Interlux Paint Prime Washes, Solvents & Thinners

Why Surface Prep Starts with the Right Solvent

Every flawless marine coating job begins well before the first brush stroke. Proper surface preparation — cleaning away wax, mold-release agents, oils, and old paint residue — is what separates a finish that lasts seasons from one that peels after a few months. Interlux Paint, a brand with roots going back to 1881, understands this better than almost anyone. As part of the AkzoNobel family of coatings companies, Interlux is one of the biggest names in yacht coatings and marine protection, founded in 1881 and now operating as a division of AkzoNobel. That heritage is baked into every product in their Prime Washes, Solvents & Thinners lineup.

Formulated for the Interlux System

Interlux solvents are specially formulated for optimal performance and application of Interlux products and preparation of Interlux systems. This is a crucial distinction: using a generic solvent with a premium marine coating can compromise adhesion, alter dry times, or even damage the underlying substrate. Interlux takes a systems-based approach, meaning their thinners, reducers, and washes are engineered to work in concert with their primers, antifouling paints, and topcoats — not as an afterthought.

Key Products in the Interlux Solvent & Thinner Lineup

With 19 products spanning a range of preparation and application needs, Interlux covers the full spectrum of marine solvent tasks:

• Fiberglass Solvent Wash 202 — A go-to dewaxing solution for new fiberglass surfaces. It is used to remove mold-release agents and wax from gelcoat before painting or priming. This step is non-negotiable when working on new or recently repaired fiberglass hulls.
• Fiberglass Surface Prep (YMA601V) — Low-VOC Formula — A reduced-emissions alternative to traditional solvent washes, designed for boaters and professionals working in regions with strict VOC regulations, without sacrificing cleaning effectiveness.
• Brushing Liquid 333 — A flow additive and thinner specifically designed to improve brush application of Interlux topside finishes, reducing brush marks and extending working time in warm or dry conditions.
• Special Thinner 216 — A purpose-matched thinner for select Interlux antifouling and primer products, used to adjust viscosity for spray or brush application.
• Interthane Plus Reducing Solvent (2316N) — Specially formulated for optimal performance and application of Interlux products and preparation of Interlux systems, this reducer is matched to Interlux's premium two-part polyurethane topcoat systems for spray application.
• Brush-Ease 433 — A brush-application reducer that helps achieve a smoother, more even flow when applying Interlux two-part finishes by hand.
• Reducing Solvent Brush 2333N — Formulated to work with specific Interlux primers and undercoats when brushing by hand is the preferred application method.

Using Interlux Solvents Within a Complete Coating System

Interlux boat paints and solvents include antifouling paint, bilge paint, flattening agents, non-skid deck paint, marine primers, paint thinners and solvents, and several varieties of topside paint. The solvents and prime washes in this lineup are the essential first and last steps of that system — surface cleaning before application and equipment cleanup after. Using only Interlux-recommended thinners and solvents, and not exceeding the maximum thinning percentages listed on the label, is a best practice emphasized throughout Interlux's technical documentation. Proper solvent selection protects both the integrity of the coating and the life of your application equipment.

Scientific expertise is the foundation of Interlux's business, and no competitor dedicates more resources to ongoing research and development. That commitment shows in a solvent and thinner range that is matched product-by-product to specific Interlux coating systems — giving boatyard professionals and weekend DIYers alike the confidence that every layer of their paint job is supported from the ground up.