Antifouling paints 

Many boaters apply to the hull of their boat an antifouling paint. This ablative paint containing biocides, applies under the waterline.

The antifouling paint allows, as its name suggests, to counteract algae, small crustaceans and dirt adhere to your   hull and so maximize the performance of your boat. In addition, this will save you valuable time during the dry-docking for the winter period.

Here are some useful information:

•    The most popular types of antifouling paints
•    The typical useful life of these paintings
•    Adequate preparation
•    Application methods

Interlux
The multinational Interlux offers a full range of marine antifouling paints including the following: Bottomkote XXX, Fiberglass Bottomkote,
Micron CSC, VC17 and Trilux.

Bottomkote XXX : This paint, rosin-based, was designed for all types of hulls made of wood, fiberglass or steel but it is not recommended for aluminum hulls. Because of it’s useful life of one year, it generally implies to apply a layer every year.

Fiberglass Bottomkote  : This paint, harder and epoxy based, offers durability and increased efficiency compared to the Bottomkote XXX. Like the latter, it is intended for all types of hulls, that are made of wood, fiberglass or steel but it is not recommended for aluminum hulls. Its useful life covers two (2) good seasons before requesting touch ups.

Micron CSC : With this antifouling paint, Interlux offers us his most durable product with the best efficiency. It was developed to dissolve in a controlled manner, like a soap bar. Once properly applied below the water line, it may take up to three (3) seasons without the need for touch ups. Although more expensive than its predecessors, it provides unparalleled performance. Compatible with hull made of wood, fiberglass and steel, it can be applied on old antifouling paints containing rosin or aluminum surfaces.

VC17 : High performance thin Antifouling (racing, very fast sailboats and boats) fluorine-based for exceptional glide. Paint for a hard, smooth surface, sanding is not necessary. Ultra fast drying.

Aquagard
This company developed water based paints, including ablative antifouling, that typically sell for less than alkyd or epoxy paint.

Aquagard Bottomguard : an antifouling paint, water-based suited for fiberglass and wooden hulls. With a life span of one year, retouching will be required for the following season.

Aquagard Bottompaint : The antifouling offering more durability and better performance range of the Aquagard products. This painting dissolves at a controlled rate as Micron CSC Interlux. Proper application will provide peace of mind for 3 seasons before having to do touch ups. Compatible with fiberglass and wooden hulls, it can be cleaned with plain soap and water and releases no toxic fumes.

If you know the type of the old paint and is in good condition :
Remove old loose paint, dirt, grease and dirt with a pressure washer, brush or scraper. Wipe with a cloth soaked in solvent. Sand with sandpaper grain 120 or # 80 and rinse with water. Be careful not to damage the anti-blistering protective layer if there is one. Repeat washing twice. Always use the recommended thinner by the manufacturer of the paint you use.

If the type of the old paint is unknown and is in good condition :
Clean and remove loose paint with a sandpaper grain 120 or # 80 and rinse with water. Apply the number of primers recommended depending on the brand used antifouling. Then apply the antifouling following the manufacturer's instructions.

If the type of the old paint is unknown and it is in poor condition :
You can use the E 299 Interlux stripper to remove old layers of antifouling paint. It is possible that you have to repeat the procedure more than once to make sure you remove all the layers. After removing the paint, check the condition of the layer of anti-osmosis protection (if any). If your hull does not have one, this would be the perfect time to proceed with its application with the Interlux Interprotect 2000. Then proceed to the primer and antifouling paint.

Beware of the weather

For exterior painting, check weather forecasts in advance for all phases of your work. Make sure they comply with the criteria recommended by the manufacturer of the paint. The ambient temperature, humidity and dew point can affect the results of your work.

How to determine the necessary amount of antifouling :

You can use a method as simple as the following :

1. Calculate the area to be painted; to do this

• multiply the length of your boat and its width by .85 (ex : 30’ x 9’ x ,85= 229,5 rounded to 230);
• then divide the result by the coverage factor of the chosen painting (230/ 80’ square per liter = 2.86 rounded to 3 liters);
• Then multiply by the number of layers to perform the following rounding liter to know the total required amount (ex : 3 liters x 3 layers = 9 liters).

For other questions please visit Interlux paint guide, instructions provided by the manufacturer on the container or contacts the manufacturer. Marine Mart develops and offers the Captain’s Logbook in good faith and for information purposes only. Marine Mart can not guarantee or be held responsible for the accuracy of the information contained therein. For specific questions about a product, brand, or a specific application, always refer to manufacturer's instructions.

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