Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 7:28pm

What is the best way to achieve a non-slip paint finish on the gunwhales of my narrowboat?

Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 8:28am

The traditional/normal way is to apply the paint system as normal but while the penultimate coat is still wet sprinkle fine sand over it. Once the paint is dry brush off all the excess sand and apply the final coat of paint. You may wish to apply more then one coat overcoat. I find rubbing the sand/paint combination down is difficult and I an a little unsure about its effect on little knees and its longevity so have used Protectacote on my gunwales, roof, and front cockpit. This has ground up rubber particles in it to give the non-slip surface. The downside is that when the paint wears off the rubber granules the tips show black. This is OK for dark colours but can make lighter colours look dirty. I scrub my gunwales down with Sotchbright pads and sugarsoap every year or so and give them another coat of ordinary gloss paint to keep them looking clean. Tony Brooks