Best_Boat_Deck_Paint

If your boat deck started to fade and lose its grip, perhaps it’s time you repainted it and restored its former glory. More importantly, the best paint for the boat deck will also make your deck safer by adding a slip-resistant layer.

When choosing the right paint for your boat, you should think about a few things. The paint needs to be easy to apply, adhere well to the surface, resist weather conditions, and give you good traction whether it’s wet or dry.

In this article, we’re going to help you narrow down your choices. Our boat deck paint reviews will give you an insight into the best boat deck paints that will work fantastically on any deck surface. And, in the buying guide, you’ll learn about everything you should look for in high-quality paint.

1

OUR TOP PICK

KiwiGrip Non-Skid Deck System

KiwiGrip Non-Skid Deck System


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Summary

Durable, eco-friendly, and easy to apply, Kiwi deck paint is one of the best all-around products that you’ll come across. It comes with a roller for faster application and, unlike most other products, even a single layer will provide good traction. Because of all this, it’s easy to see how the KiwiGrip paint got the top spot on the list.

Formula

With its water-based acrylic formula, KiwiGrip boat deck coating is great to work with. It comes as a one-party system, so you won’t have to mix anything. And, as we’ve mentioned, the formula is eco-friendly and contains no fillers, sand, or rubber flecks.

Application

To make your job easier, KiwiGrip includes a roller in the package that you can use to create both smooth and rough textures. A single layer will do a very decent job, and you’ll be able to cover about 20 square feet with a single liter. The material is spread out onto the deck and then the supplied roller “lifts” the top of it to create the perfect non-slip texture.

Performance and Looks

The performance is fantastic – it doesn’t slip and holds its own when exposed to saltwater and lots of sunlight. The KiwiGrip non-skid deck system is available in 5 stock colors and you can even add a tint if you want a custom one.

  • What Makes This Boat Deck Paint Stand Out
  • KiwiGrip roller for easier application
  • One-part system for convenient use
  • Environmentally-friendly acrylic formula
  • Adjustable texture (based on application technique)
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Type: Water-based Acrylic
Surfaces: Wood, Fiberglass, Epoxy, Concrete, Metal
Volume: 1 or 4 liters
Non-skid: Yes
Coverage: 20 square feet per liter
Curing time: 1h (touch), 24h (walk), 7 days (fully)
Color(s): Black, Blue, Cream, Gray, White

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2

EDITORS CHOICE

TotalBoat TotalTread Non-Skid Deck Paint

TotalBoat TotalTread Non-Skid Deck Paint


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Summary

Made using high-quality polyurethane, TotalBoat TotalTread marine deck paint promises excellent performance. It’s less abrasive than most similar products, adheres well, and doesn’t crack or peel in the sun, which is why we picked it as our favorite.

Formula

As we said, the formula is based on polyurethane that works equally well on fiberglass, wood, metal, and even previously painted surfaces. It’s even better in multiple layers, providing very reliable traction if you have two coatings.

Application

The TotalTread boat floor paint is pre-mixed (easy to work with), and you can choose if you want to apply it with a brush or a roller. You’ll get detailed instructions on how to use it on different surfaces, and a single gallon can paint up to 300 square feet.

Performance and Looks

One of the best things about the TotalTread paint is its durability – it’s UV-resistant and perfectly safe to scrub without worrying about chipping or cracking. Lastly, you can get it in 4 basic colors that match most default deck colors.

  • What Makes This Boat Deck Paint Stand Out
  • UV resistant formula won’t crack or peel in the sun
  • Adheres well to almost any type of surface
  • Easy to clean (safe for scrubbing)
  • Large coverage with a single can
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Type: Polyurethane
Surfaces: Fiberglass, Wood, Metal, Previously Painted Surfaces
Volume: 1 quart
Non-skid: Yes
Coverage: 250 to 300 square feet per gallon
Curing time: 24h (walk), 2 weeks (fully)
Color(s): Beige, Gray, Light Gray, White

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3

BEST VALUE

Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint

Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint


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Summary

If you’re looking for an affordable way to make your deck look new, Rust-Oleum marine topside paint is a perfect choice. It’s smooth, easy to use, and works equally well on metal, wood, or fiberglass. Because of this, it easily gives you the best value for your money.

Formula

The formula is oil-based, unlike all the other deck paints featured on this list. While it’s maybe less durable in harsh conditions, it’s probably the easiest to use. On top of this, it looks beautiful and elegant, with a smooth finish and great gloss retention. 

Application

Due to its consistency, this sailboat deck paint can even be applied with a spray too (in addition to a brush). A single can cover up to 100 square feet, and the paint will be dry to the touch in an hour or two. It doesn’t contain any non-slip components, so this goes on the pretty parts of the deck that you want to make shine.

Performance and Looks

Made to the highest standards, Rust-Oleum fiberglass boat deck paint shields your deck from fading, abrasion, and any type of damage. You have 9 color options to choose from, so it’s easy to find the one you like.

  • What Makes This Boat Deck Paint Stand Out
  • The oil-based formula for easier application
  • Dries to the touch within 2 hours
  • Retains gloss and color for a long time
  • Abrasion-resistant with excellent durability
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Type: Modified Alkyd
Surfaces: Fiberglass, Wood, Metal
Volume: 1 quart
Non-skid: No
Coverage: 100 square feet (per can)
Curing time: 1 to 2 hours (touch)
Color(s): 9 colors available

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4

TUFF Coat UT-100 1 Gallon Non-Skid Coating

TUFF Coat UT-100 1 Gallon Non-Skid Coating


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Summary

Thanks to its rubberized formula, TUFF Coat UT-100 deck paint gives you fantastic traction even on a completely wet deck. This non-skid paint for boats is tough, durable, and works great on decks, docks, and many other surfaces.

Formula

Tuff Coat pays a lot of attention to product safety, so this top-rated paint for the boat deck is completely non-hazardous. Like we’ve mentioned, it contains rubber particles that give it an edge over other products.

Application

A detail we like about UT-100 paint is that you can apply it with a spray, brush, or a roller. It gives the best results when you apply two coats, and you’ll get about 45 square feet from one can.

Performance and Looks

The performance is impressive regardless of conditions – it won’t peel or crack regardless of the temperature or sun exposure. And, most importantly, it gives your feet a fantastic grip so you can move around freely.

  • What Makes This Boat Deck Paint Stand Out
  • The rubberized formula prevents slipping
  • Water-based and completely safe to use
  • Highly resistant to UV rays and weather conditions
  • Suitable for almost all types of surfaces
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Type: Water-based
Surfaces: Fiberglass, Concrete, Wood, Aluminum, Steel
Volume: 1 gallon
Non-skid: Yes
Coverage: 40 to 45 square feet in two coats (per gallon)
Curing time: 24h (touch), 5-7 days (fully)
Color(s): 8 colors available

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5

Durabak 18 Non-Slip Coating Deck Paint for Boats

Durabak 18 Non-Slip Coating Deck Paint for Boats


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Summary

For ultimate deck customization, there’s no better choice than the Durabak non-slip deck paint. It’s available in sixteen great-looking colors that will make your deck look better than ever. The quality is on-point too, as it’s the paint of choice for many professionals and the US Navy.

Formula

Thanks to the recycled rubber tire granules, Durabak 18 guarantees impressive traction in both dry and wet conditions. The base is polyurethane that not only looks great but also provides great protection to the deck underneath.

Application

You have three choices when applying the Durabak 18 paintbrush, spray, or the special Stipple Roller. The paint works well on fiberglass boats, concrete, wood, and metal, and even adheres well to itself (great for small reparations).

Performance and Looks

Durabak 18 paint is strong but flexible at the same time, so it maintains quality level over many years. Combine this with the numerous color options we mentioned, and you have a really solid choice when it’s time to repaint your boat.

  • What Makes This Boat Deck Paint Stand Out
  • Textured for even greater slip-resistance
  • A huge number of color options (sixteen)
  • Suitable to use even in direct sunlight
  • Bonds well to itself for easy reparations
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Type: Polyurethane
Surfaces: Concrete, Wood, Fiberglass, Metal, Coated Surfaces
Volume: 1 gallon
Non-skid: Yes
Coverage: 60 square feet in two coats (per gallon)
Color(s): 16 colors available

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6

Interlux Interdeck Slip-Resistant Deck Paint

Interlux Interdeck Slip-Resistant Deck Paint


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Summary

Versatility is the best thing about the Interlux Interdeck marine deck coating – it works equally well on all surfaces. On top of this, it doesn’t slip, prevents glare, and looks fantastic.

Formula

With an addition of a fine mineral additive that chemically bonds to the paint, Interlux non-skid deck paint has increased strength and durability. The base is polyurethane with all its well-known qualities (good adhesion and slip-prevention).

Application

The texture of this paint is really fine, making the application much easier compared to most others. You can use it straight from the can (no mixing required), and all you need is a brush or a roller.

Performance and Looks

We particularly like that this is a low sheen paint, meaning that you won’t have any glare on the boat surface. Interlux Interdeck is available in 4 different colors, allowing you to give your deck the look you always wanted.

  • What Makes This Boat Deck Paint Stand Out
  • Mineral additives significantly increase durability
  • The low sheen finish helps prevent sunlight glare
  • Looks great (no peels or cracks) for many years
  • Great to use on any material, even painted surfaces
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Type: Polyurethane
Surfaces: Any
Volume: 1 quart
Non-skid: Yes
Color(s): Gray, White, Cream, Sand Beige

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How To Choose A Boat Deck Paint – Buying Guide

How_To_Choose_A__Boat_Deck_Paint

Color

While it doesn’t have much to do with performance, color is very important for most of us. Simply put, we want the deck to look nice and blend in. As you’ve had the chance to see, most manufacturers offer paints in many beautiful colors so finding the one you like is easy. If you are deciding between a color and a white deck, ask yourself if you want to be able to walk barefoot on your boat. A white deck will stay cooler in the sun and not burn your feet like a dark deck on a hot day would. If you are planning on a color, also look into getting some really good boat shoes in our other list.

Protection

An important task for the paint is protecting the deck surface. This includes everything from foot traffic in your boat shoes to blocking out UV rays. With this in mind, look for tough but flexible paints that won’t peel or crack (especially if you’re not using a boat cover).

Water Resistance

Since a boat deck comes into contact with a lot of water, the paint needs to be water-resistant. Regular paint would quickly wash away, so we advise that you always buy specialized paint that can withstand weather conditions.

Non-Slip Coating

Providing good traction when walking is the most important job of your non-skid deck paint. Furthermore, it will make using accessories like deck chairs more enjoyable too. Regarding slip resistance, two things play a role – paint formula and texture.

Quality

The painting process isn’t particularly enjoyable, and most boat owners don’t want to do it every year. Paying attention to the aspects we mentioned will guarantee that the paint will last for many years. Good paints are water and slip-resistant, don’t peel or crack, and look fantastic even after many years.

FAQs

How_Should_I_Prepare_My_Boat_Before_Painting

Q: How Should I Prepare My Boat Before Painting?

A: 

Before you paint, make sure to remove all the imperfections from the surface (chips and peels). Afterward, degrease and clean the surface and let it dry. Doing this will make your painting job easier and make the result much better.

Q: What Other Accessories Will I Need Besides The Paint?

A: 

While most paints we featured are a one-party system, some paints require a primer to improve adhesiveness. Of course, you’ll also need a brush or roller to apply the paint. Lastly, you can use a boat polish to give your vessel some shine once the paint dries.

Q: How Long Does It Take For The Paint To Dry?

A: 

The paint should be dry to touch in around 1-2 hours, depending on the type of climate that you are in. However, it’s probably the best idea to avoid walking over it for 24 hours so you don’t ruin the coating.

Q: Can I Paint Over Gelcoat?

A: 

Yes, you can paint over gelcoat. If it’s not completely covered with large cracks, you can get fantastic results. However, it requires a bit more preparation that includes a thorough cleaning, using epoxy primer, and sanding the surface.

Q: How To Paint Fiberglass Boat Decks?

A: 

Painting fiberglass boat decks is fairly easy if you follow a few simple guidelines. Here’s what you should do:

  • Clean the deck (remove debris, rinse with fresh water, leave to dry)
  • Apply masking tape (mark the area that you want to paint)
  • Paint the deck area
  • Leave to dry (up to 7 days before you return elements).

Globo Surf Overview

Painting the deck is an important part of boat maintenance, even though you won’t do it often. Not only does it make your boat look like new, but it also gives you secure footing so you don’t slip. With the boat deck paints from our list, you’ll get that extra safety and enjoy a great-looking deck each time you set out.

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Globo Surf
My name is David Hamburg. I am an avid water sports fan who enjoys paddle boarding, surfing, scuba diving, and kite surfing. Anything with a board or chance I can get in the water I love! I am such a big fan I decided to start this website to review all my favorite products and some others. Hope you enjoy!