How Antifouling Paints Work and Application Chart

Use the descriptions of antifouling paint types and the chart below to pick the type that is best for your boat.

Micron Technology

Paints that use Micron Technology provide the longest lasting protection from fouling. The biocides are chemically bound to the paint film and are only active when in the water. This allows them to be hauled and relaunched without repainting. The paint film polishes away like a bar of soap at a controlled rate reducing paint build-up and eliminating the need for sanding. This controlled polishing of Micron allows for a more efficient use of copper over a longer period of time, so less copper is needed than in old-fashioned hard high copper paints. Micron paints also polish to a smoother surface than hard antifoulings which reduces drag and maximizes fuel savings. The longevity of these coatings is related to the thickness of the paint.

Hard antifoulings

The technical term for these types of antifouling paints is contact leaching. The paint dries to a porous film that is packed with biocides, which leach out on contact with water to prevent fouling growth. Once the biocide is exhausted, the hard paint film remains on the boat. Hard antifoulings do not retain their antifouling ability out of the water and cannot be hauled and relaunched without repainting. The main benefit of hard antifouling paints is their predictable antifouling performance in all waters. They provide a hard scrubbable and abrasion resistant finish.

Bottom paints with telfon

DuPont Teflon is an extraordinary and versatile technology EXCLUSIVELY available in yacht coatings from Interlux. Teflon has a coefficient of friction lower than ice, making it the most slippery material in existence. By featuring Teflon in our antifouling products, you receive the benefit of smooth, low-friction surfaces that minimize drag and extremely hard coatings that resist damage and are exceptionally easy to clean. They are also easy to burnish to produce the smoothest, fastest antifouling surface. Products with Teflon are VC Offshore with Teflon, VC 17m Extra, VC 17m, VC Performance Epoxy and VC Eco.

Specialty antifoulings

Bright colors and aluminum - for boaters that want bright clean colors, there is Trilux 33. Trilux 33 is ideal for use on aluminum and can also provide excellent antifouling protection on fiberglass, wood or steel. Trilux 33 uses Biolux Technology to control slime and has 2 biocides that work together to provide increased performance.

Outdrives - Trilux prop & Drive is an aerosol antifouling developed specifically for use on lower units of outdrives and outboards.

Hard Racing - Maximum speed - Baltoplate is a hard vinyl antifouling designed for the serious racers and has a long heritage of use by winning sailors.

Traditional - Work boat Bottomkote is a traditional soft sloughing antifouling that provides good antifouling protection for most areas.

Biocide Free, - VC Performance Epoxy are Teflon-containing coatings that can be used on boats that are permanently moored in the water but do not require antifouling protection. VC Performance Epoxy dries to a hard finish that is ideal for wet sanding and burnishing. The hard scuff resistant surface makes it the ideal coating for boats stored on racks and lifts as well as trailered boats.

The information provided here has been reproduced courtesy of Interlux. Wholesale Marine reproduced this information 08/17/2009.