Your boat deck’s surface is painted with a non-slip coat to ensure that the surface and the boat’s occupants are safe from slips and falls. But over time, the deck must be re-coated.

If you want to re-paint the boat, you can use marine paint. Unfortunately, some marine paints do not have non-skid additives. Therefore, you need to add them to the paint. However, you can now find boat deck paint that is non-skid, allowing you to easily apply the material to provide the right kind of roughness and slip-resistant finish to prevent people from slipping.

How to choose the correct deck paint

The type of deck paint you choose will determine whether you need to use a primer or not. While some may require a primer, most modern anti-slip deck paints can be applied directly to a properly prepared surface without any initial coating. It is essential to read the specific instructions given by the manufacturer of the brand of marine paint you choose.

The range of choices for deck paints is vast. You can find linear polyurethanes, oil-based paints, and acrylics, among others. For ease of application, it is better to choose a brand that already has anti-slip additives. The popular choice among boat owners is polyurethane paint because of its high resistance to UV lights, water, solvents, and oils. Aside from the durability, the current marine paints in the market come in a wide range of colors, offering a low-gloss and attractive finish.

Tips on painting the boat deck

The proper preparation of the boat deck surface is of the utmost importance to ensure the adequate adherence of the deck paint. The suggested application is two coatings, but you can add another coat for the busier sections, where foot traffic is heaviest so that the area can last longer.

The deck surface should be clean and dry, with the deck hardware removed. Likewise, choose a day when the weather is sunny and dry so that the paint can cure properly. Finally, choose a place where air can circulate freely but free from dirt, insects, leaves, and grasses that can stick to the paint while it dries.

You can achieve better results if you paint the deck in sections instead of painting the entire deck at once. This is because painting in sections allows you to move better around the boat, and it is easier to paint in small areas.

Determine where you want to start, but it is preferable to start from the front of the boat and move backward where the space will be wider. Next, use a sturdy brush or short pile roller to apply the paint. Leave the section to dry for six hours before moving to another area. Once you have applied your first coat, let the boat dry overnight.

Check if there are spots that you missed and use more paint. After finishing your second or third layer, allow the boat to dry completely, and wait an additional six hours before walking on the deck.

Ensure that you properly sand the surface so the marine paint can adhere better. Always follow the instructions carefully to have the suitable boat deck coating you need to keep you safe.