Best Boat Enamel For A Flawless Topside Finish

When it comes to boats, the paint you choose depends on several factors, including the type of boat, the environment it will be used in, and your budget. Topside paints are meant for use above the waterline and are designed for the superstructure of the boat, such as the deck and cabin. They need to be durable, abrasion-resistant, UV-resistant, fade-resistant, and flexible. There are a variety of topside paints available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. This article will explore the different types of topside enamel, their advantages and considerations, and help you decide which one is the best fit for your boat.

Topside paint for wooden boats

When it comes to topside paint for wooden boats, there are several factors to consider to ensure a professional-grade finish. Firstly, it is crucial to select a paint that is compatible with the wooden surface. Enamel boat paint is an ideal choice for wooden boats due to its flexibility when cured, allowing it to move with the wood as temperatures and humidity change.

Several products on the market offer excellent results for wooden boats. Duralux, a high-gloss marine enamel, is affordable and easy to apply. It is recommended to use a primer with Duralux, especially when applying it to wooden surfaces, to ensure maximum bonding and adhesion. Another option is Aluma Hawk, a flat paint and primer in one, which is widely used for hunting and fishing boats. It is available in various colours, including white, blue, sand, aluminium grey, Jon boat green, and black.

For those seeking a more premium option, Awlgrip is widely regarded as the best yacht paint for topsides, producing the smoothest finish. Awlgrip requires the use of proper activators and reducers and is recommended to be applied by professionals. While it is the most expensive option, it delivers the finest results and is a favourite among buyers.

When choosing a topside paint for wooden boats, it is essential to consider factors such as ease of application, UV stability, finish type, abrasion resistance, and price. One-part polyurethane topside paints or one-part marine enamels are user-friendly options that can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray gun. They offer good colour retention and adhere well to a range of marine primers. Additionally, they dry relatively quickly and provide a glossy, professional finish with less effort than two-part polyurethanes. However, two-part polyurethanes offer superior UV stability and longer-lasting results, making them ideal for boats in tropical climates.

For wooden boats, it is crucial to select a paint that can withstand the unique challenges posed by wood as a boat-building material. By choosing the right paint and following manufacturer instructions, you can achieve a high-quality, long-lasting finish for your wooden boat.

Topside paint for fibreglass boats

When choosing topside paint for a fibreglass boat, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, fibreglass boats require a hard, durable, and flexible finish that won't lift, peel, or crack. It is also important to consider the ease of application, UV stability, substrate, finish type, abrasion resistance, submersion tolerance, and price.

For fibreglass boats, a polyurethane topside paint is an excellent choice. Polyurethane topside paints are known for their durability and flexibility, ensuring a long-lasting finish. They are available in one-part or two-part varieties. One-part polyurethane topside paints, such as TotalBoat Wet Edge, are easy to apply using a brush, roller, or spray gun. They offer good colour retention, quick drying times, and glossy results. On the other hand, two-part polyurethane topside paints provide superior UV stability and longevity but are more expensive and require more technical application processes.

When selecting a topside paint for a fibreglass boat, it is essential to choose a product specifically designed for fibreglass surfaces. The paint should be able to adhere well to the fibreglass and expand and contract with the hull's movement. Additionally, consider the desired finish, such as high-gloss or low-sheen, depending on the desired level of UV protection and the need to hide surface imperfections.

Some popular options for fibreglass boats include the TotalBoat Wet Edge, a one-part polyurethane topside paint with a high-gloss finish, and the Awlgrip, a more expensive but highly regarded option that offers the best results. When applying topside paint to a fibreglass boat, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for surface preparation, application methods, and drying times.

In summary, when choosing topside paint for a fibreglass boat, opt for a durable and flexible polyurethane paint that adheres well to fibreglass. Consider factors such as ease of application, UV stability, finish type, and price to make an informed decision. With the right choice of paint and proper application techniques, you can give your fibreglass boat a stunning and long-lasting finish.

Topside paint for aluminium boats

When choosing topside paint for your aluminium boat, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want a paint that is durable, abrasion-resistant, UV-resistant, fade-resistant, and flexible. Aluminium boats, in particular, require a copper-free paint that won't cause galvanic corrosion.

One option specifically designed for aluminium boats is TotalBoat Aluminium Boat Paint. This paint is a durable, one-part polyurethane formula that adheres directly to aluminium and galvanised metal. It provides a corrosion-resistant, non-reflective, low-sheen finish and is available in a range of colours, including Earth Brown, Khaki, Black, White, Light Gray, and Army Green. TotalBoat Aluminium Boat Paint can be applied by brush, roller, or spray gun, and it dries quickly, allowing you to recoat without sanding in just one hour at 72°F. It is also environmentally friendly, with low VOCs, low odour, and easy soap and water cleanup.

Another option for aluminium boats is Aluma Hawk Boat Paint by Sea Hawk Paints. This paint can be used above or below the waterline and comes in a range of colours, including white, blue, sand, aluminium grey, Jon boat green, and black.

When applying topside paint to your aluminium boat, it is important to properly prepare the surface. Clean the aluminium thoroughly to remove any dirt, oil, grease, or contaminants, and ensure that the surface is completely dry. If the aluminium has a dull, oxidised appearance, you may need to sand it until it is shiny and then remove the sanding residue.

In terms of application method, you can use a brush, roller, or spray gun. If using a brush, it is recommended to use long, flexible bristles and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to minimise brush marks. For rollers, choose a solvent-resistant, high-density closed-cell size foam roller to minimise the formation of bubbles.

Additionally, consider the finish type you desire. High-gloss finishes reflect ultraviolet rays, providing greater UV resistance, while low-sheen and no-sheen paints are better at hiding imperfections and provide better traction on surfaces that may become wet.

Topside paint for saltwater

When choosing topside paint for your boat, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the ease of application is important. One-part polyurethane topside paint or one-part marine enamel is easy to apply with a brush, roller, or spray gun, dries quickly, and provides a glossy finish. However, if you're looking for the hardest application with the best finish, go for a two-part polyurethane like Awlgrip, which requires technical application skills and the use of primers, catalysts, and thinners.

Secondly, consider the substrate of your boat. If your boat is made of wood, enamel paint is a good choice as it remains flexible when cured, allowing it to expand and contract with the wood. For fiberglass boats, a hard and durable polyurethane topside paint is ideal to prevent lifting, peeling, or cracking. Aluminum boats require a special type of paint that won't cause galvanic corrosion, such as a copper-free topside paint.

Thirdly, think about the finish type you prefer. High-gloss finishes offer greater UV resistance by reflecting ultraviolet rays, but they also accentuate surface imperfections. Low-sheen and no-sheen paints, on the other hand, are better at hiding imperfections and provide better traction on surfaces like cabin soles and galleys.

Another factor to consider is abrasion resistance. If your boat undergoes significant wear and tear, such as being dragged over rocky beaches or trailer use, you'll need a paint with higher abrasion resistance. Two-part paints offer superior hardness and abrasion resistance compared to one-part paints.

Additionally, price is a factor. One-part marine paints are generally more affordable than two-part paints, with the latter costing up to four times more per square foot of coverage.

Lastly, if you plan to use your boat in saltwater, it's crucial to choose a paint specifically designed for saltwater use. Saltwater is highly corrosive, so a saltwater-specific paint will ensure durability and longevity. Some recommended paints for saltwater use include Interlux Micron 66, Interlux Micron CF, Pettit Trinidad HD, and Pettit Premium HRT.

Topside paint for freshwater

When choosing topside paint for your boat, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the ease of application is an important factor. One-part polyurethane topside paint or one-part marine enamel is easy to apply with a brush, roller, or spray gun. They also dry fairly quickly and can give you a glossy, professional finish with less effort than a two-part polyurethane.

Secondly, consider the UV stability of the paint. While two-part polyurethanes are more UV stable and last longer, a one-part polyurethane will provide more than adequate UV resistance if your boat is not in a tropical climate.

The substrate of your boat is another factor to consider when choosing topside paint. If your boat is made of wood, enamel boat paint is a good choice as it remains flexible when cured, which is important as wood flexes with changes in temperature and humidity. For fiberglass boats, a hard and durable polyurethane topside paint is recommended to prevent lifting, peeling, or cracking. If you have an aluminum boat, you will need to choose a copper-free topside paint to avoid galvanic corrosion.

The finish type is another consideration. High-gloss finishes reflect ultraviolet rays and tend to have greater UV resistance, but they also make surface imperfections stand out. Low-sheen and no-sheen paints, such as matte, satin, and flat finishes, are better at hiding imperfections and provide better traction when wet, making them a good choice for cabin soles, galleys, and other areas where wet traction is needed.

Abrasion resistance is another factor to consider, especially if your boat experiences a lot of wear and tear. While one-part paints offer some abrasion resistance, two-part paints are harder and more abrasion-resistant when cured.

Finally, price is also an important consideration. One-part marine paints are typically less expensive than two-part paints, with two-part polyurethanes costing two to four times more per square foot of coverage.

When it comes to specific recommendations for topside paint for freshwater, here are a few options:

• Blue Water Mega Gloss: This paint is affordable and easy to apply, but it is only recommended for above the waterline. It works best when applied in very thin coats, and you can find prep recommendations on the product page.
• Interlux Brightside: This paint is commonly used for topside gloss surfaces with moderate water exposure and offers popular colour options.
• Duralux High Gloss Marine Enamel: This is a low-cost option that is easy to apply and is recommended for above the waterline or moderate use on the bottom. It works best when applied in thin coats, and you can find prep recommendations on the product page.
• Aluma Hawk: This is a flat paint/primer in one option that is extremely popular for hunting and fishing boats. It is available in a range of colours, including white, blue, sand, aluminum gray, Jon boat green, and black.
• Awlgrip: This is the best available boat paint for the topside finish, but it is also the most expensive. Some Awlgrip paints can be brushed or rolled, while others must be sprayed. It also requires more "do-it-yourself savvy" to apply and the correct activators and reducers. The manufacturer recommends it for use above the waterline only and by professionals.

Frequently asked questions