Main Types of Paints Used for Boat Bottom Painting

by Skippers Review Boat and Yachts Services

It’s time to keep your boat free from marine growth and maximize its performance by using boat bottom paints. The question is how do I know which type of paint is the best fit?

To help you make a decision that works for you, we will talk about the various types of marine bottom paints available in detail.

Chemical-Based Boat Bottom Paint

Since paint is a mixture of chemicals, have you ever given thought to the impact of these boat bottom paints on marine life? So, maybe you should think about choosing an environmentally friendly boat bottom paint.

Antifouling Boat Bottom Paint

There are numerous types of antifouling boat bottom paints available on the market which is the latest in trend. However, most of the antifouling bottom paints are also harmful to marine life just like chemical-based paints. The good news is that the latest coatings are formulated to have a less toxic effect on marine life. Teflon, Silicon, and other types of non-fouling painting colors are also there. These rely on a smooth surface to inhibit development rather than on toxic elements to kill growth.

Different Types of Antifouling Paint Which are Currently in Use:

Ablative

“Sloughing" paints are somewhat dissolvable. They are the least expensive and performance-deprived ablative paints. You can use these paints for only one season. These paints utilize a soft rosin binder having low copper content.

Hard Antifouling

If you keep your boat in the water for a part of the year, it is important to keep the hull free of marine growth to preserve its optimal performance. This can be achieved with one or more coats of quality antifouling paint. Hard antifouling boat bottom paint has expanded antifouling properties with constrained draining or sloughing of poisonous metals into the marine environment.

Teflon/Silicon Coatings

It produces hard, smooth surfaces to which fouling development can't append. All of these non-toxic coatings are not as viable as the biocide-based paints.

Eco-Friendly Boat Bottom Paint

In addition to the chemical-based antifouling boat bottom paints, there are various types of eco-friendly boat bottom paints. These type of environment-friendly paints do not contain any harmful chemicals. So, these paints cause no damage to marine life. Some companies now have zero-metal products based on Econea, a biocide that is reported to be as effective in 6% solutions as paint containing 50% copper oxide.

How To Avoid Bottom Painting At All?

Here are some tips which can help to facilitate the natural effect of routine boat maintenance:

Keep a Supply of Oil-Absorbent Rags on Board

Indeed, even small spills of oil can taint an enormous volume of water. Keeping a supply of these clothes is convenient for cleaning up oil or fuel spills. This will help you to keep a greater amount of these harmful substances out of the water.

Keep Used Solvents Separate from Used Oil

Don’t even try to mix wastes, or pour dangerous wastes down drains, on the ground or into the water surface.

Wax Your Boat

A decent layer of wax on a fiberglass boat will decrease the requirement for cleansers when you wash your boat. The residue of salt happens normally and will do no mischief when washed into the water.

To know more, feel free to contact Skippers Review.