Best Fiberglass Boat Paint: Top 5 Revealed! (2024)

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Fiberglass boats are a popular choice for many boaters due to their durability, strength, and versatility. However, over time, the fiberglass exterior can become faded, scratched, and damaged. This is where fiberglass boat paint comes in.

Fiberglass boat paint is specially formulated to adhere to the fiberglass surface, providing a protective layer that can restore the boat’s appearance and protect it from further damage.

We spent hours researching and testing various fiberglass boat paints to identify the ones that provide the best combination of durability, appearance, and ease of use.

In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks for the best fiberglass boat paint on the market.

Best Fiberglass Boat Paints

As boating enthusiasts, we know how important it is to keep your boat looking its best. That’s why we’ve researched and tested the best fiberglass boat paints on the market. Whether you’re looking to restore an old boat or give your new boat a fresh coat, we’ve got you covered.

Our roundup includes a variety of high-quality paints that will protect your boat from the elements and keep it looking great for years to come.

So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best fiberglass boat paints.

1. TotalBoat Wet Edge Marine Topside Paint for Boats, Fiberglass, and Wood (White), 1 Gallon (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a durable, high-gloss marine grade paint that provides a beautiful, scratch-resistant, chemical-resistant finish with maximum color and gloss retention, then TotalBoat Wet Edge Marine Topside Paint is a great option for you.

Pros

• The 1-Part formula provides professional results with just a brush and roller (roll & tip method); can also be applied by spraying; for use above the waterline.
• The self-leveling, abrasion-resistant polyurethane finish is easy to clean; will not fade, crack, or peel; easy to touch up; ideal for power boat hulls, sailboat hulls, campers, RV exteriors, doors, and trim.
• Wet Edge looks great on fiberglass, wood, metals, and previously painted surfaces; not for continuous submersion on boat bottoms that remain in the water longer than 72 hours.

Cons

• The paint is not recommended for continuous submersion on boat bottoms that remain in the water longer than 72 hours.
• The drying/curing time can be a bit long.
• Blue-Glo looks no different than white to some people and four coats are needed to cover white primer, making it heavier.

We recently used TotalBoat Wet Edge Marine Topside Paint for our sailboat hull and were impressed with the results. The application process was easy, and the paint dried evenly and smoothly.

We were also pleased with the self-leveling feature, which helped to fill in any imperfections on the hull. The paint has held up well against abrasions and scratches, and we have not noticed any fading, cracking, or peeling.

One thing to note is that the drying/curing time can be a bit long, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Also, if you’re looking for a paint for continuous submersion on boat bottoms that remain in the water longer than 72 hours, this may not be the best option for you.

Overall, we highly recommend TotalBoat Wet Edge Marine Topside Paint for anyone looking for a durable, high-gloss marine grade paint that provides a professional finish and long-lasting protection.

2. Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Enamel Paint

If you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting fiberglass boat paint, Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Enamel Paint is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Applies easily with excellent leveling
• Durable coating resists abrasion and extreme weather conditions
• Provides long-lasting UV protection

Cons

• Strong odor during application
• Expensive compared to other options
• Requires multiple coats for complete coverage

The paint applies smoothly and evenly, and the glossy finish looks fantastic.

However, we did notice a strong odor during application, so we made sure to use the paint in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask.

Additionally, the paint is more expensive than some other options on the market, and it required multiple coats for complete coverage.

But we still recommend it.

3. Rust-Oleum Available 207012 Marine Flat Boat Bottom Antifouling Enamel Paint

If you’re looking for a reliable fiberglass boat paint, Rust-Oleum Available 207012 Marine Flat Boat Bottom Antifouling Enamel Paint is a great option. We highly recommend this product for those who want to protect their boats from fouling, as it’s formulated to slowly release copper in order to prevent buildup of barnacles, algae, and other marine growth.

Pros

• Ideal for use on fiberglass, wood or steel surfaces to prevent fouling below the waterline
• Able to recoat in 4 hours, to launch in 16 hours and covers up to 110 sq ft
• Hard, smooth finish provides a flat sheen over most aged antifouling coatings

Cons

• This item is not for sale in Catalina Island
• May require two or three coats for optimal coverage
• Some users reported that one container did not cover a larger boat

It’s suitable for both fresh and saltwater, making it a versatile option for boat owners.

However, it may require two or three coats for optimal coverage, and some users reported that one container did not cover a larger boat.

Overall, Rust-Oleum Available 207012 Marine Flat Boat Bottom Antifouling Enamel Paint is a great choice.

4. TotalBoat-14409 Marine Gelcoat for Boat Building, Repair and Composite Coatings (White, Quart with Wax) Quart With Wax White

If you’re looking for a durable and easy-to-use fiberglass boat paint, TotalBoat-14409 Marine Gelcoat is a great choice.

Pros

• Premium Marine-Grade Polyester Gelcoat: This gelcoat is more durable than standard orthophthalic gelcoat, making it an excellent choice for cosmetic gelcoat repair, hull coatings, boat building, layups, and exterior coatings for composite parts on boats, motorcycles, RVs, and more.
• Easy to Tint: You can easily tint this gelcoat with a polyester resin or gelcoat coloring agent to color match your existing gelcoat. Tint white gelcoat to get pastel colors, and tint neutral gelcoat for dark, bold colors. Add colorants before adding MEKP catalyst.
• Easy One-Step Application: Using a brush, roller, or spray gun, this non-sagging, high-viscosity formula is easy to apply and has great coverage. At 77°F, pot life is 8-12 minutes. Cured gelcoat is easy to sand, buff, and polish to a high-gloss, showroom finish.

Cons

• Limited Pot Life: With a pot life of 8-12 minutes, you need to work quickly to apply this gelcoat.
• Thin Consistency: Some users have reported that this gelcoat is very thin and runny, which can make it difficult to work with.
• Disfigured Bottle: A few users have received bottles that were disfigured and had dissolved seals, which can affect the quality of the gelcoat.

We recently used TotalBoat-14409 Marine Gelcoat to repair some cosmetic damage on a fiberglass boat, and we were impressed with the results.

The gelcoat was easy to tint to match our existing gelcoat, and it applied smoothly with a brush.

We did notice that the consistency was a bit thin, which made it a bit more challenging to work with, but we were able to achieve a great finish with some sanding and polishing.

Overall, we would recommend TotalBoat-14409 Marine Gelcoat to anyone looking for a high-quality fiberglass boat paint that is easy to use and provides a durable, long-lasting finish.

5. Marine Coat One Iso/Npg Gel Coat White with Wax with MEKP Catalyst for Hardening, Gel Coat Repair Kit for Boats, Fiberglass With 6 Colors

If you’re looking for a high-quality fiberglass boat paint that can make your boat look like new, then the Marine Coat One Iso/Npg Gel Coat White with Wax with MEKP Catalyst for Hardening, Gel Coat Repair Kit for Boats, Fiberglass With 6 Colors is a great choice.

With its exclusive tinting pigments, you can easily match your boat’s white color with our 6 quality tinting pigments of 1/4 oz each. You won’t find this offer elsewhere. Pigment colors include popular White, Black, Yellow, Blue, Red, and Brown.

Adding color to the white gelcoat creates lighter, pastel colors. Marine Coat One white gel coat with wax can be tinted by adding up to 1% polyester resin or gelcoat colorants before adding the MEKP catalyst.

Pros

• Exclusive tinting pigments – Easily match your boat’s white color with our 6 quality tinting pigments of 1/4 oz each. You won’t find this offer elsewhere.
• Make boats look new – Professional grade, highest quality ISO/NPG Marine Gel Coat White with Wax. This lets you easily fill scratches, scrapes, cracks, and ugly gouges in your boat’s fiberglass. Using a gel coat with wax makes it dry and tack-free.
• Permanent repair – Use the included 1 Oz of MEKP Catalyst for a hard cure that matches your boat’s original, high gloss finish. Our Gel Coat will not run or sag giving you reliable hardness and resiliency. Just what you need for professional-looking DIY repairs that save you money and time. Countless boat owners and businesses insist on Marine Coat One products for the best results and the longest life. Easy to use with our product instructions.

Cons

• Strong odor – This product has a heavy odor wherever you store it.
• Drying time – The drying time of this product is longer than some other fiberglass boat paints.
• Color match – The color of this product might not match the white color of your boat.

The product is easy to use, and it fills in scratches and gouges perfectly. The included tinting pigments will make it easy to match the color of your boat, and the final finish can be high gloss and look new.

One thing to note is that this product has a strong odor, so make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area. Also, the drying time is longer than some other fiberglass boat paints, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best fiberglass boat paint, there are a few key features to consider. By keeping these features in mind, you can ensure that you choose a product that will provide long-lasting protection and a beautiful finish.

One of the most important features to consider is the type of paint. There are two main types of fiberglass boat paint: one-part and two-part. One-part paints are easier to apply, but they don’t provide the same level of durability as two-part paints. Two-part paints require more skill to apply, but they offer superior protection against abrasion, chemicals, and UV rays.

Another important consideration is the color of the paint. Light colors are better at reflecting heat and UV rays, which can help protect your boat from sun damage. Dark colors, on the other hand, absorb more heat and can lead to delamination or other damage over time.

When choosing a fiberglass boat paint, it’s also important to consider the level of gloss you want. High-gloss paints offer a beautiful, mirror-like finish, but they can be more difficult to maintain and may show imperfections more easily. Satin or matte finishes are more forgiving and easier to maintain, but they don’t offer the same level of shine.

Finally, it’s important to choose a paint that is specifically designed for use on fiberglass boats. These paints are formulated to adhere to the unique properties of fiberglass and provide long-lasting protection against the harsh marine environment.

In summary, when choosing the best fiberglass boat paint, consider the type of paint, color, gloss level, and whether it is designed for use on fiberglass boats. By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a high-quality paint that will protect your boat and provide a beautiful finish for years to come.

==>> You should also check out our recommended best fiberglass boat wax here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of using polyurethane paint on a fiberglass boat?

Polyurethane paint is a popular choice for fiberglass boats due to its durability and resistance to fading, chalking, and abrasions. It also provides excellent gloss retention and is highly resistant to chemicals, making it ideal for boats that are exposed to harsh marine environments.

How do you properly prepare a fiberglass boat for painting?

Proper preparation is vital for achieving a long-lasting and high-quality paint job on a fiberglass boat. This includes cleaning the surface thoroughly, sanding to create a rough texture for better adhesion, and applying a primer to ensure the paint adheres properly. It’s also important to remove any contaminants or old paint before beginning the painting process.

What is the most durable type of paint for a fiberglass boat’s exterior?

Two-part polyurethane paint is considered the most durable and long-lasting type of paint for a fiberglass boat’s exterior. It provides excellent protection against UV rays, saltwater, and harsh weather conditions, making it ideal for boats that are frequently used in challenging marine environments.

Can you use gelcoat over paint on a fiberglass boat, and if so, how?

It is possible to apply gelcoat over paint on a fiberglass boat, but it requires careful preparation and application. The paint must be sanded to create a rough surface for the gelcoat to adhere to, and a special primer must be applied to ensure proper adhesion. It’s important to note that gelcoat is typically not as durable as two-part polyurethane paint and may require more frequent maintenance.

What factors should be considered when choosing a marine paint for a fiberglass boat?

When choosing a marine paint for a fiberglass boat, it’s important to consider factors such as durability, UV resistance, ease of application, and color options. It’s also important to choose a paint that is specifically designed for use on fiberglass boats and is compatible with the existing paint and coatings on the boat.

Are there specific marine paint brands recommended for fiberglass boats?

There are several reputable marine paint brands that are recommended for use on fiberglass boats, including Interlux, Awlgrip, and Pettit. It’s important to choose a high-quality paint that is specifically designed for use on fiberglass boats and is compatible with the existing coatings on the boat.