Boating Basics Online is supported by readers. When you buy through our link, we may earn you a commission for free. learn more

No, due to harsh factors such as wind, rain, extreme heat and cold, any ship will inevitably show signs of wear and tear over time. This devaluation is most evident in the paint coatings on our ships, on the decks where we often trek. The good news is that there is always a remedy for dilapidated decks that have become ugly and deteriorated. There is nothing the best ship deck paint can't be polished immediately. The icing on the cake is that these coats can not only beautify ships. Some naturally grant anti-skid privileges, which will make any navy sailor jealous. Others increase the life of your boat by making it waterproof and dustproof. As this review and buying guide proves, some marine deck coatings can even provide all of these things completely.

TotalTread is easy to use and provides excellent traction, ensures a smoother finish, and lasts a long time when used correctly. As I said above, I like the many benefits of this paint. It is not difficult to manage and use. I always pair it with a suitable marine primer before application, and usually, I only need to apply two coats to get the results I want. It is smoother than most non-slip varieties I use. I think this is because it uses finer sand than others. Walking barefoot is more comfortable, I'm sure, although I rarely do it. In addition, please note that despite the above facts, its anti-slip performance is also excellent. This is a balanced traction, not too sharp. As for the complaint, it takes me about two days to be sure that the paint is sufficiently dry and that I can put all the pressure on it. Considering the alternative, I am not sure whether it should cost as much as it. Nevertheless, it still ranks high on this list for the simple reason that it is a good choice for me and many rowers. Sometimes, I use the same brand of Gleam 2 and other nautical varnishes. It puts cherries in the first place by further improving aesthetics and durability. This setup showed the best lifespan of the deck and cockpit of my 32-foot sailboat, and still showed minimal signs of damage after 3 years. What we like is easy to use, smoother surface, proven durability, strong traction, what we don’t like, takes a while to dry, a little expensive. This product reflects the quality of high-quality marine deck coatings. It may not be great on its own, but it is above average in most marine applications. 2. Rust-Oleum 206999 Marine Topside Paint

Even with some of the products listed here, this paint is hard to beat. It provided everything I was looking for in marine deck coatings, from durability and drying speed to ease of use and adhesion. This can shock anyone who has tried most ship deck paints but ended up with a brief finish. One of my Jon boats, the deck I painted with it 5 years ago is still very strong. Of course, it has faded a bit and a new layer can be used at any time, but I cannot say the same to other brands. In my book, protection and durability are complementary. This paint wins in both. In these 5 years, my boat has suffered a full 9 yards of abuse. I just want to say that it barely resists damage from sunlight and moisture. Applying is a breeze. Any roller can do most of the coverage, and I use a $2 brush for the required touch-ups. As a bonus, it can fill itself well. It also provides a certain degree of slip resistance, but the traction is not as good as a special anti-skid ship deck coating. One thing I don't like is the strong smell. I hope Rust-Oleum can take the time to downplay it, considering its position as the preferred brand. Fortunately, I know one or two tricks to prevent it from overwhelming my nose, namely adding vanilla extract. What do we like? Excellent durability? Excellent protection? Self-leveling? Good traction? We don't like any strong smell. This paint has reached a whole new level in durability. I bet that if this factor is your top priority, then once you try it, you will find it difficult to choose any other brand. 3. TotalBoat Wet Edge Marine Topside Paint

The wet side lasts for a long time, flows like butter, and stays for a long time. I want to go on saying that I like this paint. I can't understand how smooth it flows, and you don't need a full can of thinner to achieve this consistency. I use the recommended thinner, and I get an eye-catching effect every time. It can also self-level, if you know me, I can't get enough paint to solve this problem. I stick to the recommendation of using a thin coat, usually three coats in total. I found that I don't need a tip assistant because again, it is easy to apply. I would even say that it made me "fascinated" by painting the deck and hull of a ship, and seizing every opportunity to make one or two ships look new. If the previous paint has worn out, I will use a primer. But if this is not the case and the paint is still strong, I find that even without a primer, it can still provide excellent coverage. In the best weather conditions, the drying time for most applications is less than a day. This is a desiccant that I know will not mess up once I step on it. The brand recommends xylene as a thinner, which makes me feel frustrated because it is not always available where I live. Even now on the online shopping platform, I seem to find it difficult to find the stock of this paint. As for durability, on one of my fishing boats, the longest an application can manage before it starts to wear out is two years. Considering the durability of other coatings, this is good. I can say with certainty that, considering these factors, it gives the ideal protection and long-lasting advantages of high-gloss, marine-grade paint. What we like is very easy to apply and manage with proper drying time and durability. If there is a solid paint layer, no primer is required. High gloss and marine grade. Things we don’t like. Xylene is recommended as a thinner. Limited availability as a rower yourself, You may not be able to demand more of the boat primer. 4. KiwiGrip KG10171R non-slip coating

KiwiGrip commented that this ship deck coating is the best ship deck coating. I agree to a certain extent, especially if I want to compare its anti-slip magic with other brands. To be honest, I felt a headache when I learned that this product does not use sand or any other fillers usually added in paint to impart an anti-slip effect. At first I was skeptical and only tried the cheapest and smallest container. Well, to make a long story short, the moment I knew how it worked its magic, I was shocked. This is because it is very easy to apply and you get excellent traction from the surface. Please note that I first need to polish any surface I am using. Sometimes, I also use acetone to achieve good results. In general, you don't need to spend too much preparation time to apply it correctly. No matter how small its coverage is, the rollers it comes with are undoubtedly commendable, because the texture it produces can produce a lot of traction every time. It has grip traction, minus the rough, over-sharp texture of most non-slip finishes. Unlike other coatings, it does not make the workplace or storage room smelly. As for durability, I have a center console whose panel still looks close to new after 2 years. However, I did not always expose it to heavy rain and strong sunlight. Even so, in my opinion it is still a miracle that it still maintains its degree of completion. For the quantity you get per gallon, I think it's very expensive. In general, I feel that every bottle is not enough, which makes me feel that KiwiGrip's coverage is almost always insufficient. This is why I suggest you buy more than expected. What do we like? Excellent slip resistance. Very easy to apply. Equipped with a roller to get the best application effect every time. No odor. Very durable. Things we don’t like are expensive. The amount of paint in each container is relatively small. I agree that the product is worthy of being classified. One of the best, considering all its benefits. 5. Evercoat 853 non-slip rubber coating

There is more than one robustness of this marine non-slip deck coating. It may be difficult to handle, but it will not let you down in the durability department. In addition, it is one of the few products that can perform well on metal and wood surfaces. I use it on most of the aluminum and wooden decks of my own sailboat and pontoons owned by my brother. To me, it lasts longer on the aluminum deck; it has been close to 4 years, and it still looks good. It peeled off in some parts, but a day of polishing quickly fixed it. On the wooden deck, the most I get from it is 2 years before reapplying a new layer, but this is just my experience. Speaking of applications, how to apply correctly for the first time is a difficult problem. I need to emphasize the word "appropriate" because you have to make sure that its coarse grains are evenly distributed. I didn't get the result I wanted through the scraper recommendation (ie correct leveling), so I used a trowel instead. It flattens better with a knife, and it sticks to the standard Rust-Oleum primer I use like glue. I also like the relative affordability of each can. For what I always get from it, this is a real blast of value for money. Even so, I still hope it has basic black and white, and the available shades are at least more attractive. However, there is nothing more eye-catching topcoat that will make up for it in the near future. Since the sand particles are evenly distributed, I can feel the traction better. I tried using a paintbrush and it works well, but I think it’s easier to achieve the correct grit distribution with a knife. Two coats are enough. What we like Widely used on most surfaces. Proven durability. Strong adhesion. Great value for money. What we don’t like. What we don’t like are very unmanageable colors. I can say with certainty that if my goal is practical benefits, I Will not choose any other coating on my ship deck. 6. Rust-Oleum 207009 marine anti-skid additive

If your deck coating does not have the anti-skid properties you want, you can always use this additive to get rid of this common rut. This is the additive that I don’t mind using on my ship’s deck, bathroom floor, and places where accidents, life-threatening, or other aspects are more likely to occur. As long as you use it correctly, it will provide the kind of grip you expect ships in the navy to have. By the way, it is easy to apply. It is not picky about the paint used. In fact, as long as it fits, I mix it with my other deck paints to give them a traction I can trust, especially in rough seas. I get consistent results in terms of anti-slip features, even though I sometimes use less than the brand recommends to add. It goes well with the brand’s Topside marine paint, but I also tend to use it on other paint brands because it doesn’t really limit itself to the brand’s catalog. It's not difficult to use and mix, just a quart of paint will do. It self-levels well, and I use rollers, sprays or brushes to get consistent results. I don't know if it contributes a lot to durability, but because of its UV resistance, I bet it does increase overall lifespan. Almost all the boats I apply it to will not need to be repainted for at least 3 years, especially if I use Rust-Oleum marine paint. My only real doubt is that it costs a lot of money for additives. What do we like? Excellent slip resistance. Easy to use with most paints. Adds an extra layer of protection to the boat. Provides excellent results even with a small amount. What we don’t like is a bit expensive. Do I believe this paint can save my life ? Most likely, I wouldn't mind doing this, because its grip is still unmatched by some of the best boat floor coatings featured here. 7. Durabak 18 texture non-slip coating

The textured version of Durabak 18 is more suitable as a marine non-slip deck coating than the smooth version. Although it is expensive, I always get the durability and grip I want. I once painted this picture on a jeep instead of on the deck of a ship, when the temperature outside was close to 101 degrees Fahrenheit. After a day in the shade, it still adhered well and cured well. Of course, I probably won't do this again, but I want to emphasize the adaptability of the product in this regard; it will definitely exceed your expectations. For the ship deck, I have applied it to some glass fiber, wood and metal surfaces, and the effect is excellent. After opening each jar, you can use it. Of course, I often sand, if I have a primer like xylene, I can also do other preparations if necessary, but the above aspects did save me a lot of time. The last aspect, coupled with its attractive colors, makes me believe that although the price per quart is relatively high, my money is worth it. First of all, I usually don't have to cover the finish with a better-looking finish. As for durability, I can say with certainty that it lives up to its name. The textured version works better on boats because I think it has excellent water resistance in addition to the grip and slip resistance. Even if the deck is all wet, it can reassure me, especially when I encounter unexpected showers and occasional waves during the trip. It seems to be fully UV stable, but I can’t comment too much on the ship deck. What we like to provide more than promised Suitable for most deck surfaces readily available and easy to apply A variety of attractive color options are very durable What we don't like is expensive If you are looking for a high-quality fiberglass boat deck For paint protection, style and safety, you'd better check this product. 8. KILZ L394811 Over Armor Smooth

The Smooth version of Over Armour is a popular item per gallon, especially when you must use a wooden ship deck. It is very attractive, each layer has good coverage, excellent adhesion and excellent durability. I like this light brown, peanut butter-like surface. It is more pleasing to my eyes than the chocolate brown surface. It is a bit difficult to manage, and I need to do basic preparations every time. But once you get the right consistency, it stays in good condition all the time and amazes me with its excellent coverage, it can beat the other products here. When I need to repair a peeling and cracked deck, I often rely on this affordable paint. Three years ago, I painted this on the teak deck of the center console. Except for some peels here and there, it still looks good. This is why I believe it deserves a place here. Please note that this is a very thick paint, which is too thick in my opinion. I often have to dilute it with water to get consistency so that I don't try to spread it. This takes time, which is one of the main disadvantages. Considering the price, I am not surprised. Nevertheless, this is not a problem without a ready-made solution, so for me it is a small problem at best. Another thing, although it has a bit of texture and traction, the smooth version of the brand is not so non-slip. Therefore, I often buy cheap non-slip additives and mix them to make up for this. In that case, I still managed to reduce the overall cost. What do we like? Affordable, attractive finishes, long-lasting coatings, excellent coverage, what we don’t like, are not so slip resistant, and need to be diluted well. This marine paint for wooden decks makes your effort very worthwhile. You just need to know how to use this ship deck coating correctly within your budget. 9. Liquid rubber smooth polyurethane coating

This coating can deceive anyone who has previously dealt with coatings and stains. In a very good way, I must add. It doesn't claim to be a non-slip coating, but this is actually one of the few smooth coatings I have tried, and it doesn't feel slippery when wet. I was pleasantly surprised to learn this, so since then, I have been using it extensively on most of my ship decks. Of course, it is not as strong as other natural non-slip coatings. Even so, I never use additives to get the grip I want. I can easily compare it with other brands I have tried, and there are many dwarfed brands next to it, especially if we are to consider durability. I can't say how it manages to control the elements, but I think a coating that lasts for 3 years or more is self-evident. I like the nuance of the color options. Over the years, I have tried some of them and found that gray and brown are best for my boat deck. A gallon of canned food is not cheap, but in terms of quality, it should be obvious. However, every penny is worth it. This paint almost always guarantees that it is better than the last paint you used on the deck. I don't mind applying it with spray, brush or roller because it is very convenient. No mixing is required, but sanding is necessary in most applications. It is relatively thick so that it does not drip, but provides a smooth flow when applied; in my opinion, perfect consistency. What we like Good traction has many attractive colors Above average durability Easy to prepare and use Good value for money we don’t like the high cost per gallon This paint almost always guarantees that it is better than the last time you used it Paint the deck better. 10. TUFF coated UT-100 non-slip coating

TUFF Coat is a perfect combination of durability, beauty, environmental protection and marine-grade non-slip. This coating claimed to be "very durable" and caught my attention from the very beginning. I like brands that make bold statements, and I am very willing to test their statements. Well, I'm glad I did it, because this is probably one of the few paints here, and I will never use it on any type of ship deck. When stepped on, it looks and feels great and it is safe. In addition, this paint does not have the rough texture you would normally associate with non-slip coatings. I attribute this to the rubber, you need to make sure that the rubber is mixed with the paint to ensure the best coating. After all, the former tends to stay at the bottom of the jar. The choice of paint color for the deck of the ship is very suitable for booting. I prefer the chocolate look it provides because it can well hide the stains that we usually leave when boating and fishing in muddy water. Although it provides a strong non-slip grip, it is actually not painful to clean with an ordinary garden hose. The stain came off immediately upon the first explosion. It can stay fresh for a long time. The longest time to use the new batch on one of my old sailing boats is 5 years. Although it is tough, it is water-based, so it is good for us and the environment. However, I hope its price can be lowered a bit, because it may be one of the most expensive paints here. What do we like? Excellent durability, beautiful surface, first-rate color selection, easy to clean, harmless to health and the environment, what we don’t like, more expensive than most, suitable for people who want safer, more ways and heavier-they The duty of the vessel to paint. 11. KILZ Over Armor texture

Over Armor Textured is a more complete marine ready option in the KILZ ship deck paint catalog. Is my preference for this brand beginning to show up? However, I am not really biased. If I want to ensure the excellent coverage and durability of Over Armor, why not go all the way and make it more slip resistant and provide better protection against bad weather? Yes, the textured version is much more expensive, but if I mix the non-slip additive with the smooth version, I think the price difference will be flattened to a certain extent. However, Textured's anti-slip function is excellent and consistent, so it is difficult to completely ignore. Even if you walk on it barefoot, it still feels smooth. This first coat still looks great after 2 years, so I am satisfied with the overall durability. It not only makes up for the effort and time it requires you to put in. During that time, I have exposed the deck of the center console to sunlight and humidity with minimal cleanup work. Please note that I only applied one layer and it dries very quickly. I cleaned the surface thoroughly first. I may have to agree with some commenters who complained that it is a bit difficult to grasp, let alone apply. It feels like mud, and it is painful to brush the whole. When I first tried it in an area of ​​about 50 square feet, it took me over an hour to get the coverage I wanted. What do we like? Excellent traction? Satisfactory durability? It feels smooth. Just one coat is enough to perform well. Quick-drying. What we don’t like is more expensive than the smooth version. It’s harder to apply than other paints. Put a better coat on your deck. 12. INSL-X SU031009A-01 Sure Step Coating

This premium paint gives you value for money by imparting strong traction and maintaining it for a long time. I like the consistency of this paint. It is as thick as rubber, but it won't make you feel exhausted when you roll or brush your teeth. Stirring requires some effort, but there is not much to complain about. In addition, I will not use this paint to cover the world well. I usually don't need too much of it to cover the area I'm working on, it dries quickly, and once it dries, it feels hard and thick. I have tried more than a few paints that claim to be non-slip. Normally, most of them cannot achieve the kind of texture or traction that I can be confident; usually, I have to add more coating than recommended. This is an exception because it gives the correct traction through two layers each time. Since the application, there have not been any slips or falls requiring attention. I said it can be stored for a long time because the aluminum of my current Jon boat still maintains a smooth surface 2 and a half years after the initial use. It is not completely UV resistant, so I emphasize not to allow it to absorb too much sun light, especially when the temperature is high. In addition, I believe its waterproof and wear-resistant protection is worthy of praise. Another thing I don’t particularly like is the pungent smell. Even if you have handled hundreds of paint products before, this smell will force you to wear a mask. What do we like? Excellent coverage. Amazing traction lasts for a long time. Fast drying. What we don’t like is a bit expensive. Strong smell. Good value for money. Anyone looking for mid-range paint with high-end privileges will benefit a lot from it. Factors to consider when choosing ship deck coatings

I advise you not to deviate too much from these important criteria when making a decision.

The safest option is always to provide non-slip paint, because you need to be sure that no matter how much your deck gets wet, you will not slip or fall. Not all non-slip coatings and additives are non-slip, and vice versa. However, getting either of the two is always a good step in the right direction. Waterproof paint can not only last longer, but also easier to clean.

Anti-ultraviolet coatings can withstand most weather conditions and can cope with the pressure of frequent walking. If you want your jacket to last longer, wear and tear is the goal you should pursue. Epoxy boat primers are often a safe choice, but as my list above proves, you should also try other types of paints, even water-based paints.

Your boat deck is usually where you can show off your style. The color you choose can accomplish or destroy that factor for you. If you want a coating that can hide dirt and grime, then I suggest you choose a darker coating. Try not to make the color of the ship's deck deviate too much from its overall theme.

You will see a lot of comments and feedback on home furnishing brands such as KiwiGrip, Rust-Oleum and TotalBoat, for good reason. Their products reflect the best quality of ship deck coatings. However, I cannot ignore my positive experience with KILZ, Tuff, Durabak and the other brands mentioned here. They perform well in key areas that are usually inseparable from my marine coatings, namely, slip resistance and durability.

Usually, the paint product itself will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare your boat for best results. In most cases, I find it best to follow these instructions. Otherwise, it is best to sand the surface before application, especially if you are repainting and must remove flaky stains and coatings. Before applying any paint product to the surface, it is standard practice to ensure that the surface is clean.

Except for some unique steps you need to take, it is actually not much different from painting wood or metal surfaces. Before applying any type of paint, make sure to keep the glass fiber clean and dry. Let it dry in a place where it will not be affected by further moisture or dirt. An important step you should not forget is to cover up the area you plan to paint. You can use suitable paint tape for this to ensure that the final finish will not have irregular co. The paint on the deck of a fiberglass boat usually requires a primer, but this is not always the case. Use it only when needed for a specific paint product. After drying and covering the area, you can now start painting. When you are done, you can now remove the tape and wait for the game from there until the coat you applied is completely dry.

Yes, there is no shortage of paints and additives that can provide the traction you need on the surface of your deck. However, not all of these can last for a long time, and may need to be applied regularly over time. Some are easy to apply, and if the previous coating starts to lose its grip, you won't mind rolling on a new layer. https://youtu.be/CFi3KRFSw_Y

The best boat deck paints can provide you with much-needed Zen-like calm while boating, fishing or cruising. Why? Because once you use it, you don't have to worry about slipping, falling, and worn decks. The products I emphasize here can more or less help you achieve this goal, as long as you determine the most suitable product for your purpose.