Can anyone recommend paint for a deck that had a non-skid surface placed on it (like your home shower or bathtub) by the manufacturer? Can I use regular topside paint? I don’t need an additional non-skid surface, just paint (color), thank you!
Topside Paint on Deck
- Thread starter Plymouth Sailor
- Start date
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,454
I would inquire with a paint company. Someone like Total Boat (Jamestown Distributors) could give you insight regarding this issue.
What is the condition of the nonskid surface? What is the pattern?
Applying paint over a nonskid surface will fill in the pattern that makes the surface non skid. Some patterns, like the common diamond pattern, are fairly deep and can survive a paint job. Others, like a sand finish, will do less well. The nonskid is usually gelcoat and part of the deck mold.
Some paints like Kiwi Grip leave a highly textured surface. Others like TotalBoat's Total Tread paint have particles in the paint providing grip. And then there are user applied additives, like Soft Sand that is sprinkled on after the first coat and held in place by subsequent coats of paint. These paints all require removing all of the existing nonskid, usually by sanding.
Check out BoatWorksToday YouTube site. Andy has used Soft Sand on several projects.
If the pattern is deep enough you may get away with just painting over it. A one part polyurethane paint like Total Boat Wet Edge would probably work best as it is thin and does not build up like an enamel paint. It will take 3 coats to get good coverage. Petit and Interlux make similar paints. If the pattern is really worn, then removing the pattern is really the best option.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,454
If your deck is molded, like mine, you will need to clean out the dirt from the recesses before trying to paint. If not done with care, the paint on the molded surface will not stick. 
Preparation is the key before you paint. I would check with the paint company for suggestions to optimize your project.
Preparation is the key before you paint. I would check with the paint company for suggestions to optimize your project.
@JamesG161 beat me to it. I've used Rustoleum with great results.
Topside usually refers to the hull above the waterline FYI.
I have painted many boats and polyurethane paints are best for color retention and abrasion resistance, but are very expensive - especially if they are two part paints, which are preferred. Awlgrip is one company who offers great paints with a ton of color choices and you can roll or spray when using the right Awlcat additive. I'd paint the smooth surfaces first and then carefully mask off the nonskid surface and apply the nonskid color of your choice. I'd use a flattening agent and grit mixed together and constantly mixed. Glossy paint, even if there is grit, is still slippery underfoot - especially if wet. So, flattening agent is a must.
There are other products out there that provide nonskid paints ready to roll on out of the can. They have the grit are not shiny and have a lesser choice in colors, but work well.
I have painted many boats and polyurethane paints are best for color retention and abrasion resistance, but are very expensive - especially if they are two part paints, which are preferred. Awlgrip is one company who offers great paints with a ton of color choices and you can roll or spray when using the right Awlcat additive. I'd paint the smooth surfaces first and then carefully mask off the nonskid surface and apply the nonskid color of your choice. I'd use a flattening agent and grit mixed together and constantly mixed. Glossy paint, even if there is grit, is still slippery underfoot - especially if wet. So, flattening agent is a must.
There are other products out there that provide nonskid paints ready to roll on out of the can. They have the grit are not shiny and have a lesser choice in colors, but work well.