Marine Paints

TA Paints offer a wide range of marine paint products for above and below water line applications for everything for boats and barges. Marine paint is designed to be immersed in water, so a specialist paint extends the life of the boat and protects the hull.

We offer coatings for the most severe of water environments to protect the hulls of all kinds of vessels exposed to water and offshore structures that are submerged. Specialist paint for boats give protective layers against moisture and prevent metal from destructive rust and corrosion.

Similar to other types of paints, marine boat paints have primers, base coats and topcoats specifically made for watercraft and marine structures. They benefit from chemical properties and performance. Anti-fouling paints protect ships from organisms, such as algae and molluscs, that can impede their performance.

TA Paints offer competitive prices and fast delivery nationwide on a vast variety of paints, including primer for deck coating on wooden boats. Please get in touch for advice on availability and colour matching. If you are not sure which marine paint you need, call or email TA Paints for a rundown of our portfolio of paints.

FAQS

Do I need polyurethane or epoxy paint when coating a boat?

When coating a boat, both polyurethane and epoxy paint are suitable to use. Polyurethane paint is typically preferred as a above waterline topcoat due to its UV resistance. So, when your boat is exposed to sunlight it prevents degradation and fading. Epoxy, however, provides excellent protection and durability for below waterline as well as harsh coastal environments.

What is the life span of our boat paints?

Our boat paints are durable and designed to withstand marine conditions for a long period of time. The lifespan of our boat paints will depend on their usage and environmental factors. We would recommend a fresh coat every 3 to 5 years for moderately used boats and 1 to 2 years for high-performance boats.  

Does marine paint require a primer?

Yes, marine paint will typically require a primer on bare substrates.When painting fibreglass/GRP you will need to use a fibreglass primer which ensures proper adhesion ready for the top coat. When painting metal you will need an anti-corrosive primer which is essential to protect against rusting.Wood however does not need a primer. We recommend thinning the first coat down by 20% with compatible thinners that will then act as the primer.

If you are going over existing paint we only recommend if the coating is in a poor condition, as the primer effectively covers patchy or unevenly colored areas, creating a smooth, even base for the topcoat application. It's especially useful when changing colors from dark to light shades, ensuring optimal coverage and color uniformity. Always check the product's specifications to determine what's needed. 

Can you paint over old boat paint?

Yes, you can paint over old boat paint. Always check the compatibility with the new paint and existing as epoxy paints can attack existing polyurethane paints. Preparation is key to ensure good intercoat adhesion. This involves cleaning the surface, removing any flaking paint and lightly abrading the existing coating.  

Which paint would you recommend for salt water?

For saltwater environments, when painting metal we would recommend a two pack epoxy primer and top coat system which is designed specifically for harsh marine settings. For the best protection you should use either a Two Pack epoxy zinc rich or Zinc Phosphate followed by Two pack epoxy MIO (Micaceous Iron Oxide) followed by the epoxy Two Pack Epoxy Marine Top Coat. This paint delivers water-resistance, making it ideal for submerged areas such as hulls, pontoons or coastal steel work in salt water. Its epoxy formula creates a tough protective layer on primed metal, fiberglass and GRP. This system is not recommended for wood. 

Which paint would you recommend for fresh water?

For freshwater use, we would recommend the Two Pack Epoxy Marine Boat Paint or the Single Pack Polyurethane Marine Paint. Both options are designed for maintaining boats in freshwater environments. The epoxy paint provides strong adhesion and chemical resistance to metal and fibreglass, while the polyurethane offers UV protection suitable for wood, primed metal and primed fibreglass.