A topcoat is the final protective layer applied over a finished surface, such as paint, varnish, or gold leaf. It shields the work underneath from sun, water, and everyday wear. On a boat, the topcoat matters even more. Salt air, spray, and constant sunlight are hard on any finish.
Sealing Quarterboards Before the Topcoat
Every quarterboard we build starts with a sealed surface, well before the topcoat goes on. For that, we use TotalBoat Lust marine spar varnish. It’s a one-part varnish that builds a rich, warm amber tone and brings out the depth of the wood. It also contains UV stabilizers, which help protect the wood from sunlight. We build it up in coats, so the carved letters and edges get sealed along with the flat surfaces.
Finishing the Topcoat With Awlcraft 3000 Clear
Once the varnish is on, we spray a protective finish coat of Awlcraft 3000 Clear. It’s a two-component polyurethane clearcoat with a high gloss finish. It dries fast, and it’s easy to repair and maintain in a wide range of climates. Spraying lets the coat go on smooth and even. That gives a quarterboard a deep, glossy look that stands up to life on the water.
Why the Varnish and Topcoat Work Together
The varnish seals the wood and gives it warmth. Then the sprayed topcoat adds a hard, glossy shell on top. Together, they protect everything beneath, including gold leaf lettering. Every quarterboard is its own project, and a craftsman’s hand stays on it through the final finish. So you get a piece that looks sharp on day one and keeps looking sharp afterward.
See the Work
See the finished results on our Far Niente quarterboards. You can also browse our carved quarterboards and gold leaf boat names.
Our What We Do page shows everything we build. Want a quarterboard with a topcoat built to last? The quickest way to get started is to send us an email. We can also be reached at (410) 798-5115. You can also follow us on X.