Pontoon boat deck coatings help maintain the safety and appearance of your pontoon boat deck. Many pontoon boat owners find it hard to find quality pontoon boat deck coatings that actually last. Deck coatings can be a great alternative to carpet flooring, vinyl flooring, rubber flooring, and other marine flooring options. Traditional coatings like vinyl flake away easily and offer little resistance to the harsh weather conditions. A wide range of boat deck coatings are available on the market, which includes acrylics, oil based and polyurethane. Most come with an anti slip additive. So if you are looking to renew your old pontoon boat’s deck or coat your new pontoon boat’s deck, then this article will be of great help.
What Are Pontoon Boat Deck Coatings?
Pontoon boat deck coatings are protective layers applied to the deck to enhance durability, prevent damage, and improve safety. These coatings are typically made from materials such as polyurethane, epoxy, or rubberized compounds, designed to resist water, UV rays, and wear from foot traffic. The primary purpose of deck coatings is to protect the deck from moisture, which can lead to rot, mold, or corrosion, and to create a non-slip surface for added safety. By applying a quality deck coating, pontoon boat owners can extend the life of their boat’s deck, improve its appearance, and reduce maintenance costs over time.
What To Look For When Buying Pontoon Boat Deck Coatings?
Durable Protection
The boat deck coating should protect your surface in the best possible way for the years to come. It should be capable of withstanding the elements of weather, UV rays, foot traffic, etc. Look for specialized durable boat deck coatings that will provide necessary protection from elements with good water resistance.
Non-Slip
Non-skid/non-slip coatings are a great help as they add an element of safety to the surface. A good boat deck coating should have this feature or else you can also add a suitable anti slip additive to the coating.
Quality and Price
Rather than investing in cheap alternatives. Look for quality coatings as they will offer the best protection. This does not mean you need to go for top end products. Look for features like resistance to elements, slip resistance, durability, etc. and select the one within your budget.
Color
Look for color options which can blend well with the surroundings. This will add great look to your pontoon boat deck. You are never short of options as there are a ton options to choose from.
How To Apply Pontoon Boat Deck Coatings?
Below is a general application strategy for how to achieve a high grade coated surface. This high-grade coating system consists of a primer, an epoxyy mid-coat, and a topcoat. This a general application strategy for information. We highly recommend adhering to the specific application guidelines provided by the coating product you select.
- Coat the deck with a zinc primer, to ensure the subsequent coatings will adhere properly to the deck.
- Next apply the high solids epoxy coating (epoxy polyamides or any other surface tolerant epoxy) that protect the deck from corrosive substances.
- Apply a top surface coating to protect the epoxy layer. The top surface coating can be polyurethane or glass-fiber reinforced epoxy. Both of these materials will protect harmful UV light and prevent fading and chalking. However, the glass-fiber reinforced epoxies go one step further and can withstand the stress due to movement of heavy equipment. Ensure an anti-skid additive is present in this top coating because these coatings can become very slippery when wet.
Best Pontoon Boat Deck Coatings
Tuff Coat Non Skid Coating
The Tuff Coat Non Skid Coating is a great alternative to pontoon boat carpet or vinyl flooring. Made out of the unique process of cross-linking urethanes, acrylics, co-polymers and recycled rubber granules, it creates a long-lasting non-slip finish surface. The low-oder rubberized non-skid coating is easy to apply and is considered safe for the environment. The heavy duty, durable, non slip deck coating can be applied to wood, metal surfaces, fiberglass and previously painted surfaces. It is impact resistant and can withstand heavy traffic. The coating is UV resistant, fire resistant and mar/cuff resistant.
It is recommended to use a Tuff Coat Primer before applying this non skid coating. The coating has a flexible matte finish and dries to 30-35 mils thick. It can hide any surface imperfections. Available in 15 colors, the non skid coating can last up to 5 years before requiring an additional layer.
Total Boat Total Tread Non Skid Deck Paint
The Total Tread Non Skid Deck Paint is an affordable option for giving new life to your old boat flooring. The polyurethane non skid deck paint is durable and will not fade or peel easily. Having a textured finish, it offers a low-glare high-traction surface for secure footing. The rubberized texture is comfortable and is less abrasive than traditional silica additives. The wax texturing agents provide gloss control.
The non slip coating is a perfect choice for boat decks requiring sure footing, and the paint can be used for wood, metal surfaces, fiberglass and previously painted surfaces. The coating is easy to clean and scrubbing won’t wear away the long lasting polyurethane finish. Proper priming should be done before applying the coating. Also, you can add a second coat in case you need greater traction. There are four color options to choose from.
Liquid Rubber Polyurethane Deck Coating
The Liquid Rubber Polyurethane Deck Coating offers a hard, durable, non slip surface, which is also waterproof. The high performance coating also offers excellent UV stability to reduce surface temperatures and prevent fading. It can be used on wood and non-corroded metal surfaces. Apply 4-5 generous coats for maximum protection in high-traffic areas. The easy to apply coating is available in smooth and textured finishes and 10 different colors.
KiwiGrip Non Skid Coating
The KiwiGrip Non Skid Coating is durable and spreads quickly and easily with an included proprietary roller. The water based acrylic coating is environmental friendly. The one part system applies in a single coat on most surfaces. This lowers the finished cost of non skid application and saves money. Being a homogenous material, there are no fillers, rubber flecks, and sand or shells. As a result, the coating does not easily wear through, and the fillers do not fall out making the deck unsafe, hard to clean and hard to re-coat. The non skid coating is available in 5 colors.
Rust Oleum Marine Topside Paint
The Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint is another affordable deck coating which is ideal for application on fiberglass, wood or metal surfaces. If you are looking for quality protection for your boat deck, without compromising the appearance, then this product is the right choice for you. The formula is such that it works well in both freshwater and saltwater conditions. The oil based formula is flexible and dries in 1-2 hours. It can be applied easily with great leveling.
The durable coating delivers long-lasting resistance to abrasion, extreme weather conditions, and UV rays. The mildew and mold resistant coating, also protects against corrosion. The paint offers superior gloss retention, while the smooth finish maintains the elegance of the surface for a longer time. It is advised to prime difficult surfaces before painting.
Add the Rust-Oleum anti slip additive to the paint for added safety. The Rust Oleum anti slip additive has an ultra fine ground pumice base, and when mixed with latex or oil based paints, creates a skid-resistant coating for fiberglass, wood, and metal. It promotes safety with good grip. The anti slip additive will not affect the appearance or durability of the coating. It will not change the color or any other performance properties of the coating.
Durabak Polyurethane Protective Coating
The Durabak Polyurethane Portective Coating is a weatherproof, waterproof and saltwater resistant coating can be used in the most rugged environment. It is also heat and UV resistant. The sound and vibration dampening coating offers extreme abrasion and impact resistance. It can protect the boat deck from rust, wear and tear and also creates a slip proof surface, safe for the passengers. It can be used on wood, metal, fiberglass and even coated surfaces. You can choose from a textured or smooth finish. The heavy duty all-in-one formulation delivers great protection and is easy to apply. There is a wide range of color options to choose from.
Interlux Interdeck Slip Resistant Deck Paint
Interdeck is a tough polyurethane resin which provides a slip resistant coating suitable for all surfaces. This can add protection to the decks against every day wear and tear. It contains a fine material additive creating the hard wearing and non slip surface. The low-sheen finish reduces the sun glare. It offers a great coverage and is also easy to apply. For a long standing effect, you may need two coats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pontoon boat deck coatings are a crucial investment for any boat owner looking to enhance the durability, safety, and longevity of their boat’s deck. With the right coating, you can protect the deck from water damage, UV exposure, and general wear, ensuring it stays in great condition for years to come. Whether you’re looking for added traction, improved aesthetics, or long-term protection, applying a high-quality deck coating is a smart way to safeguard your pontoon and reduce the need for costly repairs.
