Best Boat Deck Paint

‍You've probably heard of boat deck paints before, but did you know that there is an array of boat paints on the market?

The best boat deck paints are TuffCoat UT-100 Coating, TotalBoat TotalTread Deck Paint, and Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint. The deck is highly exposed to foot traffic and harsh weather, so good paint should offer a sturdy finish to protect it.

As a practical boat owner, I’ve used various of these paints for my DIY projects, and I can attest to the best boat deck paints. Besides my personal experience with these paints, I consulted with many boat owners and came up with the following list.

6 Best Boat Deck Paints

Below are six boat deck paints, some indigenous and some proprietary, that have so far proved durable and retained a remarkable level of adhesiveness.

1. Tuff Coat UT-100 Coating

Paint Specifications

TuffCoat UT-100 coating features a single component, water-based non-skid coating that creates a long-lasting finish on the decks. This paint features among the best boat deck paints as it is non-submersible and aims to provide a durable, attractive, and impact-resistant surface for decks.

Tuff coat paint is available as a flexible matte finish. Therefore, dryness creates a thickness of 30-35 mils, which can hide significant imperfections on the deck surfaces. It also adds non-skid properties to provide additional safety.

Since the paint is made through a unique process of cross-linking acrylics, recycled rubber granules, urethanes, and co-polymers, it creates a long-lasting and non-slip finish.

Paint Performance

Tuff Coat is a single component, water-based coating and thus is fast drying. It is designed to provide highly durable, impact-resistant, non-slip surfaces. Due to its unique composition, this paint has a submersible medium texture, giving it a long-lasting finish.

What Sets this Paint Apart

• The paint is UV and chemical-resistant.
• Depending on the surface area, you can apply it by roller or spray.
• It is excellent for metal surfaces, fiberglass, and previously painted deck surfaces.
• It comes in varieties of colors (up to 15 colors).
• This paint is durable, water-based, and flexible.

Benefits of the TuffCoat Paint

• This paint has a single-ingredient formula, which means it does not require additional substances and can be used for all kinds of boat decks.
• Unlike other paints, Tuffcoat features a non-hazardous formulation.
• The deck surface is unlikely to peel as this paint leaves a rubberized texture which is highly durable.

Drawbacks of this Paint

Although the Tuffcoat paint features among the best, its major shortcoming is that you will require to use a primer undercoat.

2. TotalBoat Deck Paint

Paint Specifications

The TotalBoat TotalTread Paint is a unique, slip-resistant coating that is well known for creating durable high-traction surfaces. Due to its polyurethane's low-glare finish, this paint lasts longer as it creates a less abrasive surface.

This deck paint is resilient as it has its polyurethane resin readily mixed with unique texturing agents to achieve a slip-resistant surface. Additionally, its UV stabilizers allow its colors and finish to withstand harsh marine weather.

The TotalBoat deck paint features round Propyltex particles that enhance its grip and durability for a more abrasion-resistant surface.

Paint Performance

You should use two coats of paint to get the best combination of durability and grip. You can, however, opt for the High-solids Total Tread deck paint that covers the deck in the coat. This paint is less abrasive and hence easy to clean.

This paint is slip-resistant. Therefore, it comes in handy when used in areas where extra traction is needed. Applying this paint using a brush or a roller is easy. One gallon of paint is likely to cover 250-300sq.

What Sets this Paint Apart

• TotalBoat deck paint features a unique formula that creates a high-traction, comfortable, and durable deck surface.
• This paint is versatile and can be applied to other parts of the boat.
• Its UV-stable formula offers a long-lasting finish that is not likely to peel, fade, or crack.
• It is easy to apply.

Benefits of the TotalBoat Total Tread Non-Skid Deck Paint

• This paint offers an economical way to get an attractive and low-glare surface.
• The paint's rubbery texture is ideal for maximum traction, and unlike most non-skid paints, TotalBoat is not prone to abrasion.
• Through its non-skid properties, this paint reduces slip and fall accidents and lowers the possibility of wear and tear.
• Its wax texturing agents allow gloss control.

Drawbacks of the TotalBoat Total Tread Non-Skid Deck Paint

The major drawback of the TotalBoat deck paint is that you require two coatings because more coatings enhance the grip. Additionally, your mixing skills should be top-notch to achieve the desirable results.

3. Rust-Oleum Paint

Paint Specifications

Rust-Oleum Marine Paint is designed to provide gloss retention, UV resistance, and durability in extreme weather conditions and other elements. The paint has an oil-based formula which makes it flexible and easily applicable.

Boats are huge investments, and taking ultimate care of these vessels is crucial. Rust-Oleum Topside paint offers maximum performance that prevents everyday wear and tear, keeping your boat stylish.

Paint Performance

This paint creates a durable coating that resists abrasion and extreme weather conditions. The layer is ideal as its durability is unmatched. Additionally, it offers long-term UV protection.

Another desirable feature of the Rust-Oleum Topside Paint is its superior gloss retention. The excellent gloss retention and smooth finish maintain the aesthetics and elegance of your boat's surfaces.

This varnish is created to expand and contract with varying temperatures. This feature enables it to resist common damaging elements. This paint is made from a modified alkyd, which makes it highly durable.

What Sets this Paint Apart

• Rust-Oleum Topside Paint slowly releases copper for superior fouling protection. This highly deters marine growth build-up.
• It has a fine ground pumice base that can mix with any latex or oil-based paints for ultimate grip.
• This paint has brilliant colors that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
• This paint is capable of covering a vast surface, and it dries up fast.

The benefit of the Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint

• It protects the deck from UV damage.
• It is salt, moisture, and mildew resistant.
• It adds an anti-slip grip which enhances safety.
• The paint protects the deck from corrosion.
• It offers exceptional gloss retention properties that resist fading and cracking.
• One can use it for various surfaces of the boat.
• It provides a brilliant finish and long-lasting protection.

Drawbacks of the Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint

The Rust-Oleum Marine paint is loved for its potentiality and performance. However, since this paint has an oil-based formulation, it tends to create a mess and is pretty hard to clean up.

The irking fumes produced by this paint are pretty irritating.

4. KiwiGrip Non-Skid Deck System

Paint Specifications

KiwiGrip Non-Skid Deck System is a durable, non-skid coating that is simple to apply and creates a customizable texture. This paint spreads quickly through the deck area, offering an excellent, high traction surface.

This paint is a homogeneous material; therefore, it does not require fillers like sand, beads, rubber fleck, or walnut shells. For ultimate protection, this paint is loaded with a UV stabilizer. Alternatively, it features among the best boat deck colors for its low glare, even under the sun.

One liter of KiwiGrip can cover a surface of about 20 square feet. The paint is easy to apply, and the package includes a proprietary roller ideal for creating a high traction surface.

Paint Performance

The KiwiGrip paint has varying application techniques depending on your preferable texture. You can change the surface from a rolled pleasure boat texture to an industrial aggressive work boat texture.

Unlike two-part anti-slip deck coatings, KiwiGrip is applied using a brush which is considerably faster and easier. With this paint, repairs are invisible. This paint also features a thick consistency which dries up equally fast.

What Sets this Paint Apart

• KiwiGrip is easy to maintain as its homogeneous material does not tend to wear through fillers. This paint's texture is achieved through the roller and not the stuffing.
• It is available in five colors, with UV stabilizers and low glare features.
• You can apply this paint through various application techniques.
• You can use it in many applications, such as wood, fiberglass, epoxy, concrete, and metal.
• KiwiGrip paint is easily tinted to come up with custom pastel colors.

Benefits of the KiwiGrip Non-Skid Deck System

• It is a revolutionary coating that is highly durable.
• This coating is easy to clean and recoat. The good thing about this coating is that its repairs are invisible.
• The paint’s application techniques are adjustable.
• KiwiGrip is a water-based acrylic, and therefore it is environmentally friendly.
• This paint altogether lowers the finished cost of application hence saving money.
• One single coat of this coating is enough for the deck surface.

Drawbacks of the KiwiGrip Non-Skid Deck System

This coating feature's only shortcoming is that it requires gradual application since it dries too fast.

5. Interlux Interdeck Deck Paint

Paint Specifications

Interlux Interdeck Deck Paint is a slip-resistant deck paint suitable because it contains good mineral additives for hard-wearing and non-slip surfaces. This paint includes fine aggregates that make it easily applicable to all substrates.

This paint has a tough polyurethane resin that provides a high-quality slip-resistant finish. Interlux has a low-sheen finish that reduces the sun's glare and wears and tear.

Paint Performance

You need to apply a minimum of two coats to attain a desirable outcome. This paint requires a few days to cure before you expose it to the marine environment. When applied correctly, this paint guarantees a long-lasting effect.

The solid polyurethane resin aggregated in this paint ensures maximum protection against wear and tear. Fundamentally, this paint offers a long-run solution for slippery decks.

What Sets this Paint Apart

• Interlux deck paint features a slip-proof characteristic that is appropriate for all substrates.
• The paint comes with acceptable mineral additives to increase its non-slip capabilities.
• It protects the deck from UV rays.

Benefits of the Interlux Interdeck Slip-Resistant Deck Paint

• The low sheen finish of this paint prevents the sunlight glare.
• It comes in a variety of colors.
• It contains fine aggregates that enable it to spread quickly over any surface.
• This paint is not cumbersome to use.

Drawbacks of the Interlux Interdeck Slip-Resistant Deck Paint

This paint needs a minimum of two coats to attain a desirable outcome. Again, this paint takes quite a long time to cure.

6. Evercoat Coating

Paint Specifications

The Evercoat Coating is an innovative paint that performs to achieve top-notch results. This deck paint is texturized with a non-skid formulation that contains acrylic latex and ground rubber.

You can apply Skid-No-More paint to fiberglass, wood, metal, or concrete. This non-skid coating features non-abrasive, elastic, and resilient properties. It can be applied to deck surfaces using a paintbrush, a roller, or a squeegee.

Paint Performance

This paint is ideal for creating a texturized, skid-resistant, acrylic latex coating for boat decks. It offers an excellent alternative for non-skit tapes. Evercoat paint provides a controlled release of latex to excellent anti-skid properties.

What Sets this Paint Apart

• You can apply it to a wide range of surfaces.
• It gives an even paint distribution.
• This paint is a certified A1 acrylic rubberized non-coating.

Benefits of the Evercoat Skid-No-More Rubberized Non-Skid Coating

• This paint achieves an ergonomic grip.
• It's an excellent option for its even distribution.
• It offers an acrylic rubberized coating that protects the deck from harsh weather elements.
• It is easy to apply.
• It can be tinted using color agents.

Drawbacks of the Evercoat Skid-No-More Rubberized Non-Skid Coating

This paint can be a bit messy during application. However, there is no cause for alarm as it is easy to clean.

Another drawback is that this paint does not last long as expected. It deteriorates quickly.

Factors to Consider When Buying Boat Deck Paints

As stated earlier, boats are enormous investments that require premium maintenance. Lately, finding the best boat deck paint could be a cumbersome process as numerous brands in the market are claiming to be the best picks.

Fortunately, there are features to look out for and factors to consider to get the ideal deck paint. Below are factors to consider for a wise product investment regarding boat deck paints.

Durability

The boat deck undergoes significant exposure to foot traffic, UV rays, and extreme weather conditions. Whatever deck paint you choose should be tough enough to withstand the above elements.

Suitable deck paints create a durable finish, and protecting the deck is their ultimate goal. Additionally, the paint should not deteriorate quickly. It should be long-lasting.

Protection

Apart from offering protection to the deck, deck paints are crucial in guaranteeing safety to the boaters. Always ensure that you get boat deck paints that are slip-resistant. Alternatively, boat deck paints should protect the decks and surfaces from cracking, peeling, and fading.

To ensure ultimate protection, go for paints with desirable formulas and textures. The right deck paint also guarantees comfort. The paints fill up cracks and gaps that are present in the deck.

Paints repel UV rays damage, molds, rusting and rotting in wooden boats. For boaters who love cleaning their vessels from time to time, paint eases the job. This is because excellent finishes require effortless cleaning.

Color

Color plays a significant role in the aesthetic enhancement of the boat deck. Deck paints are available in many colors, and you can choose one that suits your deck. Choose colors that are easily replaceable whenever they fade.

It is important to note that dark colors on the deck readily absorb heat. Therefore, you will be required to wear shoes on board. On the contrary, a white-colored deck remains cool even under the sun. You can thus enjoy the freedom of being barefoot onboard.