We know, it's been a long time since you last painted your boat. However, if it needs a new shining layer, read on to find out which are the best boat deck paints available on the market.
We have reviewed professional-grade paints, which are also affordable and easy to apply. After reading our guide, you will be ready to purchase what suits you best and get that job finally done.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint | Best Overall |  |
| KILZ Over Armor Smooth Coating | Budget Pick |  |
| Durabak 18 | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint
Pros:
- Available at a great price
- Various colors available
- Good coverage
- Suitable for any fiberglass, wood or metal surfaces
Cons:
- It can take a long time to dry
Rust-Oleum is a great brand to use if you want to paint your boat with high-quality marine-grade paint, without having to spend a fortune. In this list, we’ve chosen Gloss White, which is one of the most popular colors.
As with most Rust-Oleum paints, you just need to apply two coats, and you’re done. These paints are perfect for marine environments, as they’re resistant to rust and other similar environmental problems.
2. Kiwi Grip Non-Skid Coating
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly
- Only one coat is necessary
- Kiwi Grip roller is included
- Adjustable texture
Cons:
- It gets slippery when wet
The Kiwi Grip Non-Skid Deck System is a paintable polyurethane non-skid finish for your boat deck. This premium finish will give your deck a strong, durable, and heat resistant surface. The paint is chemical and saltwater resistant, won’t crack or craze and has excellent resistance to ultraviolet sunlight.
3. TotalBoat TotalTread Non-Skid Deck Paint
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- Has great non-slip qualities
- Excellent coverage
- Lasts for a long time
- Weather and UV-resistant
Cons:
- It might be challenging to clean if left dirty for a long time
You can easily see why this paint is considered one of the best boat deck paints for 2021. It’s not too bad to clean up, doesn’t need to be applied to a perfectly clean surface, and it’s very easy to apply. This paint comes in a ready-to-use formula. The beige color is suited for many wooden surfaces: hulls, decks, spars, davits, boats’ interiors and more.
4. TUFF Coat UT-100 1 Gallon Non-Skid Coating
Pros:
- Lasts for years
- Easy to apply
- UV and chemical-resistant
- Non-hazardous water formula
Cons:
- Dries slowly
This non-skid coating by TUFF is easy to apply and lasts for a long time. It uses a non-hazardous water formula and is UV-resistant while also being chemical-resistant. It comes with an affordable price tag and is available in 8 different colors.
5. Interlux Interdeck Slip-Resistant Deck Paint
Pros:
- Non-skid deck paint
- Fast drying
- Excellent slip resistance
- Interlux’s top-of-the-line Interdeck
Cons:
- Real colors might differ from what's advertised
This Interlux Interdeck paint is your best buddy when it comes to renewing your deck's look. It is appliable on any substrates, except clear epoxy. The paint has a low sheen finish, which helps reduce glare on your boat.
6. Durabak 18
Pros:
- Dedicated for outdoor use
- Painted surface is UV resistant
- Slip-resistant and waterproof
- Fast-drying
- Available in many colors
- Paint can be applied by brush, roller, or sprayer
Cons:
- Rollers not included
- Dries a bit patchy after the first coat
- A bit expensive
One of the most versatile paints in this category. Durabak 18 is a fantastic choice for any outdoor durable coating. This is a textured paint that covers over and protects any surfaces that are exposed to the elements.
It will create a non-slip surface, so it provides a safe environment for waste disposal and management. This product is meant to go on smooth fiberglass and metal surfaces. It should not be used on other surfaces such as wood fiber or plaster.
7. Liquid Rubber Smooth Polyurethane Deck and Dock Coating
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- Highly durable
- Doesn’t peel
- UV-resistant
- 1 or 5 gallons available
Cons:
- Colors might differ from what it's being advertised
You can use this paint on a wide range of surfaces, including concrete or wood walkways, non-corroded metal structures, pool decks, indoor/outdoor floors, fences, baseboards, plywood surfaces, and more.
You won’t have to worry about the deck paint peeling off because it’ll stick there for several years. The product is also waterproof and will protect the surface underneath it from water, oil, gasoline, fuel, and more. Fading shouldn't be a concern either, because it’s UV resistant.
8. Evercoat Rubberized Non-Skid Coating
Pros:
- Super strong, nor slippery under any conditions
- Can be applied to wood, metal, and fiberglass
- Comes in a 1-gallon container
- Provides a durable anti-skid surface
- Moisture and abrasion-resistant
Cons:
- It might seem too thin for some
- Several layers are necessary for an even coating
Evercoat Skid-No-More is a skid-resistant coating that can be used on all surfaces, especially fiberglass, wood, and metal. It is a high-solids formula that is non-toxic and VOC compliant. The non-skid coating will last up to three times longer than other non-skid coatings paints, which makes it a great choice for extended use.
9. KILZ Over Armor Smooth Coating
Pros:
- Excellent adhesion
- Provides a protective and durable finish
- Mildew-resistant
Cons:
- Colors don't correspond
The KILZ Over Armor Smooth Coating is a killer choice if your boat features a wooden deck. The pain has excellent adhesion, and once dry, it provides a protective and durable finish coat. It is also mildew-resistant and suitable for wood and concrete.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best boat deck paint?
Modern coatings offer a wider range of colors, protection, and durability, and they can be applied by anyone, without needing to pay a professional. From the selection we have reviewed above, the best boat deck paint is the Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint, which is probably no surprise, knowing that the brand has an established presence and is a well-known paint manufacturer.
What paint is best for a boat?
Finding the right paint for your boat is both an art, and a science. There are a lot of factors to consider and different paints are better for different needs.
In all, there are three factors you should consider when choosing a boat paint:
- The color of the boat. Some paints look fantastic but only come in dark colors whereas others are flexible but only come in light shades.
- The boat material. Different paints work differently on different surfaces.
- The climate. Boats stay out in the elements for longer than cars.
Ultimately, your choice will be based on a combination of these three factors. You can find many combinations in a variety of colors that will serve you well based on your needs.
What is the best paint for fiberglass boats?
There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the best paint for your fiberglass boat, and these things will help you ensure that your boat maintains its functionality and longevity.
Fiberglass is an incredibly strong material. Even so, it doesn’t allow you to be treated quite as carelessly as other materials will. Choosing a paint that mentions that is suitable for fiberglass is crucial, so you know for sure that the job will come out as you want it. The Evercoat Rubberized Non-Skid Coating is an affordable and reliable option for fiberglass surfaces.
How do you paint a fiberglass boat deck?
Be sure to remove all dirt, wax, and varnish from the deck before applying the new paint. If the surface is not smooth, it could cause problems for the paint. Also, make sure to sand the surface appropriately.
Be sure that your deck is smooth and clean, as the last thing you want to do is to have to re-paint regularly.
Afterwise, use a roller or a brush, depending on the paint you have chosen. Allow it enough time to dry and enjoy the new look.
Conclusion
So which deck paint should you use for your boat? Well, the choice comes down to personal preference. You might want to factor the cost into your choice, as you may want to replace your paint regularly. Our list is not exhaustive, but it does cover the best available options on the market. Make your choice, do the work, and be proud of your results!
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint | Best Overall | |
| KILZ Over Armor Smooth Coating | Budget Pick | |
| Durabak 18 | Upgrade Pick | |