To preserve the structure and ensure the watertight integrity of
wooden hulls, tree resins, natural tar, animal fats and
vegetable oils were all used by the early boat builders, and the
addition of pigments to these materials gave the colours
encouraging owners to decorate their vessels. Nowadays there are
three types of marine paint protective coatings: - oil-based
paints which dry by the evaporation of some of the oil; -
polyurethane, which include varnishes and cure when in contact
with the air; - and two-part epoxies which cure by chemical
reactions between the two parts. To bring out the natural colour
of all wooden surfaces, including the on-deck varnished woodwork
or 'bright work', varnishes were produced without pigments
mainly used on the darker varnished mahogany of cabin sides,
hatches and cockpit. Teak structures, such as grab rails, are
treated with teak oil penetrating the wood and preserving its
natural oiliness. Wooden boat interiors of were often finished
with contrasting white planking and v