Boat Deck Paints

The best paint to use for a boat deck is a single pack non-slip deck paint as it is UV resistant, meaning its colours don't fade. This type of paint can be applied over the majority of existing paints too. If you are unsure of the existing paint a patch test is recommended. The aggregate used to give the non-slip finish helps reduce the risk of slipping.

To prepare a boat deck for paint you must first ensure the deck is completely dry prior to painting. The presence of moisture on the substrate, or residual moisture within the bare timber, may result in coating delamination or the formation of white spotting. Clean the surface with a degreaser and ensure any flaking paint is removed and existing paint is lightly abraded to ensure good intercoat adhesion.

If you are painting a bare fibreglass deck, you will need to prime with either our single pack fibreglass or two pack epoxy fibreglass primer and follow with the compatible topcoat. We always recommend staying with the same paint system. So that means if you use a single-pack fibreglass primer go in with a single pack topcoat and the same for two-pack epoxy fibreglass primer and two-pack epoxy topcoat.

Our standard deck paint is a smooth high gloss finish. However, the non-slip boat deck paint has an aggregate pre-mixed into the paint giving it a rough, textured finish which helps reduce the risk of slipping. Remember like any painted surface, when wet may still be slippery.

Two-pack epoxy deck paints provide superior protection from environmental exposure and enhanced waterproofing compared to single-pack paint systems. However, they are not UV resistant, meaning colours will chalk and fade over time.

Single-pack non-slip paints still offer good protective properties and, unlike epoxy systems, are UV resistant, allowing colours to remain stable for longer periods.

If maximum corrosion protection is the priority over aesthetics, a two-pack epoxy non-slip deck paint is the recommended choice. If long-term colour retention and UV stability are more important while still maintaining good protection, a single-pack non-slip deck paint is the better option.

Important note: Two-pack epoxy non-slip paint can only be applied over existing epoxy coatings, as it will attack single-pack paints.

Marine deck paint can be applied to wood, fibreglass/GRP and metal. All will need to be suitably primed before using our marine deck paint topcoat.

• Bare Metal - A single pack or Two Pack Epoxy Zinc Phosphate or Zinc Rich Primer
• Bare Fibreglass/GRP - Single or Two Pack Epoxy fibreglass primer
• Wood - no primer required, thin the first coat down by 20% with white spirit thinners which will prime/seal off the wood ready for the second coat (epoxy coatings are not recommended on wood)

Yes, single pack marine deck paint will go over the majority of existing marine paints. However, we still recommend doing a test area first prior to painting.

Yes, you can use anti-slip deck paint on a metal or fibreglass boat deck. If it is bare metal or fibreglass you will need to use the suitable primer before applying the anti-slip deck paint.