Painting a barge?

Question

Is there an etiquette you have to stick to when painting narrow boats?

Does it have to be the traditional red greens and blues with castle and roses decorations

Or can it be contemporary?

I have a friend who paints fantastic murals and would love her to paint the outside of mine.

I've never seen anyone paint them other then the norm.

Answer 1

Do your own thing. 20 or 30 years ago the purists would probably turn up their noses, but today with the rebirth of the river and canal scene anything goes.

So long as it isn`t offensive you can`t offend anyone, and you will become a celebrity on the waterway.

Go for it.

Answer 2

Most people choose traditional colours but its not essential.

There is one boat with Winnie the Pooh all down the side that does the rounds. One near us is bright yellow. There is another with Harry Potter on the side. There is also one with Frodo Baggins climbing up Mount Doom.

About 3 years ago there was one on the K&A that had a Lamboughini on its side, it looked like it was driving on the water. But I have to say, it wasn't admaration that got people talking about it.

You have to display the BW number, thats all.

Nature/sci-fi-based murals ? Why not, it'll fit right in and probably not as rare as you might think

Bare in mind that your boat will get "war wounds" so think about how you will maintain it.

Ours was just dark blue with cream piping plus all the Castles and Roses you don't like. If the paint job is good, the hull a good design and condition, it'll still get noticed ( if thats what you are after )

You will always find soemone on the cut who doesn't like your boat, so what..

We live canalside, so if I see an alien landscape go past this summer I'll be sure to take a gamble its you and say hello.

Answer 3

i've painted mine in white and bright dayglo blue, it annoys the h**l out of the traditionalists. i even renamed it without going through the farcical "ceremony".

do your own thing, and best of luck.

Answer 4

The old accepted way of decorating narrowboats has many purist adherents who will shout nay from the rooftops,BUT,if thats what you want to do then its your choice,there is nothing wrong with individuality or breaking the mould.There is just this one thing (as curly said in blazing saddles ) will it be an eyesore or not ??.Remember,a beautifully done paint job can make an indifferent design look good.

Answer 5

its yours, do what you want

Answer 6

do whats right for you,as long as its not offensive to anyone,then do it.

Answer 7

Surley it would be fab painting it how you like, you could personalise it then x