each cup has calibrated markings for accurate measuring.  Mix and measure your epoxy in one container with the ratio...

from $1.25

Epoxy Mixing Cup - Pint

Epoxy Mixing Cup - Pint

These Pint (16oz) sized graduated mixing cups are what we use for mixing epoxy in our shop.  Each cup has calibrated markings for accurate measuring.  Mix and measure your epoxy in one container with the calibrated ratio...

from $1.04

3M 6001 Organic Vapor Cartridge Set

3M 6001 Organic Vapor Cartridge Set

Paint Spray Cartridges 3M 6001 Organic Vapor Cartridge To be used with 3M 6000 and 7000 Series Half Face and Full Face Respirators with bayonet attachments. The 6001 is NIOSH approved for certain organic vapors. Whenever we are applying a coat of...

$19.80

CLC StopLossBag Kit

CLC StopLossBag Kit

The StopLossBag™ allows you to preserve the fresh off-the-shelf quality of wood finishes.  A specially formulated 3-ply construction helps prevent loss of solvents while a special gas barrier inhibits oxygen penetration into...

from $7.19

Interlux Schooner Varnish

Interlux Schooner Varnish

This is what we use to varnish CLC's fleet. The easiest varnish on the market to apply, but brings up a lovely deep amber gloss over epoxy and/or wood. Schooner® combines the very best of classic varnish chemistry to create a high gloss finish...

$40.50

Interlux Goldspar Satin Varnish

Interlux Goldspar Satin Varnish

A softer, satin gloss, especially popular for the interiors of open boats. It contains no UV protection, so it must be applied OVER Schooner Varnish so that your epoxy is adequately protected. Also used in cabin interiors and on home...

$34.20

Toplac Plus by Interlux

Toplac Plus by Interlux

NEW for 2024!  Toplac Plus Premium, High Durability Gloss Finish Toplac Plus is a new premium gloss one-part topcoat for all substrates above the waterline. It offers a professional-quality finish and superior leveling performance that...

from $57.00

PreKote Plus by Interlux

PreKote Plus by Interlux

NEW for 2024!  Pre-Kote Plus One Part Primer and Undercoat Pre-Kote Plus is a one-part Primer and Undercoat, offering substrate protection and an ultra-smooth surface all in one. For use above the waterline with Interlux...

from $42.75

Interlux InterGrip Non-Skid Additive

Interlux InterGrip Non-Skid Additive

Interlux InterGrip is a compound added to our Interlux Brightsides paint to create a non-skid painted surface. InterGrip has a regular spherical shape that not only has superb non-slip properties but also has less tendency to collect dirt than...

$39.90

Interlux Perfection - 2-Part High Gloss Marine Paint

Interlux Perfection - 2-Part High Gloss Marine Paint

Interlux Perfection is a high-gloss two-part polyurethane finish. Its high performance formula combines a long lasting abrasion and chemical resistant finish with protection from the detrimental effects of UV. Its abrasion resistance makes it...

from $76.00

Interlux Primekote - Two-Part Primer

Interlux Primekote - Two-Part Primer

Epoxy Primekote is a multi-purpose two-part epoxy primer that is the recommended primer for use with two-part finishes such as Perfection® Polyurethane and can also be overcoated with any Interlux topside paint. It is also used as part of a...

$41.80

EZPoxy Topside Paint by Pettit

EZPoxy Topside Paint by Pettit

EZ-Poxy is a modern one-part polyurethane topside and deck enamel improved by the addition of silicone for a brilliant shine and easy brush-ability. Its advanced ultraviolet filters enhance the superior gloss retention and durability of...

from $54.00

Captain's Varnish by Pettit

Captain's Varnish by Pettit

Captain’s Varnish 1015 is highly regarded for its ease of application, outstanding gloss retention and tough yet flexible durability. A combination of phenolic and alkyd resins blended with tung and linseed oils provide excellent...

$49.50

EZPrime by Pettit

EZPrime by Pettit

EZ Prime should be used as a base coat whenever the surface to be painted is aged, cracked, checked, pitted, or in any way less than smooth. It can be applied to fiberglass, wood and previously painted surfaces. EZ Prime 6149 dries quickly and...

$40.49

Captain's Satin Varnish by Pettit

Captain's Satin Varnish by Pettit

Captain’s Satin Sheen Varnish V-975 is specifically designed to enhance the beauty of interior woodwork with its soft, satin finish. Its pale, durable, long lasting polyurethane coat is water and alcohol-resistant. Satin Sheen is easy to...

$49.50

Engraved Banner Plate

Engraved Banner Plate

Mount an elegant custom wooden nameplate on the boat you've built!  These banner plates are cut with your boat name laser-engraved.  We have two sizes to choose from.  Make your selection from the dropdown. Small: 2.25" x...

from $27.00

Laser Engraved Nameplate

Laser Engraved Nameplate

Mount an elegant custom laser-engraved wooden nameplate on the boat you've built!  Your boat's name will be laser-engraved from 1/16-inch Cherry material. We have two sizes to choose from.  Make your selection from the dropdown....

from $27.00

CLC Builder Logo Marquetry Inlay/Onlay

CLC Builder Logo Marquetry Inlay/Onlay

Laser-cut and engraved inlays or onlays of the CLC Builder Logo cut from an Okoume veneer. We have two sizes to choose from. Make your selection from the dropdown. Large: 11-3/4" x 2-11/16" (1/16" thick) Small: 5-7/8" x...

from $19.80

Custom Wood Nameplate - Laser-Cut Inlay/Onlay

Custom Wood Nameplate - Laser-Cut Inlay/Onlay

Mount an elegant custom wooden nameplate on the boat you've built!  These 2" x 3" oval plates are cut with your boat and your name laser-engraved.  You can epoxy the nameplate anywhere on the boat you like, for example, the deck or aft...

from $27.00

CLC Paddler Logo Marquetry Inlay/Onlay

CLC Paddler Logo Marquetry Inlay/Onlay

Laser-cut and engraved inlays or onlays of the CLC Paddler Logo cut from an Okoume veneer. We have two sizes to choose from. Make your selection from the dropdown. Large: 5-7/8" x 4-7/16" (1/16" thick) Small: 3" x 2-3/16" (1/16"...

from $22.50

Carbon Fiber Tape - 3

Carbon Fiber Tape - 3"

We used lot of this building the 31-foot Proa "Madness".  Just the thing for high-strength, high-modulus reinforcement, and it looks cool, too.  3" wide, 5.7 ounce weight.  This is American Made 3" inch wide Plain Weave 100% Carbon...

from $15.92

Mohawk - Ultra® Penetrating Stain

Mohawk - Ultra® Penetrating Stain

This dye-type stain is ideal for projects that will eventually be sealed with epoxy (stain must be applied prior to epoxy coating).  Mohawk Ultra® Penetrating Stain combines superior transparency with excellent fade resistance.  Easy...

from $35.14

Rubstrip Kit

Rubstrip Kit

This is a retrofittable kit, to contain wear at the bow and stern on kayaks, made up out of several layers of super-tough Dynel fabric bedded in graphite-filled epoxy. Works on wood-epoxy boats and solid fiberglass boats. Select a rubstrip kit...

from $9.00

Brass Half Oval Solid Back

Brass Half Oval Solid Back

These brass strips can add a little more class while offering great protection to your dinghy's bow and rubrails. Easy to apply with #8 x 1/2" silicon bronze screws (not included). You can cut it, file, shape or drill into it to prevent chafing on...

from $34.19

Oarlock Risers (pair)

Oarlock Risers (pair)

Oarlock Risers are hardwood blocks for mounting additional rowing stations or to add a little extra clearance for the oars on our rowing boats.  They are available in 3 different styles. Angle-Mount Risers are standard on...

from $28.80

Flat Webbing - Colored

Flat Webbing - Colored

Marine-grade polypropylene, 1” wide, sold by the foot for hatch hold-down straps, seat rigging, and a dozen other chores on kayaks and small boats.  Choose color in pull-down; black is also available. Here's how to use flat...

from $0.54