Interlux Trilux 33 Antifouling Boat Bottom Paint

Interlux Trilux 33 Antifouling Bottom Paint

Interlux Trilux 33 is a bright colored, tin-free ablative antifouling paint that provides safe, effective protection for fiberglass, wood, steel, and aluminum boats. Specially formulated for aluminum hulls, outboards, sterndrives, and other underwater metals, it delivers dependable multi-season protection in fresh, salt, and brackish waters when applied at the recommended film thickness.

Trilux 33 uses Biolux® technology to help control slime and algae growth while its slow-polishing resin system minimizes paint build-up and helps maintain a smoother, more efficient hull. Available in a range of bright colors including white, it’s an ideal choice for boaters who need strong antifouling performance on aluminum and mixed-metal applications without sacrificing appearance.

Best Uses

• Aluminum boats, including trailers, fishing boats, and small craft
• Outdrives, outboards, and underwater metal components when properly primed
• Fiberglass and wood hulls below the waterline
• Boats kept in fresh, salt, or brackish water for extended periods
• Owners looking for a slow-polishing ablative paint that reduces seasonal build-up

Key Features & Benefits

• Safe for aluminum: Specially formulated for use on properly primed aluminum hulls, outboards, and sterndrives, as well as other underwater metals.
• Bright, durable colors: Available in a range of clean, bright colors including white, designed for long-lasting color stability.
• Biolux® slime blocking technology: Helps control slime and algae for a cleaner hull throughout the season.
• Slow-polishing ablative system: Coating gradually wears in a controlled way, helping prevent heavy paint build-up and reducing sanding at recoat time.
• Multi-season performance: Provides reliable protection in fresh, salt, and brackish water when applied at the recommended number of coats and film thickness.
• Versatile application: Can be applied by brush or roller over properly prepared fiberglass, wood, steel, and primed aluminum, as well as most existing antifouling paints in good condition.

Where Trilux 33 Can Be Used

• Substrates: Fiberglass, wood, steel, and properly primed aluminum and underwater metals.
• Water types: Fresh, salt, and brackish water.
• Typical applications: Trailerable aluminum boats, coastal cruisers, runabouts, sailboats, and boats with outdrives or outboards that need compatible antifouling protection.

Coverage & Recommended Film Build

• Theoretical coverage: Approximately 400 sq. ft/gal (roller applied), depending on surface condition and application method.
• Number of coats: A minimum of 2 full coats for most substrates; 3 coats recommended on bare wood (first coat thinned).
• Dry film thickness: About 2 mils DFT per coat (approximately 3.6 mils wet).
• Finish: Low sheen.

Application Overview

Always read and follow the Interlux Trilux 33 product label and technical datasheet before starting. The surface must be clean, dry, and free of contaminants, loose coatings, and sanding residue.

Previously painted surfaces (in good condition)

• Scrub to remove slime and contaminants, then rinse and allow to dry.
• Sand the existing antifouling with the recommended grit to create a smooth, dull surface.
• Remove sanding residue and apply the recommended number of coats of Trilux 33.

Bare aluminum and other underwater metals

• Clean thoroughly to remove grease, oil, and oxidation, then sand or blast to a bright metal finish as specified by Interlux.
• Prime bare aluminum and metal surfaces with the recommended Interlux primers (such as InterProtect® 2000E/2001E or Primocon®), observing all dry and recoat times.
• Apply the specified number of coats of Trilux 33 over the primed surface.

Bare fiberglass

• Remove mold-release agents and wax with Fiberglass Solvent Wash 202 or equivalent fiberglass prep.
• Follow either the no-sand primer system or the sanding system recommended by Interlux before applying Trilux 33.

Bare wood

• Sand with appropriate grit and clean off sanding dust.
• Apply the first coat of Trilux 33 slightly thinned (per label directions) to aid penetration, followed by additional full-strength coats.

Dry Times & Launch Windows (Typical)

Dry and recoat times vary with temperature and conditions. Under typical conditions, you can expect:

• Touch dry: As little as 2–3 hours at 73°F (23°C).
• Recoat time: Minimum of 6 hours at 73°F (23°C) between coats.
• Immersion / launch: Typically 12 hours at 73°F (23°C) after the final coat.

Always follow the specific dry-time and overcoating schedule on the Interlux label and data sheet for your temperature range.

Application Tips

• Stir thoroughly and frequently during use to keep the biocides and resins evenly mixed.
• Apply full, even coats—do not spread too thin.
• Pay special attention to high-wear areas such as the bow, waterline, leading edges, and rudders; consider an extra coat in these zones.
• Use only Interlux-recommended thinners and solvents, and do not exceed the maximum thinning percentages listed on the label.
• For full preparation, priming, and safety instructions, refer to the Trilux 33 technical datasheet and Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Note: Trilux 33 should not be applied directly over tin-based antifouling paints such as Micron® 33 without following the Interlux recommendations for stripping or priming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Interlux Trilux 33 on aluminum hulls and outdrives?
Yes. Interlux Trilux 33 is specifically formulated for use on properly primed aluminum hulls, outdrives, outboards, and other underwater metals. Always follow Interlux priming instructions for bare aluminum and metal surfaces before applying Trilux 33.

What types of boats and substrates can Trilux 33 be used on?
Trilux 33 can be used on fiberglass, wood, steel, and properly primed aluminum below the waterline. It is suitable for powerboats and sailboats, as well as trailerable aluminum boats, provided the recommended primers and application systems are followed.

Is Trilux 33 suitable for freshwater and brackish water as well as saltwater?
Yes. Trilux 33 is designed for use in fresh, salt, and brackish waters when applied at the recommended film thickness and number of coats. It is a good option for boats that move between different water types.

Can I apply Trilux 33 over my existing bottom paint?
In many cases, yes. Trilux 33 can be applied over most existing antifouling paints that are aged, tightly adhered, and in good condition. The old coating should be cleaned and sanded as directed, and you should always consult the Interlux antifouling compatibility chart before overcoating.

How many coats of Interlux Trilux 33 do I need?
Most boats require at least two full coats of Trilux 33 for proper protection, with an additional coat recommended on bare wood and on high-wear areas such as the bow, waterline, leading edges, and rudders.

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