Short answer: Harbor Marine paints and refinishes boats at our shop at 6516 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford: hull sides, consoles and helms, repaired, prepped and finished. Call (770) 967-8495 for a quote.
Refinishing at our Buford shop
Our shop is at 6516 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford, near Lake Lanier Islands. We moved here in January 2026 after 25 years serving the lake. For Buford owners, that means painting and refinishing happen close to home. The photo at the top of this page is a boat outside our shop with its hull mid-refinish.
Common Buford refinish jobs
- Hull sides faded from years at a slip near the south end.
- Consoles and helms worn by sun and use.
- Areas around old repairs that no longer match.
- Bottom repair and painting.
- Outdrive prep and painting.
How the job goes
A Buford job starts with a walk-around at the shop, so we can agree on exactly what gets refinished. Damage is repaired before any prep. The surface is then sanded and faired, everything that stays is masked off, and the finish goes on inside the shop. We let it cure fully before the masking comes off and the edges are cleaned up, then call you to pick it up.
Easy drop-off
Buford owners with trailer boats can tow straight to the shop. Call (770) 967-8495 first so we can plan space and timing. If the boat is in the water at a nearby marina or dock, we can help plan the haul-out, or you can use boat transport in Buford.
Seeing the boat in person
Because the shop is close, it is easy to stop by and talk through the job face to face. We can look at the finish together, point out damage that needs repair first, and agree on what will be refinished. Call ahead so we can set a time.
Timing
Refinishing takes prep, finish and cure time. Winter is ideal for most Buford boats. If you have a date in mind, tell us when you call.
Pricing
Pricing is set when you call for a quote. These are the things that change the size of the job:
- The area being refinished.
- Repairs needed first.
- Surface prep.
- Color and finish choices.
Nonskid and deck areas
Decks and nonskid surfaces wear differently from hull sides. Foot traffic, sunscreen and coolers grind them down, and the texture fills with dirt. Nonskid can be cleaned, repaired and refinished so it grips again. Because it has a textured pattern, it takes different prep than smooth surfaces. Ask about it if your deck looks gray or slick.
Hardware off, then back on
Cleats, rails and other hardware are often removed during a refinish so the finish can go under them. When they go back on, they are bedded with fresh sealant. That stops leaks around fasteners, a common source of water damage on older boats.
Questions to ask before a refinish
What areas will be refinished? Is there damage that needs repair first? Will hardware come off? How long should the finish cure before use? We answer all of these before the work starts, so there are no surprises when you pick the boat up.
Bottom and outdrive work while it is here
Since the boat is already at the shop, it is a good time to look below the waterline too. Bottom repair and painting and outdrive prep and painting can be added to a refinish, so the whole boat leaves looking finished. Ask us what makes sense for your boat when you call.
Touch-up or full refinish?
Not every faded spot needs a full refinish. Sometimes a targeted repair and blend is enough, especially on a boat that is otherwise in good shape. Other times, so many small repairs have built up that one even finish across the panel is the better answer. We will look at the boat with you and recommend the approach that fits.
Pickup day
When the boat is ready, we walk through the finished work with you at the shop.
Related and nearby
Buford owners often combine a refinish with other shop work. Nearby, we also refinish boats in Sugar Hill, in Flowery Branch and on Lake Lanier. Damage under the paint is handled by our gel coat repair in Buford team, and a detail in Buford keeps new paint protected. See all our boat repair in Buford, the main boat painting page, or get in touch.