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There is so much technical jargon when it comes to painting. Finding the best paint for boat interiors is challenging because many are confused about whether interior paint is the same as regular paint or whether marine paint is suitable for the boat interior.
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Figuring out what kind of paint is best is based on ingredients. The fancy words used in their names are for those with a keen interest in the subject. Hobbyists can relate to that and would probably not need this article. But how many hobbyists do you know?
The average person needs to get the job done, that’s all. So, this is what we will focus on in this article: getting to the point. Which are the best paints for boat interiors? What are their advantages? After answering these questions, this will no longer be a challenge.
Here Are Our Picks For The Top 5 Best Paint For Boat Interiors.
Sherwin-Williams Ovation Plus Semi-Gloss Tintable Interior Paint-Best Overall
This Sherwin Williams paint tops the list because it wins in every possible way. You will always get a uniform appearance because it is easy to apply; you only need one to two coats. This ease also contributes to the beautiful coverage that hides any previous colors perfectly. This paint also flows well, so painting corners with it is easy.
The finish is also long-lasting, stain and scrub-resistant, leaving your boat’s interior looking new for months. This durability also makes it easier to wash and more suitable for high-friction surfaces. Out of all the paints available in the market right now, Sherwin-Williams has the best reputation for durability. It never fails.
This paint is also environmentally friendly with zero VOC. You will also get zero molds and mildew with its antimicrobial ingredients. Its anti-mold formula is resistant to even the most aggressive infestations.
Sherwin-Williams is also a favorite among professionals and veteran boat owners. It has been serving generations without fail. The respect Sherwin-Williams has earned over the years means that it is top quality but expensive. A general rule of thumb is that with paint, you get what you pay for. In the long run, this saves money because it means you will do fewer retouches over the years.
BEHR PREMIUM PLUS Interior Semi-Gloss Enamel Paint
BEHR PREMIUM PLUS Interior Semi-Gloss Enamel Paint comes second on our list. BEHR PREMIUM PLUS is a 100% acrylic paint and primer. It also has an effective antimicrobial formula that keeps that nasty mold and mildew away. The semi-gloss enamel provides a beautiful, sleek, and radiant sheen.
BEHR PREMIUM PLUS is durable, capable of resisting moisture and friction damage; while maintaining its impressive sheen. The formula is exceptional because it manages to do all this with no odor.
The paint is good value for money because a single gallon covers 250-400 Sq. Ft. per Gallon. Although this is dependent on the application method and substrate porosity, it’s decent. This estimate does not include any paint loss from spraying.
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Some complain that the material released and the flow of the paint are poor. This complaint is only a slight inconvenience in comparison to the benefits BEHR PREMIUM PLUS offers. Most importantly, that is all there is to complain about this premium paint.
Valspar 1533 Porch and Floor Latex Satin Enamel
Valspar 1533 Porch and Floor Latex Satin Enamel Interior paint can be used for interior and exterior purposes and is also a primer.
Valspar paint uses both Scrub Shield and Washable technology to make cleaning surfaces made with their stress and damage-free. Washing stains off will not even need to be an issue because the paint makes surfaces stain-free. This dual protection against stains and scrubbing is one of its best advantages in the market.
The Valspar paint is excellent in covering and hiding any existing colors under its burnish-resistant finish. Its glossy finish also keeps its shine by keeping away any mold or mildew.
Pettit EZ-Poxy Modern Polyurethane Topside Paint
Pettit EZ-Poxy Modern Polyurethane Topside Paint gets marks for its sophisticated formulation. Formerly known as “Easypoxy”, Pettit EZ-Poxy is a one-part polyurethane paint that combines with silicone to produce a finish with dazzling shine. This power finish combo also utilizes ultraviolet filters to enhance the stunning gloss retention.
The primer is thick, but this thickness is an advantage because it covers up any mistakes you may have made on the prep job. It also dries quite fast, considering the thickness. Just like the other premium brands, Pettit EZ-Poxy only needs 2 to 3 layers of topcoat to get the job done.
It may be a little pricey, but every penny will be worth it.
Danboline Bilge Interior Paint for Boat
Danboline Bilge Interior Paint is the last on this list, but not the least in any way. Danboline protects bulkheads from moisture and wears damage, apart from having a decent finish. The moisture and wear resistance are especially necessary for this part of the ship.
Danboline also has a reputation for being oil and fuel resistant, so spills will be cleaned easily. On top of that, it also has high resistance to any corrosive and tarring fumes.
This hardy paint is also used for painting the outside of the boat. The bilge and lockers, for instance, make it versatile. This durability, together with the high opacity of the paint, makes it the best choice if you want to keep the paint on and oil stains away.
Things To Consider While Buying Most Durable Paint For Boat Interior
Here is a summary of what you should consider when buying durable paint for your boat’s interior:
- Prioritize quality brands. It will cost more, but your extra money will be heavily compensated.
- Get a paint that is antimicrobial
- Use polyurethane or epoxy paints
- Check whether it is resistant to oil and fuel resistant so as to avoid stains from spills
- Ensure that the paint is odorless
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions we hear a lot from our customers:
Can you paint the inside of a boat?
Yes. It is necessary.
Maintaining a proper coat of paint on the interior of the boat is important because it will:
- Help keep off excess moisture and humidity, which damages the boat
- It helps keep away mold and mildew
- Help keep off bad odors
- Help keep stains and scratches away
- Adds cosmetic value to the interior of the boat.
It is also worth noting that you need to make sure the paint you use is interior paint or exterior paint that does not give off strong odors.
What kind of paint do you use on the inside of a boat?
Paint used on the inside of the boat needs to be:
- Minimal odor
- Mildew and mold resistant
- Moisture resistant
- Easy to clean and stain resistant
- Glossy
The paints that have these qualities are two-part polyurethane paints and acrylic polyurethane paints. The former is oil-based, while the latter is water-based. Both have all the qualities listed above, but two-part polyurethane has more support from us because it is oil-based. This makes it more resistant to water. This does not imply that water-based paints aren’t.
What is the difference between marine paint and regular paint?
The differences between marine paint and regular paint are:
- Marine paint is oil-based, while regular paint is latex-based
- Marine paints take a longer time to dry than regular paint
- Marine paint is more resistant to UV and color loss than regular paint
- Most marine paints have special ingredients to make them resistant to algae
It is better to use marine paints on the outside exclusively, but you can use regular paint on the inside if need be. A good option to consider if you go for this is the single part polyurethane.
How much does it cost to paint the inside of a boat?
The cost of painting any surface depends on the number of Sq. Ft. painted with every gallon and how much a gallon is. Here are the prices per gallon of some of the brands mentioned in this article:
- Sherwin Williams $36.98
- Valspar $32.98
- Pettite-EZ Poxy $46.58
Multiply this with the size of the surface you want to paint, and you will get a good estimate. Remember to consider the paint lost during spraying. It is not easy to calculate, though you can simply add some extra paint to cover it, so you aren’t forced to have thin layers.
Does Sherwin Williams make boat interior paint?
Yes. Sherwin Williams makes boat interior paint.
What kind of paint do you use to paint a fiberglass boat?
Two-part polyurethane paints are the best to use to paint a fiberglass boat.
Although they are thin and need several layers, the protection and shine they offer are unparalleled.
Conclusion
Getting the best paint for the boat interior does not have to be a confusing task. Make sure you get enough paint while considering your budget, and simply choose one of the points discussed here.
The best paint for the boat interior only needs to protect the boat, keep off mildew and leave the surface with a glossy finish. With that, you’ve done a perfect job.
