Pettit Paint

A Legacy of Marine Coating Excellence

Few names in the marine world carry as much weight as Pettit Marine Paint. Pettit Paint traces its roots back to 1861, when the Gardiner McInnes Company in Salem, Massachusetts first began developing antifouling solutions for the United States Navy. Chemist John L. Pettit formally established the Pettit Paint Company in 1923, and his acquisition of the McInnes Company — along with its storied "Old Salem" product line — laid the foundation for one of the most comprehensive marine coating brands in the world. Today, Pettit is headquartered in Rockaway, New Jersey, and operates as a subsidiary of RPM International Inc., continuing to deliver American-made coatings that protect vessels in both saltwater and freshwater environments.

What Makes Pettit Paint Stand Out

Pettit's reputation is built on results. Boaters, yacht owners, and commercial operators alike have trusted these formulations to outperform competitors in some of the harshest marine conditions on the planet. The brand offers both solvent-based and water-based formulas, addressing the full spectrum of marine coating needs — from underwater hull protection to above-waterline topside finishes. A consistent focus on innovation, including advances in low-VOC chemistry, non-metallic biocides, and environmentally sensitive formulations, keeps Pettit at the forefront of an industry where performance and environmental responsibility must coexist.

Pettit's Core Product Categories

At the heart of Pettit's lineup are its Specialty Coatings & Paints — a broad family of topside finishes, primers, and hull paints engineered for durability, color retention, and UV resistance. These products are designed for fiberglass, wood, and metal boat surfaces alike, making them a go-to for a wide variety of vessel types.

For boaters dealing with heavy marine growth, Pettit's Antifouling Paint lineup has long been a cornerstone of the brand. Formulas like the Trinidad series and the Hydrocoat ECO line give boaters the choice between hard, copper-loaded protection and softer ablative options that are gentler on the environment.

Those looking for a non-biocide alternative will appreciate Pettit's Foul-Release Coatings, which use ultra-smooth surface technology to discourage marine organisms from adhering to the hull — without relying on copper or other traditional biocides. This approach suits performance-focused sailors and eco-conscious boaters alike.

Protecting and beautifying wood surfaces is where Pettit's Wood Varnishes shine. From traditional teak trim to full brightwork finishing, Pettit varnishes are known for their clarity, depth, and long-lasting UV protection — helping wooden boat owners maintain that classic, glossy look season after season.

Rounding out the lineup, Pettit's Additives allow boaters to fine-tune their coating systems for specific conditions. Whether adjusting application viscosity or enhancing adhesion, these purpose-built additives help professionals and DIYers alike get the best results from Pettit's coatings.

Resources and Expert Guidance

Pettit doesn't just make great coatings — the brand invests in helping boaters use them correctly. Their website at pettitpaint.com is stocked with how-to guides, technical data sheets, and product selectors to help you choose exactly the right coating for your hull type, water conditions, and performance goals. Whether you're prepping a first-time bottom paint job or maintaining a superyacht, Pettit's depth of knowledge is part of the package.