Interlux Antifouling Paint

What Is Antifouling Paint and Why Does Your Hull Need It?

Any boat that spends significant time in the water faces a relentless threat from below the surface: marine fouling. Barnacles, algae, slime, and other aquatic organisms attach themselves to hull surfaces, creating drag that hurts fuel efficiency, slows performance, and demands costly maintenance. Antifouling paint — also called bottom paint — is the front line of defense, applied to the underwater portion of a hull to release biocides that deter and inhibit the attachment of these organisms.

Understanding which type of antifouling paint best suits your vessel, your waters, and your maintenance habits is key to getting the most out of every application.

Types of Antifouling Paint: Hard vs. Ablative

There are two primary antifouling strategies, each with distinct advantages:

• Hard (Modified Epoxy) Paints: These form a tough, durable film that leaches biocides over time while the paint film itself remains largely intact. They are well-suited for boats in heavy-fouling tropical or warm waters and can be burnished for a smooth racing finish — but they require sanding before recoating to prevent excessive buildup.
• Ablative (Self-Polishing) Paints: Ablative coatings wear away gradually as the boat moves through the water, continuously exposing fresh biocide. Because the paint film disappears over time, there is minimal buildup, and little to no sanding is typically required at haulout. They are an excellent multi-season solution for most recreational boaters.
• Hybrid Paints: Some formulations blend elements of both hard and ablative technologies, offering the color brightness and durability of a hard paint with the self-renewing properties of an ablative.
• Water-Based Formulas: Designed with lower VOC content and fewer harsh solvents, these environmentally friendlier options are increasingly popular in regions with strict air quality regulations.

Key Considerations When Choosing Bottom Paint

Before selecting a product, consider your boating environment (saltwater vs. freshwater, tropical vs. temperate), how often your vessel is in the water, whether you trailer or keep it in a slip, and your hull material. Some antifouling paints are formulated specifically for fiberglass, wood, or metal hulls, and certain copper-based products must be avoided on aluminum. Always verify compatibility before applying a new product over existing coatings.

Top Brands in Interlux Antifouling Paint

Interlux is the backbone of this category. Interlux antifouling paints span a wide range of proven formulas — from the self-polishing Micron CSC, which uses controlled-polishing technology to become smoother over time and maximize fuel efficiency, to the fast-drying Bottomkote line built on dual-resin technology, and the racing-focused VC series engineered for low drag on performance sailboats. As a division of AkzoNobel, Interlux brings global marine coating expertise to both recreational and professional boaters.

Beyond Interlux, two other respected brands round out this category's offerings:

Pettit Paint brings a heritage stretching back to the 19th century and a deep portfolio of antifouling technologies. Their lineup includes hard modified epoxy paints, ablative formulas under the Hydrocoat and Ultima lines, and innovative hybrid options — giving boaters a solution whether they prefer a water-based, low-VOC formula or a heavy-duty copper-loaded coating for tough fouling conditions.

Seahawk Paints is an American-made brand with a sharp focus on performance and environmental responsibility. Their antifouling line covers everything from high-copper hard epoxy paints for tropical waters to self-polishing copolymer ablatives and copper-free formulas, making it easy to match a product to specific fouling conditions and regulatory requirements.