Boero launches latest paint system with ‘plenty of meat to sand’

Hot on the heels of Challenger Pro, which Boero started promoting at the start of the year, it’s now launching BoeroCoat UHB (Ultra High Build & Undercoat) – a new solution developed to optimise the painting system by offering a reduction of coats applied in the construction and refit of a yacht.

“There’s plenty of meat there to sand off,” says Marcus Reynolds, senior brand and product manager for Boero Yacht Coatings.

BoeroCoat UHB makes it possible to replace several layers normally required in a traditional cycle, combining high filling capacity with the characteristics of an undercoat, says the company. This reduces the number of coats and, consequently, working times, product consumption, accessory materials, and the emissions of volatile substances released into the environment (VOC) associated with the process (ca. 60 per cent lower than a standard similar product).

The goal is to make the process more efficient while maintaining the quality standards required in the superyacht sector. Ease of application and long-lasting sandability, along with surface quality, help simplify the work of applicators and create optimal conditions for the subsequent finishing stages.

“We’re developing more and more products to be more sustainable, less VOC,” says Reynolds.

This latest release performs multiple tasks. “Sealing the filler, high build undercoat, sandable undercoat, easy to sand undercoat, and primer, or top coat,” he lists.

This means, instead of applying “six or seven layers, we can reduce it down to four.” Reducing the number of coats, also means reducing labour costs for yacht builders. The application is two coats – wet on wet. Further details are available on the company’s website.

Sanding window open for months

One of its critical factors is that it’s sandable for extended periods of time. “You can put it on and you can leave it,” says Reynolds. It’s sandable after one day, but also after six months. “And we’re now testing 9 and 12 months.” This gives more flexibility in the yard.

“But also you can use it for other tasks. If you’re doing a small boat, you can put just that coating on. And if you want, you can put the top coat straight on top. You don’t have to put another undercoat, another primer. You can just sand it, keep sanding it finer and finer, and then put the top coat on.”

Reynolds believes most use will be by superyachts as Boero’s effectively taken a standard specification from seven coats to four: “which will make life easier, quicker, especially when everyone is under time pressure these days.”

And it’ll aid those who sometimes cut corners: “It’ll give them a guaranteed surface.”

The Italian coatings manufacturer is supplying paint technology and technical expertise for Ferrari’s forthcoming sailing programme, which is developing a high-performance foiling yacht as a research and innovation platform… as well as being a racing boat.