Boat Paint For House Exterior: A Good Idea?

will boat paint work on the exterior of a house

Boat paint and exterior house paint are two very different things. Boat paint is designed to protect the boat from damaging UV rays, marine life, and other elements. On the other hand, exterior house paint is typically latex-based and designed to withstand weather conditions on land. While some people have used house paint on their boats with varying levels of success, it is generally not recommended as it may not hold up well and can be easily removed with water. Additionally, the wear and tear on a boat deck are much higher than on a house exterior. Therefore, it is advisable to use boat paint for boats and exterior house paint for houses.

shunshelter

Boat paint is more expensive than house paint, but is the longer-lasting option

Boat paint is designed to protect vessels from the elements, including water, sunshine, and sand. It also helps prevent the build-up of microorganisms, such as algae and barnacles, which can cause hull drag and, if left unattended, lead to the boat sinking. As such, boat paint is formulated with specific functional properties, including UV resistance, water resistance, and elasticity.

Boat paint is more expensive than house paint. The cost of boat paint depends on the type of paint, with premium options carrying a higher price tag. For example, two-component paints, which offer better protection against scratches and resistance to fuels and acids, are more expensive than one-component paints. The durability and longevity of boat paint make it a cost-effective option, as it does not need to be replaced as frequently as house paint.

The cost of painting a boat can vary depending on factors such as the size of the boat, the type of paint used, and whether it is a DIY project or a professional job. Painting a boat yourself can save money, but it requires knowledge of proper surface preparation and paint application techniques. Professional boat painting services can range from $100 to $400 for topside painting and $15 to $100 per linear foot for bottom painting.

While house paint may be cheaper upfront, it may not provide the same level of protection and durability as boat paint. House paint may not be able to withstand the wear and tear of a boat deck, and it may need to be replaced more frequently.

Boat paint is designed for the specific challenges of the marine environment and offers superior protection and longevity compared to house paint. While it is a more expensive option upfront, boat paint can be a more cost-effective choice in the long run due to its durability and resistance to the elements.

shunshelter

Boat paint is designed to withstand different elements over time

Boat paint is designed to withstand different elements, depending on whether it is above or below the waterline. Topside boat paint, for instance, protects your boat from water, sunshine, and sand. It also has a high-performance coating for UV resistance, colour retention, flexibility, and durability. This type of paint is also more resistant to cracking, chipping, and peeling, making it great for touching up scratches or minor dents.

The bottom of a boat, on the other hand, is constantly exposed to barnacles, algae, dirt, and microorganisms. Antifouling bottom paint is designed to prevent the build-up of these organisms, which can create hull drag and increase fuel consumption. If left unattended, these species can cause significant damage, even causing the boat to sink.

Different types of topside boat paint include one-part polyurethane paint, two-part polyurethane paint, and enamel paint. One-part polyurethane paint is harder than enamel paint, with a glossy finish and a reputation for being easy to apply. Two-part polyurethane paint, on the other hand, has an extremely sturdy, hard, and glossy finish. It is best suited for fiberglass but may crack if painted onto other materials. Enamel paint is less durable than polyurethane but is a good choice for wooden boats as it can expand and contract along with the wood without cracking.

Bottom paints also come in a variety of types, including ablative antifouling paint, modified epoxy antifouling paint, hard vinyl antifouling paint, thin-film paint, and bottom paint specifically designed for aluminium boats.

shunshelter

Topside boat paint protects your boat from water, sunshine and sand

Topside boat paint is essential for protecting your boat from the elements and keeping it looking its best. Whether your boat is made of wood or fibreglass, UV rays can break down its materials over time. Topside paint provides a high-performance coating that offers UV resistance, colour retention, flexibility, and durability.

There are several types of topside boat paint to choose from, each with its own advantages. One-part polyurethane paint is a popular choice for DIYers as it is easy to apply, affordable, and produces a beautiful, glossy finish. You can simply apply it with a brush and roller, and it dries quickly. Two-part polyurethane paint, on the other hand, offers superior hardness, scratch resistance, gloss retention, and UV resistance. However, it is more expensive and requires more specialised equipment and safety precautions.

Another option is alkyd marine enamel, which is widely used due to its glossiness, affordability, and ease of application with a brush. It is also good at handling the expansion and contraction of wood. However, it is not as durable as the polyurethane options and requires an annual maintenance coat.

When choosing a topside paint, it's important to consider the level of exposure to the elements, your budget, and the amount of time and effort you want to spend on application and maintenance. Additionally, you should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for surface preparation, application methods, and drying times to ensure the best results.

By selecting the right topside boat paint and applying it properly, you can protect your boat from water, sunshine, and sand, ensuring its longevity and enhancing its appearance.

shunshelter

Marine paint is oil-based, whereas house paint is often latex-based

Marine paint and house paint are designed for different purposes and environments. Marine paint is oil-based, while house paint is often latex-based. This fundamental difference stems from the unique requirements of boats and houses, dictating the types of paint that are best suited for each.

Marine paint, being oil-based, offers distinct advantages for boats. Oil-based paints are known for their durability and resistance to the elements. They form a hard, protective coating that can withstand water, sunshine, and sand, all of which are common exposures for boats. This type of paint is also better equipped to handle the wear and tear that boats typically experience, such as foot traffic on decks and hulls coming into contact with various surfaces. The hardness of oil-based marine paint makes it more resistant to cracking, chipping, and peeling, ensuring that boats maintain their integrity even in challenging conditions.

On the other hand, house paint is often latex-based, and it offers its own set of benefits. Latex-based paints are known for their ease of application and touch-ups. They are also cost-effective, providing a more affordable option for homeowners. While latex paint may not be as hard as oil-based paint, it can still result in a durable finish, especially when properly prepared and applied. Latex paint is particularly well-suited for interior painting and can be ideal for areas that don't experience the same level of wear and tear as a boat's exterior.

The choice between marine and house paint ultimately depends on the specific needs of the project. While marine paint may be more durable and better suited for the unique demands of a boat, house paint can be a more practical and economical option for certain applications. It's important to consider the environment, level of exposure to the elements, and the desired level of durability when deciding between these two types of paint.

In some cases, individuals have used house paint on their boats, particularly for interior spaces or less trafficked areas. However, it's essential to recognize that marine paint is specifically formulated for the marine environment, addressing issues like UV protection, colour retention, and resistance to marine life. Boat paint is designed to protect against barnacles, algae, and microorganisms that can impact a boat's performance and longevity. Therefore, while house paint may be tempting due to its lower cost, it may not offer the same level of protection and durability as marine paint for exterior boat surfaces.

shunshelter

House paint is not suitable for teak on boats

House paint is not designed to withstand the wear and tear that boat surfaces are exposed to. It is softer and less durable than marine paint, which is made to withstand constant exposure to water, sunshine, and sand. Boat paint also has a higher-performance coating for UV resistance, colour retention, flexibility, and durability.

Marine paint is specifically formulated to protect boats from the elements and prevent damage from UV rays and marine life. It is harder and more glossy than house paint, making it extremely sturdy and resistant to cracking, chipping, and peeling. While house paint may be cheaper, it will not provide the same level of protection and durability as marine paint, especially in high-traffic areas like decks.

Additionally, house paint may have adhesion problems and will not hold up well on boat surfaces. It can easily come off with water and is not suitable for surfaces that need to be frequently cleaned. On the other hand, marine paint is designed to withstand frequent cleaning and exposure to water.

Furthermore, latex-based house paints should be avoided altogether for boat painting. Latex paint can easily come off and is not suitable for surfaces that require frequent cleaning. It also has weaker out-gassing, which can be a health risk in the confined space of a boat.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to use house paint on a boat due to its lower cost and convenience, it is not a suitable alternative to marine paint. House paint will not provide the same level of protection, durability, and resistance to the elements that marine paint offers. For teak surfaces in particular, sanding and oiling are recommended to preserve the natural beauty and durability of the wood.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can use boat paint on the exterior of your house. Boat paint is designed to protect boats from the elements, including water, sunshine, and sand, and it can also provide protection against UV rays and marine life. However, it is important to consider the specific type of boat paint and the surface you are painting. Some boat paints may not be suitable for certain materials, and you may need to apply multiple coats for adequate protection.

Boat paint is typically more expensive than house paint because it is designed to withstand harsh marine environments and provide long-lasting protection. The higher price is due to the higher quality and performance of the paint, which can include features such as UV resistance, colour retention, flexibility, and durability.

While it is possible to use exterior house paint on a boat, it is generally not recommended. House paint may not provide the same level of protection and durability as boat paint, especially in areas that are frequently exposed to water or high traffic. House paint may also have adhesion problems and may not last as long as boat paint. However, some people have reported successful experiences using exterior house paint on their boats, especially for cosmetic purposes or in less exposed areas. Ultimately, the decision depends on the specific needs and conditions of your boat.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment