Spring Boat Maintenance Guide: Prep, Prime & Protect Your Boat with Interlux
Get your boat ready for the water this season with expert tips from AkzoNobel’s Interlux® brand.
Whether you're looking to clean, protect, or enhance your boat's performance, our step-by-step guide will ensure a smooth sailing season.
Why Spring boat maintenance matters
Much like a car or home, regular maintenance keeps your boat performing at its best, both above and below the waterline. As the weather warms up, now is the perfect time to refresh your boat and ensure it’s ready for the season ahead.
Step 1: Prep your boat
Before you begin painting, it's essential to prepare the surface properly.
- Rinse the surface with fresh water to remove dirt and contaminants.
- Check for flaking paint—this may indicate that too many layers have built up over time.
- Sand and smooth the surface with 80-120 grit sandpaper to ensure proper adhesion.
- Inspect the hull: Repair any areas where you see bare laminate or voids in the gel coat, if the substrate is wood, repair or replace those areas that have rot.
If more than 40% of your hull's fouling control is flaking, consider having a professional assess it before proceeding.
Step 2: Prime for protection
Before you begin painting, it's essential to prepare the surface properly.
- Mask off any areas that shouldn’t be painted.
- Mix your primer thoroughly and follow label instructions carefully.
- Use a roller for large surfaces—this speeds up the process and ensures an even coat.
- Avoid drips and sags—apply just enough primer for smooth coverage.
If you exceed the maximum overcoating time, lightly sand the surface (120-180 grit) before applying another coat.
Step 3: Apply fouling control for peak performance
Protecting your boat’s hull from barnacles, algae, and other fouling is crucial to reduce drag, improve fuel efficiency, and prevent costly repairs.
How does fouling control work?
Fouling control coatings slowly release active ingredients (such as copper) to prevent marine growth. This keeps your boat running smoothly all season long without frequent scrubbing.
Choosing the right fouling control paint
The Micron® range is specifically formulated to release just the right amount of active ingredients to keep the surface clean throughout the season, without the need to scrub your boat between applications.
- Copper-based or copper-free? Pick based on your region and environmental needs.
- Solvent-based or Water-based? Choose between traditional oil based for faster drying or a water-based for low odor and easy clean up
- Hard racing finish or polishing finish? Select a paint based on your boating habits.
- Single-season or multi-seasonal protection? Multi-season coatings can handle repeated launches without repainting.
If you’re unsure about your current paint, use Primocon® primer before applying your chosen Interlux fouling control paint.
Step 4: Finish with a high-performance topcoat
Your boat’s topsides need protection, too! The Pre-Kote Plus and Toplac® Plus system from Interlux offers:
- Faster application with fewer coats required.
- Enhanced UV protection for longer-lasting color and gloss.
- A smoother, glossier finish —no need for tipping with a brush.
Get ready for smooth sailing!
By following these simple steps, you'll extend your boat's lifespan, enhance performance, and enjoy a hassle-free season on the water.
For a detailed step-by-step guide on prepping, priming, and painting your boat, check out our 2025 Boat Painting Guide below.