Zolatone Coating For Aluminum Boats: Best Product Options

Zolatone is a spatter paint commonly used for interior finish in aluminium boats. It is also used in car trunks and is known to cover up imperfections. However, it is prone to flaking and peeling and requires a special spray gun with low pressure for application. Before applying Zolatone, the aluminium surface should be cleaned, degreased, and scuffed. A primer may also be necessary. Clear coating is recommended to protect the paint and make it last longer.

There are several Zolatone products available, including the TotalBoat Final Coat, Seahawk Zolatone, TotalBoat Zolatone, Tuff Coat Zolatone, and Duralux Zolatone. Each product has unique features and is suitable for different applications.

Zolatone vs. other products

Zolatone is a spatter paint that has been used for years in car trunks and for the interior finish of aluminum boats. It is a popular choice for boat manufacturers due to its ability to cover up imperfections and make rivets almost vanish.

Zolatone can be touched up, but it requires going back to bare metal and repeating the entire painting process, which can be costly and time-consuming. This process includes mechanically abrading the surface, removing the aluminum oxide film, replacing it with another oxide film, and then applying the primer and topcoat.

Some alternative products to Zolatone for aluminum boats include:

• Line-X: A more durable option, but there are limited dealers who will do boat work with specialized coatings.
• Truck bed liner: While this option may be more durable, it can be difficult to remove if it peels, as it may come off in sheets.
• Acid etching: This method can improve the uniformity of the boat's color without the need for painting. However, it requires full personal protective equipment (PPE) due to the use of potentially dangerous acids.
• Sherwin Williams: This brand offers a range of paints and primers suitable for aluminum boats, including their Dura Plate 235 epoxy and Acrolon 218 polyurethane acrylic top coat.
• Alexseal and Awlgrip: These are mentioned as other paints similar to Sherwin Williams in terms of quality.

When choosing between Zolatone and other products for an aluminum boat, it is essential to consider the level of effort, cost, and maintenance involved. Painting an aluminum boat requires significant preparation and maintenance, and the decision to paint should be made with full knowledge of these factors.

Best Zolatone paints for aluminium boats

Painting an aluminium boat can be a tricky process, but Zolatone paints are a great option for a durable and professional-looking finish. Here is a guide to the best Zolatone paints for aluminium boats, along with some tips on application and preparation.

Best Overall: TotalBoat Final Coat

TotalBoat Final Coat is an excellent choice for aluminium boats as it can be applied directly to the metal and used as a primer or topcoat. It has a smooth finish, low odour, and is easy to clean up with just soap and water. This paint is extremely durable and is suitable for both fresh and saltwater use.

Best With Previously Painted Surfaces: Seahawk Zolatone Paint

Seahawk Zolatone Paint is a quick-drying, corrosion-inhibiting coating designed for aluminium. It requires no primer and is compatible with previously painted surfaces. This paint is chromate-free and can be used above or below the waterline, but it does not have antifouling characteristics.

Best For Boatyards: TotalBoat Zolatone Paint

TotalBoat Zolatone Paint is ideal for aluminium boats, outboards, and outdrives. It can be applied by brushing, rolling, or spraying, and it works well on properly prepared steel, iron, and other underwater metals. This paint is a great choice for boatyards as it offers single-season protection against barnacles, slime, and algae growth.

Best With Amazing Coverage: Seahawk Great Durable Paint

Seahawk's Great Durable Paint is another excellent option, offering amazing coverage and compatibility with previously painted surfaces. This paint is designed for use on aluminium and does not require a primer. It is chromate-free and can be used above or below the waterline but does not have antifouling characteristics.

Best For Fiberglass: Tuff Coat Zolatone Paint

Tuff Coat Zolatone Paint is perfect for a range of surfaces, including fiberglass, wood, metal, and previously painted surfaces. It provides a highly durable, impact-resistant, non-slip finish, making it an excellent choice for boat floors and other areas requiring slip resistance.

Best For High Performance: Duralux Zolatone Paint

Duralux Zolatone Paint offers a complete line of high-performance products and is a popular choice among boat owners. It can be used on commercial or pleasure boats and is available in a variety of colours to satisfy the most discriminating tastes.

Tips for Application and Preparation:

When applying Zolatone paint to an aluminium boat, it is important to follow the correct sequence and prepare the surface properly. Here are some key steps to ensure a successful paint job:

• Clean the metal with a suitable solvent and degrease with soap and water.
• Sand or etch the metal to create an "anchor pattern" for better paint adhesion.
• Prime the metal with a suitable primer, such as Zolatone PE480 Grey Primer.
• Apply the Zolatone paint of your choice, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Consider using a clear coat over the Zolatone paint for added protection.

Additionally, when working with paints and chemicals, always wear full personal protective equipment (PPE), including an organic vapour respirator and protective clothing.

Zolatone paint flaking

Zolatone is a durable coating that can be applied to a wide variety of surfaces, including aluminium. It is much tougher than regular paint, resisting wear from abrasion, scratching, and chipping. However, despite its durability, Zolatone paint can still flake, especially when used on boats.

There are several reasons why Zolatone paint may flake. One common cause is the absence of an etching primer. Aluminium boats often lack this type of primer, which can result in paint peeling. Applying a clear coat over the Zolatone can help mitigate this issue, providing additional protection and reducing the severity of flaking.

Another factor contributing to Zolatone paint flaking is the electrical charge emitted by the boat. If the boat does not have good zinc anodes, the electrical charge can cause the paint to peel and flake. Additionally, exposure to sunlight can also affect the paint's adhesion, as UV rays can break down the paint's bond over time.

To address Zolatone paint flaking, several steps can be taken. Firstly, ensure that the aluminium surface is properly prepared before painting. This includes cleaning, degreasing, and either sanding or etching the metal to create an anchor pattern for better paint adhesion. Additionally, using a pressure feed spray gun and pressure pot can help achieve a more consistent and durable coating.

Applying a suitable primer is crucial. Zolatone offers specific primers, such as the Zolatone PE480 Grey Primer, which can enhance adhesion and reduce flaking. After priming, apply the Zolatone paint in multiple thin coats rather than a single thick coat, as this will result in a smoother and more durable finish. Finally, consider applying a clear coat over the Zolatone paint to provide extra protection and reduce the likelihood of flaking.

Zolatone 20 & preparation

Zolatone 20 is a polychromatic, modified nitrocellulose coating with a flat background colour and accenting fleck colours. It is designed to give a decorative and camouflaging effect that is durable, flexible, and simple to maintain and repair.

Zolatone 20 can be used on aluminium and fibreglass boat interiors, as well as truck beds, industrial equipment, aircraft interiors, and furniture. It is a tough coating that resists wear from abrasion, scratching, and chipping. It is far tougher than regular paint.

To prepare a surface for Zolatone 20, first clean the metal with a suitable solvent and degrease with soap and water. Then, either sand or etch the metal in preparation for priming. You can use a buffing/sanding rotary pad sander to create an "anchor pattern" for the paint to adhere to. Alternatively, you can chemically bond the paint by acid-etching and adding allodyne. You can also use a self-etching primer.

After preparing the surface, prime the metal with a suitable primer. For the Zolatone 20 series, no special spray equipment is needed, and the product comes ready to use with no need for reducing or thinning. Apply the Zolatone 20 with either a pressure-feed conventional spray gun or a pressure-feed HVLP spray gun. The fluid tip/needle must be a minimum of 2.0-2.4mm. Allow the Zolatone 20 to dry, and then apply a clear coat.

One gallon of Zolatone 20 covers up to 125-175 sq. ft., depending on the substrate, particle size, colour, and application method. It takes 2 hours to dry to the touch at 70°F and 50% humidity, and a full cure is achieved in 5-7 days. It can be force-dried at 140°F in 30-60 minutes.

Boat interior paint options

Zolatone Paint

Zolatone paint is a common option for painting the interior of aluminium boats. It is a spatter paint, which means it spits and spatters when applied, so several passes may be needed to adequately cover the surface. Zolatone can be applied with a special spray gun at low pressure (50psi max). It is also possible to use a gravity gun to apply Zolatone.

Before applying Zolatone, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned and degreased. It is also important to scuff the surface with something like a Scotch-Brite pad to give the paint something to stick to. A primer can be applied before the Zolatone, and a clear coat can be applied after to protect the paint and make it last longer.

Zolatone is available in a range of colours and can be purchased from automotive paint stores or online.

Bedliner

Bedliner is another option for painting the interior of a boat. It can be sprayed on and is fairly easy to apply, but it is fairly expensive. It is not clear how well it bonds to aluminium, so it may not be the best option for an aluminium boat.

Hammered or Fleck Paints

Hammered or fleck paints are also an option for painting a boat interior. They are easier to spray than Zolatone and have a similar prep process. They may be a more affordable option, but it is unclear how well they hold up over time.

Other Options

Other options for painting a boat interior include:

• Herculiner: A product that can be painted or rolled on and is available in a range of colours.
• Clear Coat: A clear coat can be applied over paint to protect it and make it last longer.
• Etching Primer: An etching primer can be used to help paint adhere better to aluminium.
• Acid Etching: Acid etching can be used to remove the aluminium oxide film and improve paint adhesion.

Frequently asked questions