Marine coating protects your ships and boats from corrosion and weathering. Types of coatings include polymers, oxides and powder coatings. Anti-fouling coatings are applied to ship hulls to repel algae, seaweed, barnacles and other organisms. It can be a component of the paint or applied as a separate coating before painting.

Whether your boating business is industrial or recreational, choosing a marine paint is important. The right paint can keep your boat looking good and reduce maintenance chores and costs. Some things to consider when choosing boat coating are:

1. Look for industrial marine coatings that are environmentally friendly as well as cost efficient.

2. Keep in mind that some types of coatings have been banned from use by the EPA.

3. Consider having your boat custom painted or professionally coated.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get guidance in choosing boat paint

Find information about types and manufacturers of paint.

I recommend: The University of California Sea Grant Extension Program provides a helpful guide for choosing hull paint based on cost, environmental considerations and other factors. AntifoulingPaint.com provides links to TBT-free paints and anti-fouling agents.

Look to large chemical companies for innovative industrial marine paint

A ban instituted by the International Maritime Organization prohibits the use of Tributyltin (TBT), a trialkyl organotin long used to prevent algae build-up on hulls. Since then, manufacturers have developed alternatives to TBT.

I recommend: Arch Chemicals Inc. and Rohm and Haas Company manufacture environmentally safe industrial marine bottom paint that prevents bacterial slime, algae, barnacles, seaweed and other marine organisms.

Find a marine paint specialist

If you require custom boat paint or coating services, find a specialist to do the job for you.

I recommend: Powder coating can be applied to a variety of boat hardware components and provides a durable and attractive finish. Performance Powder Coatings and Atlantic Powder Coating serve large and small boating operators. CHN Metal Finishing Group offers hard coat anodizing services. Guardado Marine Corporation specializes in custom graphics and paint for all types of boats. American Yacht Enterprises Inc. provides dockside paint repairs and repainting services.

Buy marine coating online

Marine coating and paint can be purchased from many online retailers.

I recommend: Blue Water Marine Paint offers a complete line of topside enamels, urethane, bottom paints and epoxy primers. What a Job Marine products include a line of non-toxic coatings in bright colors that can be applied over most anti-foulants.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Clean your boat thoroughly before applying boat paint. Strip wax with a wax remover. To remove old decals,use a heat source, like a hair dryer, to loosen them, then carefully remove with a razor blade.