A painted boat name on a wood transom looks classy, and hand lettering is a craft we love. Edgewater, Maryland sits on the Chesapeake Bay, so we letter plenty of boats. Let us make your boat name or quarterboards by hand. When we letter a classic wooden boat, the transom receives additional coats of varnish after the painted boat name dries. With regular care, that finish keeps the lettering looking sharp for many seasons.
A painted boat name is hard to beat
With modern boat-making materials, we rarely get to do hand lettering. Most modern hulls are fiberglass, so we use Avery vinyl on fiberglass. However, some classic handmade wooden hulls still look great with hand-painted brush lettering. First, the wooden transom is sanded and varnished. Next, we work with the captain to choose a good font and create a paper pounce pattern, which transfers a charcoal outline of the design to the transom. Then the letters are painted by hand, and the shadow is added afterward.
Protecting the lettering
The paint needs to rest for one day to dry completely. After that, additional coats of TotalBoat Lust marine varnish protect both the transom and the painted lettering from water and sun. Maintain the varnish topcoat each year, and the lettering will hold up well. With proper upkeep, a hand-painted boat name can last a very long time.
Contact Designs & Signs
The quickest way to get started on your project is to send us an email.
We can also be reached by phone at (410) 798-5115.