Boat paint range expands after IBEX
Marine coating supplier Pettit has announced updates to its above-water paint offering following the International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference. The changes include a clearer EZ product family and new professional coatings for selected repair and finishing tasks.
The company is targeting both boat owners carrying out maintenance and yards responsible for more complex work. Each product has its own intended surface and application requirements.
EZ family groups different maintenance stages
The revised EZ range brings surface preparation, priming, finishing and specialised products together under a common naming structure. The goal is to make it easier for customers to understand the order of work involved in maintaining a boat.
That organisation is a convenience rather than permission to skip preparation. Existing paint, surface contamination and damage still need to be examined before selecting a coating system.
Direct-to-metal paint offers an alternative
IKONIKOLOR PRO Direct to Metal is a two-component polyurethane intended to adhere to properly prepared surfaces. Pettit lists steel, aluminium, galvanised metal, cast iron and fiberglass among relevant materials.
Certain applications may avoid a separate primer stage, depending on the technical instructions. Boat owners should never assume direct application is suitable for an unknown surface or incompatible old coating.
New matte product targets low-gloss finishes
The company has also introduced IKONIKOLOR PRO Matte Acrylic Urethane for a consistent low-sheen appearance. Pettit describes a finish engineered to provide a matte surface rather than relying on a conventional clearcoat to reduce shine.
A uniform finish requires attention to mixing, application conditions and surface preparation. Owners commissioning a refit should ask how repairs will be matched in the future if a section becomes damaged.
The practical importance of compatibility
A good paint system has to suit the boat's substrate, previous coatings and intended use. Owners also need to consider application safety, weather conditions and maintenance advice from the manufacturer.
Pettit's announcement expands the available choices without establishing that any one product is universal. The best decision is the coating that meets the vessel's real needs and can be applied correctly.
Preparation is the foundation of a durable coating
A boat's exterior paint is exposed to sunlight, salt, spray and repeated cleaning. Before applying a fresh product, owners need to identify the existing material, inspect for damage and remove contamination. A new coating may fail early if it is placed over a poorly bonded surface, even when the product itself has been manufactured to an appropriate specification.
Surface preparation can involve washing, abrasion and the repair of small defects, with procedures varying according to fiberglass, aluminium, steel or a previous coating. The manufacturer's technical data sheet should determine acceptable conditions, mixing ratios and recoat windows. Owners should not substitute general household painting advice for instructions developed for marine substrates.
Direct-to-metal does not mean no preparation
A coating described as direct-to-metal can simplify some projects by avoiding a separate primer in specified circumstances. It does not mean that corrosion, grease or unsuitable residues can be ignored. The surface must still meet the preparation standard required by the coating system, and different metals have different challenges.
Aluminium often requires particular attention to surface chemistry and dissimilar-metal corrosion, while steel may need thorough removal of rust and careful attention to exposed edges. A boatyard should document the treatment used rather than assume one process is correct for every metal fitting or hull. Owners can ask to see compatibility guidance before authorising a substantial paint job.
A matte finish needs careful expectations
Low-gloss coatings can produce a distinctive modern appearance, but scratches, polishing and later repairs may affect the way the surface reflects light. Owners considering a matte finish should discuss how it will be cleaned, whether wax or polish is appropriate and how a damaged area can be repaired without obvious patches.
A conventional glossy paint can sometimes be buffed to remove minor marks, but that approach may change the appearance of a matte coating. The precise maintenance requirements depend on the product. A sample panel viewed in daylight, rather than only photographs, can help the owner make an informed choice about the finish.
Application conditions affect the result
Temperature, humidity, airflow and the presence of dust can alter the behaviour of marine coatings. Mixing and curing periods must be respected, especially with two-component materials that begin reacting as soon as they are combined. Applying too thick a coat may create defects rather than provide extra protection.
Professional facilities may offer more consistent conditions than an exposed marina berth, although some owner-maintenance products are intended for carefully controlled work outside. Personal protective equipment and safe handling of solvents are essential. Waste coating and contaminated supplies also need appropriate disposal rather than being washed into a drain or harbour.
Calculate the full ownership cost
A paint product's price per container is only one part of its installed cost. Labour, surface preparation, masking, lifting or storage and the number of coats can dominate the final invoice. Choosing a system that needs more preparation may still be appropriate if it meets the expected service conditions and can be maintained properly.
Owners can compare quotations more confidently when contractors identify the precise products, number of coats and responsibilities for surface repairs. Written records are useful for future maintenance and resale. Pettit's updated ranges increase the available choices, but correct installation remains the most important factor in obtaining a satisfactory finish.
Protect the environment during the job
Old paint dust and cleaning residues can enter the water if work is carried out without containment. Even a small touch-up may involve materials that should not be released into the marina or surrounding soil. Operators need suitable collection arrangements and should follow local restrictions on sanding, spraying and washing.
A responsible maintenance plan considers both the finish on the boat and what happens to discarded materials. The new products may offer different application choices, but no environmental advantage should be assumed without reliable evidence. Owners can ask how a yard controls emissions and disposes of waste before the work begins.
Owners should also confirm whether a paint is intended for areas above the waterline or for permanently immersed surfaces. These environments place different demands on a coating, and using a topside product below the waterline can lead to premature deterioration. Clear written product identification is especially important when more than one contractor works on the boat.
Colour choice can influence repair planning as well. Large exposed panels may show slight differences between batches or application methods, particularly in strong sunlight. Keeping records of the exact colour code, finish and product range makes later touch-ups more predictable and helps a subsequent owner avoid unnecessary trial and error.