Applying Nonskid To Your Boat: A Comprehensive Guide

Non-skid surfaces are essential for safety on a boat, providing much-needed traction to prevent slips and falls. There are several options available to boat owners looking to renew their non-skid surface, each with its own pros and cons. This includes non-skid deck paints with grit material added, deck paints with a textured surface, and non-skid mats or coverings. The best option for your boat will depend on factors such as cost, durability, ease of installation and cleaning, and the level of traction provided.

Non-skid deck paint with grit material for traction

Non-skid deck paint with grit material is an effective way to improve traction and safety on a boat. This is especially important on a boat, where decks are often awash with rain, dew, spray, and other liquids, making them slippery and unsafe.

There are several non-skid paint products available that can be applied to boat decks, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, Interlux offers Interdeck, a pre-mixed, slip-resistant, single-component, ready-to-use deck paint that can be applied over a primer. Another option is to mix your own non-skid finish by adding Intergrip Polymeric non-skid compound to any Perfection or Brightside Polyurethane finish. Intergrip consists of small plastic spheres that provide excellent non-slip properties without being too gritty. This can be applied by hand broadcasting—sprinkling the Intergrip over the first coat of paint to achieve the desired texture, then applying a second coat after the paint dries.

Another product to consider is TotalBoat TotalTread Non-Skid Deck Paint, a marine-grade anti-slip coating for boat decks. This product is easy to apply and provides a durable, textured, high-traction surface that is comfortable underfoot and less abrasive than traditional silica additives. It can be applied to fiberglass, wood, and previously painted surfaces, and it is recommended to apply two coats for greater traction.

When choosing a non-skid paint, it is important to consider factors such as slip resistance, ease of cleaning, and color options. Some products may also be better suited for certain types of surfaces or environments. For example, some non-skid paints may be more effective in wet conditions, while others may be designed for heavy foot traffic or exposure to sunlight. It is also essential to properly prepare the surface before applying the paint to ensure proper adhesion and durability.

Non-skid deck paint with a textured surface

There are several products available on the market that can be used to create a non-skid textured surface on a boat deck. One option is to use a pre-mixed, slip-resistant deck paint such as Interdeck by Interlux. This paint can be applied directly to a properly prepared surface and is available in a range of colours. Another option is to mix your own non-skid finish by adding a polymeric non-skid compound, such as Intergrip, to a polyurethane finish. This allows for customisation of the texture and colour but may require more preparation and application steps.

When applying non-skid deck paint, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. The surface to be painted should be clean and free of contaminants. Lightly abrade the surface and wipe it down with a suitable solvent to ensure good adhesion. If needed, apply a suitable primer and allow it to dry completely. Stir the non-skid paint thoroughly before application and use a brush or roller for best results. Multiple coats may be required for optimal traction and durability, with more coats resulting in a more aggressive grip.

Non-skid deck paint is an effective way to improve safety and comfort on a boat. By following the manufacturer's instructions and taking the time to properly prepare the surface, a boat owner can achieve a high-traction and long-lasting finish.

Non-skid mats or coverings

Non-skid mats and coverings are a popular choice for boat owners due to their effectiveness, ease of installation, and customisability. They are available in a wide range of colours and finishes, including faux teak. Their cushioned nature provides shock absorption and noise reduction, increasing comfort for those on board.

Some popular examples of non-skid mats and coverings include Treadmaster, SeaDek, and Esthec Nautical decking. Treadmaster and Esthec panels are glued in place using a manufacturer-supplied adhesive, while SeaDek uses marine-grade 3M pressure-sensitive adhesive backing, allowing for a simple peel-and-stick application.

The cost of non-skid mats and coverings is typically higher than that of deck paints, but they offer more design options in terms of patterns and colours.

When installing non-skid mats or coverings, it is important to properly prepare the surface. Wash the deck with a mild boat soap to remove any dirt, grease, or other contaminants, and allow it to dry before sanding. If there is old, failing non-skid, it will need to be removed before installing the new one. Sand the deck with an orbital sander, using 60-grit paper to level the area, and finish with 120-grit for a smoother surface. Vacuum any dust and wipe down the surface with a rag and fiberglass solvent wash.

Non-skid mats and coverings provide an effective and durable solution for boat owners seeking to improve safety and comfort on their vessels.

Interlux's Interdeck and Perfection non-skid finish

To apply Interlux's Interdeck and Perfection non-skid finish to your boat, you'll first need to ensure you have the right equipment and safety gear. Interlux recommends safety goggles, nitrile rubber gloves, overalls, and a solvent mask. It's also important to ensure the area you're working in is well-ventilated.

Once you have the necessary safety gear, you can begin preparing the surface of your boat. If the surface has been previously painted, check for any damage, separation, or peeling, and ensure that the existing coating is firmly adhered. If the previous finish is in poor condition, it should be completely removed. For bare fibreglass surfaces, scrub with soap and water using a stiff brush, then rinse and allow to dry. Wipe the surface with a clean rag wetted with Fiberglass Solvent Wash 202, then wipe again with a clean, dry rag. Repeat this process until the entire surface is cleaned. Finally, sand the surface using 180-220 grit paper and remove the sanding residue.

Now you're ready to apply the Interdeck or Perfection non-skid finish. Interdeck is a pre-mixed, slip-resistant, single-component, ready-to-use deck paint that can be applied over Prekote primer or Epoxy Primekote primer 404/414. Simply stir and apply.

If you prefer to mix your own non-skid finish, you can transform any of the Perfection or Brightside Polyurethane finishes into a non-skid finish by adding Intergrip Polymeric non-skid compound 2398. Intergrip is made of small plastic spheres that provide excellent non-slip properties while having a low tendency to collect dirt. Simply add 4-6 ounces of Intergrip per quart of Perfection or Brightside, mix thoroughly, and apply 1-2 coats using a brush or roller. There's no need to sand between coats.

Another option is the hand broadcasting method. Apply one coat of Interlux Perfection or Brightside, and while the paint is still wet, sprinkle Intergrip over the surface as needed to achieve your desired texture. It's best to put the Intergrip in a flour sifter or salt shaker for even dispensing. Avoid heavy application, as it won't improve slip resistance. Allow the paint to dry overnight, then remove the excess Intergrip and apply the second coat of paint.

Pressure washing

Preparation:

First, ensure that you remove any loose equipment and items that could be damaged or pushed around by the high-pressure water. This includes things like seat cushions, canopies, walkie-talkies, and buckets. Close all doors, windows, hatches, and portholes to prevent water from getting into the boat's interior.

Choosing the Right Equipment and Settings:

Use a pressure cleaner with at least 2000 PSI. Select an angled nozzle with a wide tip; nozzles labelled "safe for cars" are generally safe for boats. Avoid using a 0-degree nozzle as it may be too powerful.

Cleaning Solutions:

Use a biodegradable detergent that is approved for use in your pressure cleaner's user manual. Avoid ammonia-based cleaning solutions as they can be too harsh and damaging to your boat and the cleaner.

Cleaning Process:

Attach the pressure washer soap nozzle and spray the boat from the bottom up to prevent streaking. Let the detergent sit for about 5 minutes, keeping the surface wet. If you're dealing with stubborn stains, mildew, or algae, use a rotating scrub brush attachment along with the detergent. After letting the detergent work its magic, it's time to rinse. Attach a 25-degree nozzle and rinse the boat from top to bottom. This ensures that all the dirt and grime wash off, and it prevents streaking. Don't forget to include the motor and trailer in your rinsing. Just be careful to maintain a distance from the motor to avoid getting large amounts of detergent into it. Finally, flush the motor as you normally would to remove any remaining detergent.

Post-Cleaning Care:

A day or two after pressure washing, consider waxing the boat hull to protect it and maintain its luster. Remember to remove the hull plug so the sump area can breathe. Do not wax non-skid surfaces.

Frequently asked questions