What Makes A Good Marine Paint?

by Isabel Hill | September 30, 2021 | Boat Paints,

Recent data from British Marine indicates that UK boat ownership increased by nine percent during 2020. Most boats last a long time and require fewer repairs than cars. Nonetheless, they also need caring for, due to issues caused by environmental factors like saltwater – which can erode a vessel’s exterior. Marine paints, like other types of paint, provide a protective coating. This is an essential barrier that safeguards a boat’s structure, so it looks good and performs well for an extended period.

What Paint Do You Need For A Boat?

The paints used for boats have the standard clear coats, topcoats and base coats found in other paint varieties. Solvent keeps the paint at the correct consistency, to facilitate its application. This is available in a high gloss, semi-gloss and matt finish. The pigment and resin create the film that appears once the paint has dried.

Two Pack And Single Pack Marine Paints

Boat paints vary in their composition; however the most suitable and common types are Two Pack Epoxy, Two pack polyurethane, and single pack polyurethane paints. These coatings are affordable, fast drying, long lasting and simple to apply. They retain gloss and colour effectively too. Single pack polyurethane is known for its durable properties, helping to counteract deterioration due to chalking, yellowing and sunlight. Other benefits include resistance to oil, chemicals, water, and solvents, as well as abrasion/impact resistance. Two Pack Epoxy is most suitable for below waterline which can be applied over epoxy primers.

Characteristics Of Marine Paints

Marine paints have different characteristics, depending on the substrate materials they are designed for and the manufacturing technology that created them. These paints can be designed for concrete, plastics, bitumen, steel/aluminium, wood, and other metals.

Paints For Fibreglass Boats

Of course, lots of boaters own vessels made from fibreglass, and there are several kinds of paint that work well with this material once primed with a Fiberglass Primer. Single Pack paint can cover numerous outdoor surfaces. Due to its flexibility, this paint rarely cracks and is simple to apply.

Choosing The Right Paint For Your Boat

If you choose an unsuitable paint, you will have to repaint your boat immediately – otherwise, the bottom of the vessel will be unprotected. Worse still, the boat's speed will decline, and you will use more fuel. Marine paint keeps the hull of a boat smooth and reduces friction, so the vessel glides gracefully through water – with less demand for power. At T.A. Paints, we sell deck paint, protective primers, thinners and topcoats to satisfy all your painting requirements. Order from us today and we will deliver for free if you spend over £200.