Gone are the days when wooden boats were the only option. Nowadays, some of the most popular boats are made of aluminum. Everyone loves how easy it is to keep an aluminum boat and how good it looks.
However, if you’re thinking of getting a boat, you know that the maintenance is pretty involved. You’re going to be touching up your boat every season.
If you’re looking for the best paint for aluminum boat, you’re in the right place. We’ve got you covered. Learn what to look for when choosing an aluminum boat paint and how to pick the best paint for aluminum boats.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat | Best Overall |  |
| Rust-Oleum 207016 Marine Metal Primer | Budget Pick |  |
| TUFF Coat UT-100 1 Gallon Non-Skid Coating | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy to apply
- Protects against corrosion and weathering
- Easy to sand and clean
- Has a clean, natural look
- Fast drying formula
- Dries in as little as 20 minutes
- Contains UV inhibitors
- Has sufficient protection in one application (typically one calendar year)
Cons:
- Some users reported the paint bubbling after reapplication
- Appears to fade over time
2. TUFF Coat UT-100 1 Gallon Non-Skid Coating
Pros:
- Simple application
- No smell
- Durable and water resistant
Cons:
- No primer
- Doesn’t last as long as other products reviewed
TUFF Coat is the perfect paint for aluminum boats. It’s made for various surface to provide a non-slip finish for boats, sheds, roofs etc. It comes in 4 colors: black, white, radar gray and flat gray.
TUFF Coat is like a rubberized coating that is ideal for preventing slipping far better than standard anti-slip paint. It’s ideal for stairs, ramps, and even swimming pools, etc. All you need to do is to prime and apply.
TUFF Coat adds a textured rubberized finish to an aluminum surface that prevents slipping. You can do it yourself without any painting experience. However, we recommend using a primer first and waiting for it to dry before applying. That’s because TUFF coat is slightly runny and may run over the edges if the surface is not primed. But also be aware that a primer is not part of the package. So be sure to purchase a primer if you need one.
3. Kiwi Grip Non-Skid Deck System
Pros:
- Goes on smooth with a roller
- Lightweight and simple to clean
- Looks amazing
- Easy to apply
- Easy to remove
- Non-skid decals help you avoid slipping
- It’s water resistant and will last through harsh weather
- Use this to cover your boat or your dock
- It’s the perfect material to protect your deck
Kiwi Grip is a non-skid deck system that is specifically designed to be used on your boat. The grip tape comes in a variety of colors and is available in two different grip strengths: the ThinGrip and the NarrowGrip. It’s the perfect material to protect your boat and it’s easy to lift off of the deck if you ever need to.
The non-skid material is designed with a laminated top layer that gives it durability and strong static grip. It’s fully resilient to UV rays and is resistant to salt and moisture. It’s a really great tape for boats.
4. TotalBoat Marine Topside Paint Primer
Pros:
- Good for fiberglass surfaces
- Good for marine applications
This high-quality paint is the best paint for aluminum boat that we could find. It’s made from good-quality ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about it deteriorating over time. It comes with a 100% UV protection and it helps prevent corrosion from reoccurring on boats.
It’s also specially formulated to adhere to fiberglass. When you apply this, you’ll be protecting the thread of your boat.
This paint is mold and mildew resistant and it can repel water when it’s applied. It has a glossy finish, which makes the paint look beautiful.
5. TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Paint
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, then the TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Paint is pretty much essential. It’s formulated to prevent cracks, corrosion, and chafing of an aluminum boat. This boat paint is particularly useful for boats that you use on a regular basis as it can prevent rust and fading.
This product comes in a black can, which is nice because it gives you the see what’s going inside the paint can. It’s easy to use. Just spray on the TotalBoat aluminum boat paint and let it dry. If you do it right, you’ll have a bight and glossy finish that will really add to the aesthetic quality of your boat.
To apply the TotalBoat aluminum boat paint to your boat, you’ll want to first sand your boat to get rid of any cracks, pitted areas, or any surface imperfection. It’s also important to sand your boat to make sure that the shade of your next coat is consistent.
6. Majic Paints 8-0850-2 Camouflage Paint
Pros:
- Durable; lasts for years
- Attractive color
- Easy to use
- Great for protection and cleanup
U.S. Army
Good paint does more than just protect your aluminum boat. It’s going to last for years and years to come. This is why we’ve chosen Majic Paints Basecoat and Clearcoat. This paint is worthy of your boat. Give it a try and you’ll see the difference.
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7. RUST-OLEUM 8781502 Gray Alum Primer Qt
Rust-Oleum Alum-Pox is an extremely durable aluminum paint. It is long-lasting and has a high gloss. It is also ideal for sealing surfaces and for covering existing paints.
This primer has a lot of rust resistance and is really good with adhesion. It is water-based, and it is highly resistant to both acidic and alkaline environments.
It is super tough and lasts for a long time. It’s good for coating large surfaces. It even has a little flexibility and impact resistance.
8. Rust-Oleum 207016 Marine Metal Primer
Pros:
- Covers the metal well
- Lasts for a long time
- Cheap paint
- Thick so less work
- Paint cans can be used for other projects
(16 Oz)
This is a water-based epoxy coating for use over bare, pre-cleaned and prepped aluminum, steel, and fiberglass.
Suitable for use on all metals including aluminum and fiberglass. Indoor or outdoor use. Dries to a hard film that is resistant to salt water, chemicals, UV rays, and mild abrasion. Resistant to common solvents and strong acids as well.
9. Aluma Hawk Jon Boat Green
Pros:
- Made with durable material
- Excellent for making small trips
- Made with solid construction
The Aluma Hawk Jon Boat Green, Qt. is manufactured and sold by Aluma Hawk Corporation. It’s an all-aluminum cargo boat with a length of 17”, a width of 7” and a weight of 17 lbs. It’s a jon boat with a capacity of approximately 378 lbs. of cargo.
The Aluma Hawk is a durable, lightweight and affordable boat for commuting, fishing, and boating. It’s also ideal for those who need a simple and small boat for commuting or fishing. The Aluma Hawk boat has 4 holes on each side.
10. Hunters Specialties Liquid Paint
Pros:
- Fairly inexpensive
- Will fool the eye as real rust
- Offers complete coverage even on very large areas
- Easy to use gloss paint
If you’ve been dreaming of getting that new boat but don’t have the extra cash to make the purchase feel hopeless because you can still do a lot to dress up your boat and make it look great including making it look as if it has its very own natural rust. The Hunters Specialties Liquid Composite Rust Kit is will do just that.
This liquid composite rust kit comes with a quart-sized can that contains both paint and a two-part catalyst to help the paint set faster. It also comes with a free brush. If you’ve ever used water-based paint before, then using the Hunters Specialties Paint will be a breeze.
For the most realistic looking rust, this paint will work best on flat or polished surfaces. While on the other hand, scuppers, intakes, and other places within the boat that you don’t want to rust really should be avoided. Hunters Specialties also recommends that you use some of the paint to make some rust stains on the deck of the boat to really give the impression that it’s rusted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best paint to use on a aluminum boat?
The tricky thing about painting your aluminum boat is the fact that you can’t use just any paint. Most painting products out there are not made for aluminum surfaces.
Aluminum is a softer metal that is susceptible to scratches. As such, you need to find a high-quality boat paint that will work perfectly on aluminum.
The best thing to do is to go to a paint store that has a lot of experience in this field. Ask the seller for advice and recommendations, and patiently explain the situation. They should be able to recommend a good product that will work well.
What is the best bottom paint for aluminum boats?
The best bottom paint for aluminum is whatever belongs on there to begin with.
There are many reasons why people would put things on boats that shouldn’t be there. Grease, dirt, and paint are just some of the reasons why a boat’s finish could look less attractive than it should.
The amount of paint coating the hull of the boat is directly proportional to how long the paint will last. The hull should be clean and bare in order for attractive paint to adhere to it.
How do you prep an aluminum boat for painting?
Progressively sand your whole boat so you remove dirt, dust, and chemical residue. Go with a finer and finer grade as you remove the old coat. This reduces the risk of your new paint sticking to the previous layer and promotes adhesion.
Make sure all parts are thoroughly painted. You want to paint areas that are often rusted. This makes your paint last longer.
How do you refinish an aluminum boat?
Aluminum is a soft metal that gets scratched and dented easily. A homemade cleaning solution may get the job done in a pinch, but if you want your boat to look its best permanently, then it’s time to clean it up.
The process for cleaning an aluminum boat is fairly straightforward. The overall time it takes to complete the job will depend on how the boat was initially constructed and the degree of damage that needs to be repaired.
There are two basic methods for cleaning your hull. The first involves sanding and painting, which usually costs more. The second is the new revolutionary fiberglassing®. It’s a process that’s ready to clean your hull after a couple of hours of drying. This process costs less and takes less time to perform.
Conclusion
Here’s is a closer look at why this paint is preferred by boat owners:
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat | Best Overall | |
| Rust-Oleum 207016 Marine Metal Primer | Budget Pick | |
| TUFF Coat UT-100 1 Gallon Non-Skid Coating | Upgrade Pick | |