Painted Water Cans

Traditional canal painting makes much use of roses and castles and graining or scumbling on boats. Big bold signwriting is an important part of this tradition.

Inside, modern boats have used varnish to emphasise the beauty (or ugliness) of wood.

A return to painted interiors, not necessarily in traditional colours, is long overdue.

You can buy many specialist paints for these jobs. Their makers claim long life and a mirror finish. Alternatively, like me, you can use paint and scumble from the diy stores. No claims, but it lasts well.