Bottom Paint without Anti Fouling?

[penst8grad]

I've read until my eyes are bleeding and cannot figure out what to do. I need to paint the bottom of my fiberglass boat (changing colors) but don't want to use paint that leaches chemicals into the water or peels off. Especially since my boat will never see saltwater and 99% of the time will be day trips on the trailer. Once a year it may see 2 weeks in a lake and a few overnights.

Right now I'm leaning towards Rustoleum after seeing the good results that some have had on here. The price definetly helps.

Is there such a thing as bottom paint without anti-fouling? I need Navy or Royal (Michigan) blue.

 

[Joe_the_boatman]

Re: Bottom Paint without Anti Fouling?

Interlux (and others, I'm sure) make non-anti-fouling bottom paints. Don't know if you can get them tinted though.

Most here will say to use a topside paint. Rustoleum may work, and for the price (and ease of application on a canoe) I'd say go for it.

De-wax that fiberglass first, whatever you do. A sanding and primer probably wouldn't hurt either.

 

[pgdignan]

Re: Bottom Paint without Anti Fouling?

There's a non chemical type of anti fouling paint, however it's not meant to be pulled in and out of the water and it has to be applied professionally. Essentially the non-chemical system makes the hull too slippery for marine growth to attach to such that when you move the boat anything that has taken hold just sloughs off. If you're only in fresh water and you intend to store the boat on the hard, paint the bottom with anything you like.

 

[bigboneli]

Re: Bottom Paint without Anti Fouling?

Some of the 'on the cheap' peeps I know of around here will use flat black Tremclad...In freshwater on boats that come out at end of season.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Bottom Paint without Anti Fouling?

Penn State, You should use a two-part polyurethane paint made for "Below the waterline use". This will give a good appearance. if appearance is not important, you may use a two part epoxy barrier coat, which will give a matt grey color and texture.

A single part polyurethane paint will not hold up to the two weeks in freshwater that you plan.

 

[penst8grad]

Re: Bottom Paint without Anti Fouling?

I sent an email to interlux directly. Why didn't I do that to start? Oh, I know, most companies have abandoned customer service. Well it seems that interlux hasn't because I heard back from them promptly.

They recommend VC Performance Epoxy for this application. ONly comes in white and is much more than Rustoleum, but like everything with this boat it's all about doing it right. So, I'll be rethinking my paint scheme but I'll have the confidence that it will last.

 

[orthoguy]

Re: Bottom Paint without Anti Fouling?

I sent an email to interlux directly. Why didn't I do that to start? Oh, I know, most companies have abandoned customer service. Well it seems that interlux hasn't because I heard back from them promptly.

They recommend VC Performance Epoxy for this application. ONly comes in white and is much more than Rustoleum, but like everything with this boat it's all about doing it right. So, I'll be rethinking my paint scheme but I'll have the confidence that it will last.

I used Interlux VC antifouling paint on my bigger boat that I slipped...I loved it, it has Teflon and dried to a nice slippery surface. I am sure the non-anti fouling will be a great choice!