How Brewers are Getting Involved:

Over the past couple of years, the barge has had extensive restoration work completed to enable the barge to be used as a community art space - which will be coming to York very soon!

The project has required a significant amount of work which includes the supply of specialist coatings to ensure the barge is protected.

Working with Brewers' Specialist Coatings Advisor Nick Church, specialist products have been recommended and supplied free of charge:

“The primer selected for metal areas of the barge is Rustoleum 769 Damp Proof Primer, as the product offers excellent corrosion protection and is tolerant of small amounts of moisture on the surface which with dew/condensation at this time of year can be a problem. The topcoat chosen is Rustoleum 7500 Alkythane, which again has good corrosion resistance, and can be applied at lower temperatures. It has good opacity and flow with good colour and gloss retention. I have specified previously for narrow boats /barges with good results. For the decks of the barge I have specified Coo-Var Suregrip as this gives a long-lasting decorative finish inside or externally and reduces the slip risk. Additional wooden elements have been recommended Albany Super Primer Undercoat and Albany Super Satin as acrylic should work well with the substrate”

The Barge is currently in the cleaning process, ready for the undercoat to be applied to the exterior.

Many days of community work is ahead as it's all hands on deck to ensure the Barge's freshly painted exterior will stand the test of time.

To complete the exterior of the Barge, a bright bold design will feature proudly on the side.

Last month, we held a competition to let you vote for your favourite design created by the incredibly talented Kai West.

We can reveal we have a winner! You chose the fish design to feature on the side of The Arts Barge. Thank you to everybody who voted!

Brewers York

Brewers York opened earlier this year bringing the finest brands in paint, wallpaper, fabric and woodcare to York. The store will be getting involved with the Colourful York project, giving you the chance to vote for your favourite design in store and provide you with all the latest updates around the project.

York Store Details: