Interlux Paint Topside Paint

Interlux Topside Paint: Built for Sun, Spray and Salt

Everything above the waterline on a boat takes constant punishment from UV radiation, salt spray, and temperature swings. Interlux, a marine coatings brand within AkzoNobel, has spent decades refining finishes for exactly this job. Its topside paints are formulated to deliver deep gloss and lasting color on hulls, decks, cabins, and trim. You can browse the full lineup here, or explore the complete Interlux Paint brand page for the company's wider range of marine coatings.

Toplac Plus: The Current One-Part Topside Finish

The centerpiece of the modern Interlux topside range is Toplac Plus. It is a single-part enamel that replaces the long-running Brightside polyurethane. Toplac Plus is a single-part enamel, whereas Brightside was a single-part polyurethane, and Interlux says the change in chemistry provides better gloss and color retention in a high-UV environment.

A few practical features stand out for boat owners:

• A new formula with improved flow eliminates the need for tipping when using a roller.
• Two to three coats are recommended for most applications, with no sanding needed between coats.
• It is a one-part topcoat with lower VOCs, no MEKO, and no diisocyanates.
• It can be used anywhere above the waterline: hulls, decks, cabins, and trim.

Because it is a one-part system, there is nothing to mix or catalyze. That makes it approachable for first-time DIY painters, while still delivering a finish that professionals respect.

Pre-Kote Plus: The Foundation of the System

A topside finish is only as good as the surface beneath it. Pre-Kote Plus replaces Pre-Kote as an all-in-one undercoat and primer, adding substrate protection including anti-corrosion and a smoother finish that is easier to sand. It can be applied by brush or roller, and directly to most substrates. Interlux pairs it with Toplac Plus as a complete system, and the flow and leveling of the topcoat is at its best when applied over this recommended primer.

Choosing Between One-Part and Two-Part Topside Paints

Interlux's older Perfection two-part polyurethane earned a loyal following for its hard, durable shell. Two-part paints generally offer a harder, longer-lasting finish but require mixing before application, while one-part paints are quicker and simpler to apply. Interlux has since moved its topside focus to the one-part Toplac Plus system, so when shopping, check current product availability and technical data sheets for the finish you plan to use.

Prep Tips for Best Results

• Sand and fill the surface until it is fair and smooth before priming, since the primer and topcoat will reveal any flaws.
• Follow the technical data sheet for thinning, temperature range, and recoat windows.
• Use topside paints only above the waterline; they are not formulated for continuous submersion.
• Choose the matching Interlux primer to keep adhesion and gloss consistent across the system.

For a broader look at finishes from other manufacturers, see the full Topside Paint category.