Best Waterproof Paint for Boats | Comparison of Top 5 Paints

Your boat purchase is not a cheap investment. There is no doubt you want it to remain new for as long as possible. Apart from enhancing its aesthetics and value, painting your vessel will help to shield its surfaces from toxic substances and fading.

The best waterproof paints for boats will also help counter corrosion, rust, and scratches. Here, you will discover the best waterproof paints for boats as well as some beneficial tips on how to identify the appropriate waterproof paint for your boat.

The Best Waterproof Paint for Boats: Rust-Oleum 206999 Marine Paint

This oil-based formula by Rust-Oleum is made using a modified alkyd that makes the paint a superb waterproofing solution for boats.

The paint provides stable protection for your boat’s topside against water damage, corrosion, mold, and odors. Aside from long-lasting protection, the Rust-Oleum marine paint also gives a dazzling finish to fiberglass, metal, or wood that is over the waterline.

The Rust-Oleum 206999 is flexible, which means that it will not crack or chip after drying. It is also very easy to apply and has superb leveling. Leveling describes the property of paints that influences the visual appeal of the painted surface.

A good leveling paint delivers very smooth finishes and removes surface imperfections that crop up after the application. These blemishes are typically not easily seen soon after the application.

The Rust-Oleum marine paint dries within 1 – 2 hours following application. The benefit of this quick-dry time is that if you are applying more than one coat then you do have to wait too long between coatings.

The paint also has fantastic coverage which is estimated to be 100 square feet. The coating is highly durable and resists abrasion as well as extreme weather conditions. This coating has also been proven to deliver a long-lasting safeguard against UV rays.

Another key feature of this marine paint by Rust-Oleum is its outstanding gloss retention. The paint’s excellent gloss retention adds to its waterproofing capabilities.

It also makes the coated surface very easy to clean and the surface preserves its original luster even after several cleanings. This means that your boat will continue to stay new for years.

The interesting part is that Rust-Oleum 206999 is offered at a reasonable price. Therefore, it will not cost you an arm and a leg to give your dear vessel a makeover.

The marine paint is offered in a variety of colors including white, black, semi-gloss white, sand-beige, oyster white, Navy blue, battleship gray, bright red, and deep green.

What makes Rust-Oleum 206999 the best waterproof paint for boats?

This alkyd modified enamel paint offers long-lasting waterproof protection against moisture and corrosion while leaving a radiant finish on the coated surface. This is why it claims the top spot on this list of the best waterproof paints for boats.

Specifications

• Paint type: Enamel
• Color: White
• Surface recommendation: metal, wood
• Item form: Liquid
• Finish type: Gloss

Pros

• Has terrific gloss retention
• Fantastic self-leveling quality
• Offers durable protection against UV rays
• Easy to clean coated surface
• Offered in an assortment of colors to suit varied tastes
• Fast drying

Cons

• A few users say they detected a strong pungent smell which lasted several days following the application

Usage Guide

Remember that the Rust-Oleum 206999 Marine Paint is a topside paint that should never be used below the waterline.

1. Surface Preparation

A striking paint job is 90 percent preparation and just about 10 percent real painting. This means your greatest effort should be put into the preparation.

Below are the processes you should take to prepare and paint your boat’s surface using the Rust-Oleum 206999 Marine paint.

Give your boat a thorough washing to remove all dirt, oil, salt wax, grease, plus chemical pollutants. For this, use an appropriate cleaning agent such as a commercial detergent.

Rinse off the detergent using clean fresh water and leave your boat to dry completely. If your boat’s surface has some rust or loose paint on it, remove using sandpaper or a wire brush.

2. Painting Bare Fiberglass

Wash your boat’s entire surface using a fiberglass cleaner to get rid of all traces of wax as well as mold release agents. Get 80 to 120 grit sandpaper and use it to sand your boat’s gel coat. This should produce a dim, frosty look.

Before you proceed, be sure to remove sanding remains and dust. You can start applying the topside paint if the surface is ready to receive the paint.

However, if there are some rough sections or flaws on your boat’s surface, make sure you fix them. Use a reliable fiberglass repair compound to fill all indentations and scratches.

Sand smooth these surfaces once the fiberglass repair compound has hardened, and remove sanding dust.

To ensure you have a uniform foundation for the finish paint, you should apply a high-quality primer. Sand smooth after which you remove sanding dust. Next, apply the initial coat of your Rust-Oleum topside paint.

3. Painting Bare Aluminum

Remove all traces of grease, oil, and rust on the boat’s surface. Next, get an emery cloth with medium grit and use it to scrape the surface.

Remove sanding dust and then a coat of primer. Leave for 24 hours to dry thoroughly. Lastly, apply the initial coat of your Rust-Oleum topside paint.

4. Painting Bare Steel

Scrape the metal surface using an emery cloth. Next, apply a good primer and leave for 24 hours to dry thoroughly. Next, apply the initial coat of your Rust-Oleum topside paint. Do not apply this paint on galvanized steel.

5. Painting Bare Wood

Smooth the wood surface using 80 to 120 grit sandpaper after which you remove the sanding deposit and dust. If there are tiny holes or screw heads on the surface, fill them up using a reliable wood repair compound.

Smooth the surface using sandpaper and remove all sanding residue. Apply a coat of primer and let it stay for 4 hours to dry properly.

Use #150 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. Apply another coat of primer as required to ensure the surface is level and smooth. Use 220 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface then apply two coats of your Rust-Oleum topside paint.

If the bare wood that you intend to paint has been coated with epoxy, be sure to clean it thoroughly and then sand using #120 grit sandpaper.

After removing sanding dust, apply a coat of primer to ensure you have a smooth and uniform foundation. Sand smooth and remove any sanding residue. Lastly, apply the initial coat of your Rust-Oleum Topside Paint.

6. Painting a Previously Painted Boat

If the existing on your boat’s surface is still in top condition, you only need to clean it properly. After that, use #150 grit sandpaper to sand smooth the surface.

Remove residue and dust and then apply a coat of primer. If the original paint coat has deteriorated, remove it completely by sanding or using a varnish plus paint remover.

User Feedback on Rust-Oleum 206999 Marine Paint

Positive Reviews

Several users of the Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint have given the product positive reviews due to the numerous benefits they derive from the product. Below are some of their comments:

• Several users note that the marine paint provides excellent waterproof protection against moisture damage and corrosion on the boat’s topside.
• Most users agree that the paint is very simple to apply provided that the surface is adequately prepared
• Many boaters have praised the paint’s gloss retention capability noting that it gives the boat a glossy and sleek appearance even after several months of application
• Most users agree that the paint is reasonably priced and offers fantastic value
• Several users report that the paint self-levels well
• Nearly all customers love that the paint is offered in an assortment of colors that will suit any boat style
• Some users describe this paint as having the ability to waterproof anything
• Most users have lauded the product’s UV protection capability reporting that it stands up well to wind, water, UV, and abrasion

Negative Reviews

There has also been some negative user feedback regarding the Rust-Oleum 206999 Marine Paint. Below are some of the negative user comments:

• Some users report that they observed an offensive odor while using the product. Many of these users recommend that using the product within a well-ventilated space helps reduce or eliminate the odor. Some users also recommend that wearing a good respirator mask helps check offensive the odor
• Several users say the paint color was not precisely described
• Some users report that the paint coating is not so durable

4 More Top Rated Waterproof Paints for Boats

1. Duralux M720-1

This topside paint by Duralux takes a bit of time to dry. However, once it is dry, the resulting coat is rock solid. It is vinyl-type paint and as such, it is waterproof and delivers resilient robust protection against moisture and weather erosion.

This waterproof boat paint has received numerous stellar reviews from boaters for its ability to resist corrosion and rust.

One of the features that make the Duralux M720-1 highly attractive both for marine applications and industrial uses is its cost-effectiveness.

Several previous users report that they were able to paint 4 boats using only 2 liters of this Duralux marine paint. These customers say that a little quantity serves the purpose.

The paint is specially designed for use on personal or commercial vessels but several users have reported excellent results after using the product to paint swimming pool components and other wet application equipment.

The Duralux M720-1 works great for aluminum boats. The thick paint dries to only a slight sheen and delivers perfect coverage, which is just right for aluminum surfaces.

One previous purchaser reports that by using this paint, she was able to restore the look of her 30-year old boat to its previous splendor. The paint does not peel and stands up well against abrasion, dirt, oil, as well as UV rays.

Since this paint is quite thick, applying it is best done utilizing a roller or a brush. Spray application may not be a good idea due to its stickiness. Most reviewers agree that the coverage is fine and it self-levels nicely.

Duralux is offered in a broad variety of colorways to suit the tastes of varied users. You will also love that the paint also comes in established camouflage colors like dead green grass, duck boat drab, and progue green.

This feature is especially beneficial when you want your vessel to go undetected during your hunting expeditions.

Pros

• Does not easily chip or flake
• Great for restoring worn-out aluminum boats
• Does not require a primer to deliver a durable coat
• Great for creating a camouflage coating
• Fantastic paint for moist or wet applications
• Fantastic coverage
• Excellent adhesion properties

Cons

• Not suitable for spray application due to its thickness

2. TotalBoat TotalTread Traction Coating

A reliable deck paint will not only help prevent slips and falls, but will shield your boat deck from moisture damage such as rust, corrosion, and mold. It will also hide flaws and make your deck blend in or stand out.

This TotalBoat TotalTread Anti-slip waterproof boat paint offers all these and more. It is a 1-part polyurethane paint that is blended with special Propyltex wax texturing substances. With this formula, this TotalBoat paint offers superior bonding/paint adhesion qualities between the coating layer and the substrate.

Aside from boat decks, this anti-slip paint is appropriate for several other applications including stairs, gunwales, patios, concrete, floors, swim platforms, and any other area you need to prevent slips and falls. The paint’s hardy coating will stand up well against harsh weather plus heavy foot traffic without fading.

You can apply this marine paint on aluminum, fiberglass, and metal, as well as on existing paint. It comes in a series of colors that will match your boat’s topside and its dependable formula cover fully in one coat.

Nevertheless, several previous purchasers note that applying two coats will give you the finest blend of durability and grasp. Some users even say that applying the third coat will give you a more solid grip.

Removing stains and dirt from painted surfaces is very simple. A little firm scrubbing using a hard bristle brush will remove stains and dirt.

And, scrubbing will not erode the finish. Painting your vessel with this TotalBoat paint is a cost-effective way to restore the luster to your dilapidated boat flooring.

Before applying this marine paint to any surface, be sure the surface has been adequately prepared. The available colors include gray, white, light gray, and sand beige.

Pros

• Fantastic non-slip deck paint
• Not abrasive
• Spreads well during application
• Waterproof after curing
• Easy to apply
• Cleans up easily
• Offers excellent grip and finish retention

Cons

• Long drying time

3. Interlux YBB379/1 Antifouling Paint

The Interlux YBB379/1 is an antifouling paint that is specially formulated to protect the underside of your vessel from barnacles, slime, and grass.

With its dual resin technology, this Interlux waterproof boat paint delivers the advantages of both ablative paints plus hard paints all in one container. The paint creates a coat that is hard-wearing and is sure to protect your boat’s underside for a very long time.

To ensure no algae and other marine organisms accumulate on the underside of your boat, the Interlux YBB379/1 will wash away gradually throughout your boating season delivering an enduring coat much as you get with hard paints.

The paint bonds superbly to fiberglass, prime metals, and wood and can be used to paint power boats plus sailboats.

Whether you sail your vessel on freshwater or saltwater, this ablative paint will never disappoint as it performs well in these environments.

Interlux offers this paint in an assortment of colorways including black, dark blue, blue, red, brown, green, plus shark white. These colors will seamlessly harmonize with the general appearance of most vessels.

The Interlux YBB379′ is quick-drying and many users of the paint say they have been able to launch their boats the same day the paint was applied. You can use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the paint, and applying approximately 2 – 3 coats will give you the best results.

Pros

• Creates a long-lasting coat
• Works great in both fresh and saltwater
• Offers slow polishing action
• Appropriate for prime metals, fiberglass, and wood
• Prevents premature wear down

Cons

• Not appropriate for aluminum boats

4. Rust-Oleum Available 207012 Marine Antifouling Paint

This antifouling waterproof paint for boats by Rust-Oleum contains biocide pigments that work against most fouling marine organisms including barnacles, bryozoans, and algae.

It is specially formulated to release copper gradually for superlative fouling protection. It is appropriate for fiberglass, primed metals, plus wood. It is not recommended for use on aluminum boats.

This marine paint creates a dense, smooth finish and is best for vessels that are hauled and cleaned frequently. While the paint is extremely thick, spreading is easy and it adheres to surfaces extremely well.

To achieve the best results with this below waterline paint, it is recommended you apply at least 2 coatings allowing a gap of about 4 hours between coatings. It will take no less than 16 hours for the paint to cure.

The available color choices are blue and black. Note that this product releases strong fumes and odor. Therefore, make sure you wear adequate PPE and a high-quality respirator while painting your boat. Also, ensure that the painting area is properly ventilated.

Pros

• Quick-drying
• Easy to spread
• Covers well
• Fantastic antifouling properties

Cons

• Very few color options
• Very strong smell

How to Select the Best Waterproof Paint for Boats?

Below are some basic factors to consider when shopping for waterproof paint for boats.

1. Type of Boat Paint

Boat paints are of different types, and they include the following:

a. Topside Paint:

Generally, topside paints are applied above a boat’s waterline. You can apply this paint to the sides of your boat’s hull, interiors as well as deck. Topside paints fall within any of the following groupings: alkyd marine enamel, 1-part polyurethane, and 2-part polyurethane.

Most topside paints are waterproof, durable, and resistant to abrasion. They are sufficiently flexible to endure the expansion and contraction of the boat hull.

They also offer a high degree of resistance against UV rays. However, these paints vary in their ability to hold up against moisture exposure as well as their degree of durability, ease of application, and flexibility.

The Rust-Oleum 206999 Marine Paint sits atop this list of the best waterproof paints for boats because it delivers stable protection for your boat’s topside against water damage, corrosion, mold, and odors.

Aside from long-lasting protection, the marine paint also gives a dazzling finish to fiberglass, metal, or wood that is over the waterline.

If you are seeking topside paint that will go well with aluminum and galvanized surfaces, then the Duralux M720-1 may be your best bet.

b. Boat Deck Paint

To ensure crew and guests can safely walk on your boat’s deck even in rough situations, you should select an anti-slip deck paint that will help prevent slips and falls as well as shield your boat’s deck from moisture damage like corrosion, rust, and mold.

With its 1-part polyurethane formulation, the TotalBoat TotalTread Anti-Slip deck paint is our number one choice for this purpose. The paint delivers an enduring coat that will not peel or fade.

c. Bottom Boat Paint

Also referred to as antifouling paint, bottom paints are formulated to reduce or eliminate unwanted aquatic organisms like weeds and barnacles that can attach beneath your boat’s waterline causing damage.

Bottom paint is available in various types including ablative, aluminum safe, plus hard boat.

When selecting bottom paint, your major consideration should be the substrate (surface), which may be steel, wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. Nearly all bottom paints have some sort of copper biocide in their makeup.

This copper biocide is appropriate for boats made of wood and fiberglass but not aluminum. If applied to an aluminum boat, the copper within the paint results in corrosion. Thus, your boat’s body is aluminum, then be sure to select a copper-free bottom paint.

The Rust-Oleum Available 207012 Marine Antifouling Paint and the Interlux YBB379/1 Antifouling Paint are excellent for protecting your boat’s underside against fouling agents. However, the Rust-Oleum 207012 is the winner here because of its higher coverage.

2. Drying Time

Some paints are designed to dry fast while others need more time. depending on your requirements, you may be better off selecting a product that has a quick-drying and cure time.

If you are shopping for topside paint, the Duralux M720-1 may be your best bet due to its faster cure time.

The Interlux YBB379/1 Antifouling Paint dries and cures faster compared to the Rust-Oleum Available 207012 Marine Antifouling Paint.

This makes it a better option if you are seeking bottom paints.

3. Odor

Many waterproof paints for boats give off strong offensive odors due to their chemical composition. While some of the odors released are non-toxic, some may pose health risks particularly if you fail to follow the manufacturer’s application instructions.

4. Budget

Budge is always a vital consideration when selecting the appropriate boat paint. The products recommended here are all reasonably priced. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to fix your budget before you commence your shopping.

Comparison of Top 5 Waterproof Paints for Boats

Paint	Type	Surfaces	Dries-to-the-touch	Full Cure in	Coverage	Protects against
Rust-Oleum 206999 Marine Paint	Topside	Wood, metal, fiberglass	1-2 hours	3 days	100 sq. ft./Quart	Moisture, UV, abrasion, weathering
Duralux M720-1	Topside	Aluminum, galvanized surfaces	4 hours	2 days	350 sq. ft./quart	Moisture, UV, abrasion, weathering
TotalBoat TotalTread Traction Coating	Deck	Aluminum, fiberglass, metal, wood	12-16 hours	2 days	250 – 300 sq. ft. per gallon	Slips and falls, rust, corrosion, mold
Interlux YBB379/1 Antifouling Paint	Bottom	Wood, prime metals, fiberglass	3-6 hours	12 hours	100 sq. ft/quart	Fouling, Premature wear through
Rust-Oleum Available 207012 Marine Antifouling Paint	Bottom	Fiberglass, steel, wood	4 hours	16 hours	110 sq. ft./Quart	Fouling, corrosion, abrasion, chemicals

Final Words:

This guide has shown you the critical factors you need to consider when shopping for the best waterproof paint for boats. The products recommended here deliver excellent coverage with fewer coatings.

If you are seeking topside paint, the Rust-Oleum 206999 Marine Paint is a fantastic choice.

The TotalBoat TotalTread Traction Coating will help keep your deck attractive and safe, while the Rust-Oleum Available 207012 Marine Antifouling Paint is great at keeping the underside of your vessel free of fouling agents.