Pettit Topside Paint

What Is Topside Paint and Why Does It Matter?

Topside paint is one of the most important coatings you can apply to a boat. Pettit topside paint and similar marine topcoats are specifically designed for all visible surfaces above the waterline — hull sides, decks, cabins, and superstructure. Unlike bottom paint, which focuses on antifouling protection below the waterline, topside paint prioritizes gloss retention, color stability, UV resistance, and abrasion resistance. Skipping or neglecting this layer leaves your vessel exposed to the relentless combination of sunlight, salt spray, and moisture that accelerates fading, chalking, and structural degradation.

Understanding Pettit Topside Paint

Pettit Marine Paint has long been a trusted name in the marine coatings world, offering topside finishes that balance durability with ease of application. Their flagship one-part polyurethane formula — the Easypoxy line — delivers a high-gloss, gelcoat-like finish with added silicone for brilliant shine and easy brushability. It resists fading, chalking, and UV damage while standing up to saltwater, weather exposure, and general wear. The self-leveling formula applies smoothly by brush, roller, or spray, making it approachable for both first-time painters and experienced boaters. Pettit also offers the EZ-Poxy Performance Enhancer, an additive that increases gloss, hardness, and longevity of their solvent-based topside paints.

There are three main classifications of marine topside paint worth knowing before you shop: one-part polyurethanes, which are DIY-friendly and easy to touch up; two-part polyurethanes, which offer maximum durability and a mirror-like finish but require more surface prep and skill; and alkyd enamels, a more traditional option that is straightforward to apply. High-quality topside paints like those in the Pettit lineup typically last 3–5 years depending on sun exposure and maintenance habits.

Key Considerations When Shopping for Topside Paint

• Surface material: Most quality topside paints work on fiberglass, wood, and metal, but always verify compatibility before applying.
• One-part vs. two-part systems: One-part polyurethanes are more forgiving for DIYers, while two-part systems deliver a harder, more durable finish that often requires spraying for best results.
• UV resistance: For boats used in high-sun or saltwater environments, a formula with strong UV filters is essential to prevent premature fading and chalking.
• Application temperature: Most marine topside paints should be applied between 50°F and 90°F with low humidity for optimal adhesion and leveling.
• Primer compatibility: Proper surface prep and a compatible primer coat are critical — skipping primer can lead to peeling or premature paint failure.

Top Brands in Pettit Topside Paint

Our selection features products from several respected names in performance coatings. Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes brings its industrial-grade expertise to the marine space, offering high-performance polyurethane topcoats engineered for corrosion protection and long-term gloss retention on steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. Eastwood Company is well known among hands-on restorers for professional-grade coatings that deliver durable finishes accessible to serious DIYers. High Teck is a respected name in refinishing products, bringing precision coating chemistry to marine topside applications. VHT, a division of Dupli-Color and Sherwin-Williams, has a deep heritage in automotive and specialty coatings — their durable spray formulas offer convenient topside touch-up and finishing options for boat owners.