Andrew Pace
Bottom paints are usually one of two types: hard or ablative. Hard bottom paints dry hard and stay that way, whereas ablative paints wear away gradually as water flows under the hull. Hard paints are effective for a single season, whereas ablative paints come in single-season and multi-season varieties. Bottom paints are used to prevent biofoulers from attaching to the surface of the boat.
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What You'll Learn
Hard bottom paint vs ablative paint
Bottom paints are usually one of two types: hard or ablative. Hard bottom paint dries hard and stays that way, while ablative paint wears away gradually as water flows under the hull, exposing a fresh burst of biocide to prevent biofoulers from attaching to the surface.
Hard bottom paint is effective for a single season and builds up over time, eventually requiring costly removal. It is also less expensive than ablative antifouling paint. However, hard bottom paint loses its copper and effectiveness if the boat is kept out of the water for more than 60 days after application. For this reason, hard bottom paint is typically used on boats that remain in the water for extended periods and are operated at faster speeds, as it can be burnished to increase hull smoothness and speed.
Ablative paint comes in single-season and multi-season varieties and does not build up. It is designed to wear away gradually, exposing fresh layers of biocide, and works whether the boat is at anchor or underway. Some copolymer ablatives are effective for multiple seasons and only need a light scuffing to reactivate the antifouling. Ablative paint is great for boats that are used more often and can withstand trailering and beaching.
It is important to note that you cannot put hard paint over ablative paint because the ablative paint will slough off and take the hard paint with it.
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How to prepare a boat for painting
Before painting the bottom of a boat, it is important to prepare the surface. First, you should use a chemical stripper to remove any old antifouling paint. If you find any damage to the hull or barrier coat, you will need to apply an epoxy barrier coat before painting. Next, use a power washer to remove any remaining dirt or light fouling. For heavier fouling, use a strong acid-based bottom cleaner, wearing eye protection, a respirator and rubber gloves.
Once the surface is clean, you can choose your paint. Bottom paints are usually either hard or ablative. Hard bottom paints dry hard and remain that way, working constantly while the boat is in the water. They are less expensive than ablative paints but are only effective for a single season and will build up over time, requiring costly removal. They are best for boats that remain in the water for extended periods, as they lose their copper and effectiveness if the boat is kept out of the water for more than 60 days. Ablative paints wear away gradually as water flows under the hull, exposing a fresh burst of biocide to prevent biofoulers from attaching. They come in single-season and multi-season varieties and do not build up.
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What to do if you find hull damage
If you find hull damage when stripping old antifouling, you will need to apply an epoxy barrier coat before applying bottom paint. This is a necessary step to protect the hull from further damage.
If you are using hard bottom paint, it is important to note that it will lose its copper faster and its effectiveness if the boat is kept out of the water for more than 60 days after application. For this reason, hard bottom paint is typically used on boats that remain in the water for extended periods. It is also ideal for boats operated at faster speeds, like racing boats, as it can be burnished to increase hull smoothness and speed.
On the other hand, ablative bottom paint wears away gradually as water flows under the hull, either from use or tidal movements. As the paint wears away, it releases a fresh burst of biocide to prevent biofoulers from attaching to the surface. This type of paint is more effective for boats that are frequently in and out of the water.
When choosing a bottom paint, it is always a good idea to consult fellow boaters and local boatyard professionals to determine which type of paint will work best for your specific needs. They can help you consider factors such as how much time your boat spends in the water and how often it moves, which will impact the effectiveness of the paint.
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How long does bottom paint last?
The longevity of bottom paint depends on several factors, including the type of paint, the water conditions, and the usage of the boat.
Hard bottom paints are effective for a single season and build up over time, eventually requiring costly removal. They are typically less expensive than ablative antifouling paints. However, they lose their copper and effectiveness faster if the boat is kept out of the water for more than 60 days after painting. For this reason, hard bottom paint is often used on boats that remain in the water for extended periods.
Ablative paints come in single-season and multi-season varieties and do not build up over time. They wear away gradually as water flows under the hull, exposing a fresh burst of biocide to prevent biofouling.
In general, bottom paint can last anywhere from two to five years, depending on the factors mentioned above. Some boat owners report needing to repaint every two years, while others can go up to five years without noticeable effects. The type of paint used also plays a role, as ablative paints tend to last longer than hard bottom paints.
Additionally, the water conditions can impact the longevity of bottom paint. For example, in areas where there is significant growth of organisms, such as zebra mussels, the paint may need to be replaced more frequently.
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How to remove bottom paint
Bottom paints are usually one of two types: hard or ablative. Hard bottom paints are less expensive than ablative antifouling paints, but they are only effective for a single season and will eventually require costly removal. Ablative paints come in single-season and multi-season varieties and do not build up over time.
To remove bottom paint, you can use a chemical stripper that works with bottom paint. If you find hull damage or damage to the barrier coat, you will need to apply an epoxy barrier coat before applying bottom paint. For heavier fouling, use a strong acid-based bottom cleaner such as MaryKate's On-Off. Be sure to wear eye protection, a good respirator and rubber gloves, as the cleaner is very caustic.
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Frequently asked questions
Bottom paints are usually one of two types: hard or ablative. Hard bottom paints are less expensive than ablative antifouling paints, but they are only effective for a single season and will eventually require costly removal. Ablative paints come in single-season and multi-season varieties and do not build up.
Hard bottom paint dries hard and stays that way. It works constantly while the boat is in the water, regardless of whether the boat is moving, and stops working once all its copper biocide gradually leaches out. Hard bottom paints lose their copper faster if the boat is kept out of the water for more than 60 days after applying the paint.
Ablative bottom paint wears away gradually as water flows under the hull, either from use or tidal movements. As the paint wears away, it exposes a fresh burst of biocide to keep biofoulers from attaching to the surface.
Power-washing works great to remove any remaining dirt or light fouling. For heavier fouling, use a strong acid-based bottom cleaner such as MaryKate’s On-Off. Be sure to wear eye protection, a good respirator and rubber gloves, as the cleaner is very caustic. If you stripped the old antifouling and found hull damage or damage to the barrier coat, or if you’re painting a new boat for the first time, you’ll need to apply an epoxy barrier coat before applying bottom paint.
