When it comes to painting, not all supplies are created equal. Sure, you can pick up a box of watercolors and a set of brushes at the nearest art store, but do they really fit your needs? What about the brushes that are labeled as “soft,” but feel like they’re made of plastic? Are they really soft or are they just labeled that way?
To find the best supplies for you, we researched thousands of products and trudged through countless online reviews to find the best boat painting supplies.
Here, your shopping list of the best boat painting supplies.
Our Editor’s Best Boat Painting Supplies Reviews
- NON-SKID DECK PAINT: Durable, textured, low-glare high-traction surface for secure footing, with a comfortable rubberized texture that's less abrasive than traditional silica additives
- LONG-LASTING POLYURETHANE FINISH: Durable coating won't fade or peel; easy to clean - scrubbing won't wear away the finish; affordable way to bring your old boat flooring back to life
- NON-SLIP PAINT WITH MANY APPLICATIONS: Boat decks, docks, cabin soles, hatches, stairs, steps, gunwales, swim platforms, concrete, patios, floors, and anywhere else you need sure footing
- 1-PART PAINT IS EASY TO APPLY by brush or roller on fiberglass, wood, properly primed aluminum, metals, and previously painted surfaces; add a second coat for greater traction. Coverage: 250-300 sq. ft. per gallon
- COMES IN PAINT COLORS TO MATCH TOPSIDES OR EXISTING NON SKID PATTERNS: Sand Beige, Kingston Gray, Light Gray, White (tintable with TotalBoat Wet Edge Topside Paint). Available in Quarts and Gallons
- TOUGH MARINE PAINT: Durable, one-part polyurethane formula adheres directly to aluminum and galvanized metal. Prevents corrosion and resists UV damage, chemicals and abrasion
- ATTRACTIVE LOW-SHEEN FINISH: Ideal for aluminum canoes, dinghies, pontoon, hunting, and fishing boats, jon boats, duck boats, hunting blinds, tree stands, ladders, boat trailers and more. Easy to create a camouflage finish for hunting
- EASY TO APPLY AND DRIES FAST: Apply 2-3 coats by brushing, rolling or spraying. Overcoat in just 1 hour at 72 F, without sanding between coats. Get superior adhesion to surfaces by prepping surfaces with TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Etch Wash
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ALUMINUM PAINT formula is chromate-free, has low VOCs, low odor, and easy soap & water cleanup. Thin up 20% with water
- AVAILABLE IN EARTH BROWN, FLAT DARK EARTH, KHAKI, BLACK, WHITE, LIGHT GRAY, ARMY GREEN, AND OLIVE DRAB); Sizes: Quart and Gallon; Coverage: 80-100 sq ft/qt; 320-400 sq ft/gal; Use above or below the waterline
- TOUGH, WATERPROOF BILGE PAINT: This marine paint resists chemicals, oils, acids, alkyds and solvents. Hard, durable epoxy coating is ideal for boat bilges, engine rooms, lazarettes, lockers, stowage areas and bulkheads
- CHOOSE LIGHT GRAY OR WHITE: Paint boat bilge areas to protect and brighten so you can find & fix leaks and other problems before they become costly damage, or find items accidentally dropped into the bilge; both colors offer excellent coverage and hide
- EASY TO USE: Apply 1-2 coats by brushing, rolling or spraying on prepared fiberglass, wood and metal; prime prepared metals with TotalBoat TotalProtect; for fiberglass prime with TotalProtect if desired; for wood use TotalBoat Topside Primer if desired
- EASY TO KEEP CLEAN: Remove grease, oil, and grime from the high-gloss finish using a cleaner/degreaser. TotalBilge won't lift, crack, peel, or stain
- CHOOSE COLOR AND SIZE: Available in White and Gray colors, in Quart and Gallon Sizes. COVERAGE: 250-300 sq ft/gal; THINNING: Brush/Roll Application - TotalBoat Special Brushing Thinner 100; Spray Application - Xylene
- ONE-PART MARINE PRIMER FOR BOATS provides a durable, flexible undercoat for 1-part and 2-part polyurethane and enamel marine topside paint; for use above the waterline on fiberglass, wood, gelcoat and previously painted surfaces in good condition
- COVERS COMPLETELY IN JUST ONE COAT: High-solids primer seals the surface with 1 thin coat; apply a second coat only if a higher build is needed; to fill large surface imperfections use TotalBoat TotalFair epoxy fairing compound before applying Topside Primer
- EASY TO APPLY BY BRUSHING, ROLLING OR SPRAYING: Use a natural bristle paint brush, a 1/8 " solvent-safe foam roller, or to spray, use a 1.1mm tip; wear proper personal protection; work in a well-ventilated area; boat primer is chromate-free and lead-free
- DRIES FAST, CURES TO A SMOOTH, HARD FINISH: Ready to sand in 60-90 minutes at 65°F; marine paint primer is easy to sand, then just wipe clean and apply a topside finish such as TotalBoat Wet Edge or TotalTread marine non-skid deck paint
- AVAILABLE IN WHITE AND GRAY IN QUART AND GALLON SIZES. Brush/roller application - thin with TotalBoat Special Brushing Thinner 100; spray application - thin with xylene; do not apply Topside Primer thicker than recommended or it may not cure properly
- POWERFUL CLEANING ACTION - STAR BRITE Hull Cleaner removes tough stains from boat hulls, fiberglass, plastic & painted surfaces
- REMOVES STUBBORN STAINS - Specifically formulated to instantly dissolve tough stains, including rust, dried fish blood, grass and leaf stains
- SAFER AND EASY TO USE - features a naturally powerful oxalic acid formula, much more user-friendly than harsher hydrochloric or phosphoric acid formulas, a top choice for marine-grade cleaning solutions
- ULTIMATE BOAT MAINTENANCE - STAR BRITE Hull Cleaner is your all-in-one solution, effectively removing yellowing & scum lines from your boat while maintaining its pristine condition, the best choice for fiberglass and painted boat hulls
- NEXT STEPS: To add shine and protection to your newly cleaned boat hull, apply STAR BRITE Premium Marine Polish
- REMOVES MARKS & DIRT: Our premium Original Boat Eraser cleaner quickly removes dirt, grime, grease, salt, mud & scuffs from the deck, console, hull & seats of your boat. They lift away marks from shoes, fishing poles, nets, tackle boxes and coolers.
- NO HARSH CORROSIVE CHEMICALS: Effortlessly and magically cleaning marks from the interior & exterior of your boat. Simply add water, squeeze to activate, and wipe away dirt and stains. These sponges DO NOT contain bleach or other harsh chemicals.
- SAFE ON LOTS OF SURFACES: This perfect cool boating gift or accessories is safe and a perfect addition to your boat maintenance supplies pontoon or sail boat. Safe on fiberglass, leather, vinyl, plastic, aluminum, gelcoat & metal surfaces.
- REINFORCED CORE FOR DURABILITY: Extra thick sponges offer a reinforced core making them an essential boat accessory & gift. Erase away with a textured surface without soap erasing dirt from sinks, toilets, countertops, showers, walls, bath & more.
- WHY CHOOSE BETTER BOAT PRODUCTS: We are a family owned American business committed to making premium quality products and our customers happy. The Original makers of the Boat Eraser, we stand behind the quality of our products and support.
- BRING BACK YOUR BOAT'S SHINE: Meguiar's Marine/RV Fiberglass Restoration System removes moderate oxidation, stains & scratches; Restore brilliance, enhance gloss, and get long-lasting protection on your fiberglass boat or RV with this boat cleaning kit
- THREE STEPS FOR PRO RESULTS: This easy-to-use kit is perfect for gel coat restoration and includes Heavy Duty Oxidation Remover, High Gloss Polish & Pure Wax; Removes defects, boost gloss, and adds protection whether working by hand & machine application
- FAST & EFFECTIVE: This Marine/RV fiberglass restoration system quickly removes fiberglass and gel coat defects and enhances gloss for a professional-looking finish; This boat/RV detailing kit is the perfect way to restore your boat's showroom shine
- UV PROTECTION & LONG-LASTING SHINE: Meguiar's Marine/RV Pure Wax provides durable protection that defends against UV rays and the harsh marine environment; Protect your boat or RV and keep it looking great with a high gloss shine that lasts
- ENHANCE BOAT APPEARANCE: This premium marine detailing kit increases gloss and shine to boats and RVs and preserves with the included Pure Wax; Enhance the appearance, add long-lasting protection, and increase boat value and RV value at the same time
- Ideal for use on fiberglass, wood or steel surfaces to prevent fouling below the waterline
- Formulated to slowly release copper in order to prevent fouling
- Able to recoat in 4 hours, to launch in 16 hours and covers up to 110 sq ft
- Protective coating resists buildup of barnacles, algae and other marine growth
- Hard, smooth finish provides a flat sheen over most aged antifouling coatings
- Designed to provide a non-reflective finish that conceals hunting and sporting equipment
- Water-based formula blends with terrain and provides a durable, long lasting finish
- Dries to the touch in 30 minutes and fully dry in 2-4 hours
- Flat, non-reflective finish is designed to blend in with surroundings
- Use leaves, twigs or specialized stencils to add a camouflage pattern to items
- ANTIFOULING PAINT FOR BOATS: Unique hybrid paint film keeps barnacles, weeds and slime from clinging to the bottom of your power boat or sailboat for a full season; ideal for fiberglass, wood and steel boats in salt water and fresh water
- ABLATIVE BOTTOM PAINT: Self-polishing coating wears away gradually as the boat moves through the water; minimizes bottom paint build up so you have less sanding to do next season; durable finish can be burnished for smoothness, speed & fuel efficiency
- LOW ODOR, LOW VOCs, EASY CLEANUP: This low-VOC, water-based marine paint has no toxic fumes, and cleans up easily with soap and water; ideal for use in marinas and boat yards with environmental restrictions; no maximum dry time before launch
- EASY TO APPLY BY BRUSH, ROLLER OR SPRAY: Brush - natural bristle; Roller - 3/16” nap or foam solvent-safe cover; Spray - airless or conventional; if needed, thin with water, up to 10%; apply 1-2 thin coats; no sanding needed between coats
- AVAILABLE IN BLACK, BLUE, GREEN & RED COLORS in Quart and Gallon sizes; Coverage: 500 sq. ft. per gallon. Compatible with most previously applied bottom paints: Apply over existing ablative or hard bottom paints; for use on boat bottoms & hulls below waterline only
Best Boat Painting Supplies Buying Guide
Before choosing the best boat painting supplies you should consider following options:
1. Preparation: Before starting the painting process, it is important to prepare the boat in the proper manner.
This includes cleaning and sanding the boat, removing all hardware and draining all fluids. It is also recommended to remove all windows and cabin doors, as well as draining any livewells and fish boxes.
2. Masking: It is important to mask off all areas you want to keep from being painted. This includes windshields, lights, window frames, etc.
You can use tape, newspaper, and plastic to mask off these areas. It is also recommended that you mask off the bottom of the boat, as you will be painting the bottom up to the water line.
3. Primer: After masking, you will start with a coat of primer. This will seal in the wood and provide a base for the finish coat of paint.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the can and wet sand between coats if necessary.
4. Base Coat: After the primer is dry, you can apply your first coat of finish paint.
Be sure to apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick coat. This will prevent orangepeel and provide a smooth finish.
5. Top Coat: You will then apply the second and final coat of paint. This coat should be applied in the same manner as the first.
You can then remove all your masking, clean up all your tools, and put your boat back in the water. You now have a beautiful new look for your boat!
6. Safety: The proper safety equipment should always be worn when painting a boat. This includes eye protection, gloves, long pants, and a respirator.
You should also perform all painting in a well-ventilated area and keep all chemicals away from children and pets.
7. Cost: Painting a boat is not cheap, but it is necessary if you want your boat to look new.
You may also be surprised to find out that it is more cost effective to paint a boat than replace it.
8. Time: A full paint job will take several days to complete, depending on the size of your boat.
This is why it is important to plan ahead and allow yourself enough time to get the job done.
9. Maintenance: A good paint job will last for years with proper maintenance.
This includes washing your boat regularly, waxing it, and keeping all the hardware in good working order.
10. Warranty: The last thing you want to do is paint your boat and then have it fail to satisfy the warranty.
Before you do any painting, you should contact the manufacturer to see what they recommend.
This will help you plan your painting project and make sure it meets the proper specifications for your boat.
What else you should know about boat painting supplies
1. What type of paint should be used on a boat?
Boat paint should be a marine-grade paint that is specifically designed for use on boats.
2. How much paint will be needed to cover the boat?
It will take approximately 2 gallons of paint to cover the boat.
3. What type of primer should be used on a boat?
A boat primer should be used on a boat.
4. How many coats of paint will be needed to cover the boat?
It will take 3 coats of paint to cover the boat.
5. What type of paintbrush should be used to apply the paint?
A paintbrush with soft bristles should be used to apply the paint.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best boat painting supplies. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best boat painting supplies will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.