Pettit Boat Paint and Marine Coatings
Pettit manufactures marine coatings for projects above and below the waterline. Whether you are preparing a hull for the season, refinishing topsides, protecting underwater surfaces, or restoring exterior wood, Wholesale Marine carries Pettit bottom paints, topside finishes, primers, varnishes, sealers, and related painting products.
Selecting the correct coating depends on where it will be applied, the boat’s construction, its operating environment, and the existing coating. Always review the Pettit product label and application instructions before beginning your project.
Shop Pettit Paint by Project
Start with the area of the boat you are refinishing or protecting:
Browse antifouling coatings designed for use below the waterline.
Explore finishes for compatible hull, deck, cabin, and other above-water surfaces.
Prepare compatible surfaces and create a suitable foundation for the selected finish coat.
Shop epoxy barrier-coat products for applicable underwater-hull projects.
Find clear finishes for protecting and enhancing compatible marine wood surfaces.
Find preparation and application products while following the coating manufacturer’s directions.
Shop All Boat Paint and Marine Coatings
Pettit Antifouling Bottom Paint
Antifouling paint helps manage marine growth on compatible underwater hull surfaces. The correct Pettit bottom paint depends on factors such as fresh or saltwater operation, local fouling conditions, boat usage, hull material, and the coating already on the boat.
Ablative Bottom Paint
Ablative coatings are designed to wear gradually during use, helping expose active material as the painted surface erodes. Application requirements and suitable operating conditions vary by product.
A water-based ablative antifouling option for compatible underwater-hull applications.
An ablative antifouling coating for boat owners seeking a Pettit bottom-paint option.
Hard Bottom Paint
Hard antifouling coatings create a durable painted surface instead of intentionally wearing away like an ablative coating. Consider boat speed, frequency of use, storage practices, and future recoating plans when comparing the two types.
A hard antifouling coating for compatible underwater surfaces and operating conditions.
A hard racing bottom paint intended for projects requiring a smooth finished underwater surface.
Additional Pettit Bottom-Paint Options
A multi-season, high-copper ablative paint with a smooth polishing finish that helps reduce yearly coating buildup. For fiberglass, steel, and wood hulls; not for aluminum hulls or outdrives.
A Pettit antifouling option for compatible hulls and properly prepared underwater surfaces.
A copper-free antifouling option that must be matched to the hull, water conditions, and application requirements.
Pettit Topside Paint, Primers, and Wood Finishes
A complete refinishing system may involve surface preparation, an appropriate primer or undercoater, and a compatible finish. Wood projects can also require a sealer followed by the selected varnish system. Confirm that each product is suitable for the surface and compatible with the preceding and following coats.
A high-gloss marine finish for compatible, properly prepared above-water surfaces.
An undercoater used to prepare compatible surfaces for an appropriate Pettit finish system.
A traditional marine varnish for compatible wood finishing and restoration projects.
A clear marine wood finish for surfaces prepared according to Pettit’s application directions.
A wood sealer for use within a compatible Pettit marine wood-finishing system.
How to Choose Pettit Boat Paint
Identify the Surface Location
Bottom paint is formulated for underwater hull surfaces, while topside paint is intended for suitable areas above the waterline. These coatings serve different purposes and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Check the Hull Material
Confirm whether the product is approved for fiberglass, wood, steel, aluminum, or another substrate. This is especially important with aluminum because some antifouling formulations may not be suitable for direct application to aluminum surfaces.
Consider Where and How the Boat Is Used
Freshwater and saltwater environments can produce different fouling conditions. Also consider whether the boat remains in the water, is frequently trailered, operates at higher speeds, or experiences extended periods without use.
Identify the Existing Coating
Before applying new paint over an existing finish, identify the old coating and check the compatibility instructions for the new product. Sanding, cleaning, a tie coat, or complete coating removal may be required.
Follow the Complete Application Schedule
Temperature, humidity, surface preparation, film thickness, number of coats, recoat time, and launch window can affect the finished coating. Follow the current product label and technical instructions rather than relying on a general painting schedule.
Boat-Painting Guides
Use these Wholesale Marine guides to compare coating types and prepare for your project:
Understand the differences between bottom paint, topside paint, and their intended applications.
Compare the way these two antifouling paint types behave and the projects each may suit.
Learn how operating environment and local fouling conditions affect antifouling selection.
Review the different roles primers and barrier coatings can play in a marine paint system.
Review preparation, application steps, and common mistakes before starting a painting project.
Shop Pettit Paint at Wholesale Marine
Wholesale Marine carries Pettit antifouling bottom paints, topside finishes, primers, varnishes, wood sealers, and related marine coating supplies. Review the individual product specifications and Pettit application instructions to confirm substrate compatibility, preparation requirements, coverage, recoat intervals, and launch timing before ordering.
Pettit Paint FAQs
What is the difference between bottom paint and topside paint?
Bottom paint is intended for compatible underwater hull surfaces and may include antifouling properties. Topside paint is formulated for suitable surfaces above the waterline, such as portions of the hull, deck, or cabin. Always use each coating only where its label permits.
Should I choose hard or ablative Pettit bottom paint?
The choice depends on the boat’s speed, usage, storage, existing coating, local fouling conditions, and maintenance plans. Hard coatings maintain a firm painted surface, while ablative coatings are designed to wear gradually during use. Compare the product instructions with your operating conditions before choosing.
Can Pettit paint be applied over existing bottom paint?
It may be possible when the coatings are compatible and the existing surface remains sound. Identify the current paint and follow Pettit’s compatibility and preparation instructions. Some projects may require sanding, a tie coat, or removal of the existing coating.
Can Pettit bottom paint be used on an aluminum boat?
Only use a bottom paint specifically approved for the aluminum surface and application. Some antifouling formulations may be unsuitable for direct contact with aluminum. Verify the product label, required primer system, and current manufacturer instructions before application.
Do I need a marine primer or barrier coat?
That depends on the substrate, its condition, the existing finish, and the coating system being applied. A primer can promote adhesion or prepare a surface, while an epoxy barrier coat serves a different role in applicable underwater-hull systems. Follow the requirements for the specific Pettit coating.
How many coats of Pettit paint should I apply?
The required number of coats varies by product, surface, application method, and service conditions. Follow the current Pettit label for coverage, film thickness, additional waterline coats, and application instructions.
How soon can I launch after applying Pettit bottom paint?
Launch timing varies by coating and environmental conditions. Check the product’s minimum and maximum launch windows and account for temperature and humidity before placing the boat in the water.
What does copper-free bottom paint mean?
Copper-free bottom paint uses antifouling technology that does not rely on copper as its active ingredient. Copper-free does not mean the coating is appropriate for every hull or location, so confirm substrate compatibility and follow the product label and local regulations.