At Bering Yachts, we focus on building explorer yachts that travel across oceans and in ensuring that every vessel is built to last for generations. One of the most critical and time-intensive parts of this process is the painting system we use on all our yachts, from the Bering 65 to the Bering 165.
This article walks you through the five essential stages of our expert yacht painting process, designed to protect the steel structure from corrosion while achieving the flawless, superyacht-quality finish our owners expect.
The journey begins at the core – the bare steel or aluminum structure. Steel surfaces undergo thorough sandblasting to remove impurities and ensure the cleanest base possible. Once perfectly prepared, we apply a protective primer that chemically bonds with the metal. This layer plays a vital role in rust prevention, serving as the foundation for all subsequent coatings.
While steel requires sandblasting, aluminum surfaces are carefully cleaned with coarse brushes since aluminum doesn’t oxidize as quickly as steel. Regardless of material, all metal surfaces are treated with a primer that ensures maximum adhesion and long-term protection.
Once primed, we begin the most time-consuming step: fairing. Using standard and liquid fairing compounds, we apply up to four full layers to even out imperfections in the hull’s surface. Each layer is sanded, leveled, and inspected before applying the next.
Fairing serves both aesthetic and functional purposes: it smooths out welding seams, corrects minor structural distortions, and ensures a visually seamless surface. On large vessels like the Bering 125 or 145, the fairing layer averages around 7 mm in thickness and can take months to complete.
Once fairing is completed and the surface is perfectly shaped, we apply a filler primer followed by a finishing primer. These layers are critical for creating an ultra-smooth base for the final paint and sealing in the fairing layer underneath.
The finishing primer is so refined that it closely resembles the final topcoat. It allows our team to detect even the smallest surface imperfections before the final paint is applied.
The final exterior finish consists of three layers of topcoat applied wet-on-wet to achieve maximum gloss, color depth, and reflection. This is where the yacht begins to show its true character. The topcoat is not only visually stunning but also extremely durable, withstanding exposure to seawater, sun, and harsh conditions.
Color customization is available for every client, and each finish reflects the precision of our craftsmanship.
The painting process doesn’t end on the exterior. Inside the yacht, we apply the same protective primer to all exposed metal, followed by a special coating known as a “mascoat”—a rubbery layer that protects against condensation and dampens vibration and noise.
This system is further enhanced with thermal and acoustic insulation panels in areas like the engine room, ensuring a quiet and comfortable onboard environment.
Once all five stages are complete, the yacht is transformed into a seamless, gleaming sculpture, devoid of visible welds, imperfections, or rough edges. This meticulous process ensures that the steel and aluminum are completely encapsulated, making the vessel resistant to rust and corrosion for decades to come.
Regular maintenance is simple: in case of impact or exposure of bare metal, a touch-up with primer and fairing is enough to restore protection until professional refinishing can be completed.
At Bering Yachts, we focus on making strong, reliable yachts with great attention to detail at every building stage. Our extensive painting system is not just about aesthetics—it’s a testament to our philosophy: building vessels that are beautiful, resilient, and ready to explore the world.
To see the process in action, watch our updated video