Do you have an aluminum boat that spends part of its life in the water? If so, painting it with the best aluminum boat paint is a must since this enables it to last longer reducing the need for costly repair or replacement due to wear and tear.
Having in mind that not all paints are created equally, below are our best picks of aluminum boat paints that I recommend that you give a try. Have a look and use the provided buyer’s guide so that you can pick a product that is worth your money.
Quick Answer For The Best Aluminum Boat Paint
Our top pick is the TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Paint. Your choice can change according to your needs. Here are the top five paints for painting your aluminum boat with care:
- TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Paint
- TotalBoat Alumipaint AF Aluminum and Pontoon Boat Bottom Paint
- SEA HAWK PAINTS Aluma Hawk
- TUFF Coat UT-100 1 Gallon Non-Skid Coating
- Durabak 18 (For Outdoors), Deck Paint for ALL Boats
Comparison Of Aluminum Boat Paints| Which Is The Best?
| Paint | Available Size | Recommended Surfaces | Check On Amazon |
| TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Paint | Quart | Above or below the waterline | Check Price On Amazon |
| TotalBoat Alumipaint AF | Quart & gallon | Above the waterline only | Check Price On Amazon |
| SEA HAWK PAINTS Aluma Hawk | Quart & gallon | Above and below the waterline | Check Price On Amazon |
| TUFF Coat UT-100 1 Gallon Non-Skid Coating | 1 gallon | All boat decks and docks | Check Price On Amazon |
| Durabak 18 (For Outdoors), Deck Paint for ALL Boats | Quart & gallon | All boat decks | Check Price On Amazon |
Detailed Features Of The Top Aluminum Boat Paints
1. TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Paint
Improve the concealment of your aluminum boat in natural settings with TotalBoat’s aluminum boat paint. Designed as attractive, non-reflective low-sheen paint, the paint doesn’t peel, fade, or chip. This makes it a perfect choice for boat paint that resists abrasion and chemicals while preventing corrosion. Because of this, you can expect the paint to play a major role as you look forward to extending the life of the boat.
Another advantage of the paint is its ease of application. To be specific, you can apply it using a roller, brush, or sprayer where no primer is required during the application.
You can get the boat paint when looking for paint that is safe to use due to the environmentally-friendly and chromate-free design. Further, the paint has a low VOC content of 75g/L whereas it has low odor further making it safe to use.
Pros
- The paint includes a little mixing container, gloves, brochure, and a stir stick.
- At first, the paint looks thin and blotchy, but it delivers an excellent finish after the second coat.
- It dries fast and cleans with soap and water.
- The paint applies smoothly and evenly.
- One doesn’t require a lot of it which enables you to get enough paint for a third coating.
- Paint can be used above or below the waterline for boats that float on the water.
- Paint availed in Camo colors so that you can apply one layer at a time to achieve a custom camouflage pattern.
- Available in a range of colors including khaki, light gray, earth brown, army green, black, and white
- Durable paint design makes it suitable for galvanized metal boats and aluminum boats.
Cons
- Quite expensive.
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2. TotalBoat Alumipaint AF Aluminum and Pontoon Boat Bottom Paint
Provide protection against slime and barnacles for aluminum or Pontoon boats once you apply this copper-free antifouling paint. Since the paint doesn’t feature copper, it doesn’t result in galvanic corrosion. As a result, you can use it on all aluminum surfaces and underwater metals with an assurance of safety.
Another advantage of the boat paint is its ablative antifouling properties. This property enables the paint to wear away so that it can expose fresh biocide continuously to enhance maximum protection in salty water. The boat bottom paint is a bit different from the top side paint.
Pros
- Easy to apply and fast-drying formula.
- Several supplies included in the paint consist of a maroon abrasive pad, a pair of gloves, and a 10” wooden stir stick.
- Derivers a high-quality finish.
- The paint contains Econea as an antifouling agent which makes it safe for marine environments.
- A range of size options allows you to pick the desired amount of paint.
Cons
- Quite expensive.
- A certain user stated that the paint left some polka dots after a light misty rain.
Check Availability & Customer Reviews On Amazon
3. SEA HAWK PAINTS Aluma Hawk
Whether you are looking for a good quality boat paint for use on aluminum surfaces, pontoon boats, houseboats, or Jon boats, you can be sure that the Sea Hawk paint will be up to the task. The fact that the paint requires a one-step application process makes it suitable for such surfaces.
Adding to that, the paint is suitable for use below or above the waterline surface. Because of this, it serves as a perfect choice for a versatile aluminum boat paint.
The paint can be used as a rust-inhibiting or lift resistant primer for enamel or lacquer-based top coasts. Once you get it, you can be sure to have a boat paint that is safe to use considering that it is safe for salt and freshwater submersion.
Pros
- Delivers amazing coverage and durability.
- It lasts for a long.
- Quick-drying and corrosion inhibiting characteristics.
- Paint can be applied to aluminum without the need for a primer.
- A unique dual-purpose phenolic resin makes the paint suitable when used as a primer directly on metal.
- This product by SEA HAWK PAINTS delivers excellent adhesion on aluminum.
Cons
- Not cheap but it is worth buying.
- It doesn’t contain antifouling characteristics.
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4. TUFF Coat UT-100 1 Gallon Non-Skid Coating
Next, we have the Tuff coat non-skid coating. The paint is a water-based non-hazardous paint that is safe to use. On top of that, it is UV and chemical resistant. This feature makes it a perfect choice for boat paint that will enhance the strength of the surface on which it is applied.
You can use the paint on a range of boats including Pontoon boats, boat decks, duck boats, and aluminum boats.
Pros
- Easy to mix and apply.
- It holds up well.
- It provides long-term moisture protection.
- Available in great colors.
- Dries fast and slip-resistant.
Cons
- It requires several steps and coats.
- Some users complained that their cans arrived when dented.
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5. Durabak 18 (For Outdoors), Deck Paint for ALL Boats
Are you looking for the perfect paint designed for outdoor use or application in direct sunlight? Well, you have the Durabak 18 deck paint for your taking.
The paint is a one-part, moisture-cured polyurethane coating designed for unlimited protective applications. It provides a non-slip coating and a professional-grade finish which makes it suitable for DIY projects.
The paint can bond to itself which makes it easy to replace when repairs are necessary. It can be applied using a sprayer, roller, or brush on metal, wood, fiberglass, concrete, or coated surfaces.
The paint comes in two versions; a smooth paint and textured paint that contains recycled rubber tire granules.
Pros
- Dries hard and fast.
- Easy to clean and apply.
- It doesn’t slip when wet.
- Durable paint.
- Pint doesn’t chip, flake, or chip when subjected to impact or vibration.
- Availed in 16 different colors and a smooth or textured finish.
Cons
- High shipping price.
- It consumes some time to get it ready and apply.
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How to Choose the Best Paint for an Aluminum Boat? Factors to Consider
Ease of Applying
If you want to get the appropriate paint, then you must get paint that is easy to apply. This is a point to consider, more importantly, if it is a boat painting DIY project.
So, consider the application process by having a look at the manufacturer’s recommended steps or procedures for applying the paint. Pay attention to the method of application as well and ensure that you get paint that will be easy to use be it with a roller, brush, or sprayer.
Durability
No one wants to get a boat paint that isn’t designed to last for long. After all, the paint plays a role in enhancing the durability of the aluminum boat.
Hence, consider the length of time the paint can stay intact after application. A quick tip to do this is reading the customer reviews so that you can get an idea of how long the paint can last under different conditions.
Anti-fouling Properties
Are you looking for a boat paint that is designed for use on submerged boats? Well, you might want to buy paint featuring anti-fouling properties. In simple terms, an anti-fouling paint is a specialized paint applied on the outer layer of the boat’s hull.
This paint helps to slow down the growth or facilitate the detachment of subaquatic organisms. So, if you want to paint a submerged boat, opt for this kind of paint so that you can enhance the performance and durability of such boats.
Available Quantities and Colors
Although this is not a factor designed to affect the buying decision with a high percentage, you will want to consider the colors of the paint is available as well as the quantities. After all, we all have different needs and preferences.
So, once you have gotten an idea of one or two paints that will make a great choice, consider the available colors and quantities and pick one that is designed to meet your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply my boat paint on other surfaces?
Yes, you can. Before doing that, however, ensure that you get a paint recommended for use on different kinds of surfaces. For instance, you can get the Durabak 18 boat paint for use on metal, wood, fiberglass, concrete, or coated surfaces.
Should I brush or spray paint?
Again, this depends on the manufacturer’s recommendation. Some paints are designed to be brushed on, others to be sprayed, while others can be brushed or sprayed at the same time. Therefore, apply the method which is given by the manufacturer.
Can I use aluminum boat paint over a boat painted with another type of paint?
The answer to this depends on whether the previous paint is compatible with the new one. If they are, then you can do so. However, if the manufacturer recommends getting rid of the previous coating, do so for you to get the best outcome. Cleaning the boat hull or the interior surface before applying the paint or a good boat wax is important.
How many square feet does a gallon of paint cover?
The Squarefeet a boat paint covers depends on the type of paint. For instance, the TUFF Coat UT-100 can cover up to 70 square feet, where one quart of the TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Paint covers 80 to 100 square feet.
Why should I stir non-skid paint thoroughly instead of shaking it up?
The reason is that the grit material in the non-skid paint settles at the top of the can since it is lighter than epoxy. So, you should stir the paint to avoid losing the normal texture of the paint.
Should I apply a primer when using non-skid paint?
Non-skid paint can self-prime on fiberglass, epoxy, concrete, gel coat, and magnesite decking. On metal surfaces, you should apply an exterior metal primer since this provides additional rust protection. On wood, you should apply an exterior oil base or a latex wood primer.
Conclusion
There you have it; the top aluminum boat paints available for the time being. If you want to pick the right paint from these recommendations, consider the features they have to offer and pick a paint that is designed to meet your needs.
