Bottom Paints and Waxes to Protect Your Boat This Season

A complete guide to selecting and applying the right Interlux antifouling bottom paint for NJ/NY waters, plus above-waterline waxing and polishing tips to protect your hull all season.

By Matthew Tani

May 7, 2026 6 min read

Boat hull being painted with red Interlux antifouling bottom paint at a boatyard, boat propped on stands during spring maintenance

Spring is here, and if your boat is coming out of storage or off the trailer for the first time this season, now is the time to think about hull protection. The right bottom paint keeps fouling organisms off your hull, protects your gelcoat, and keeps your boat performing at its best all season long. Above the waterline, a quality wax and polish regimen protects your gelcoat from UV damage, oxidation, and saltwater. At Bergen Performance Marine, we carry Interlux's full lineup of antifouling bottom paints — one of the most trusted names in marine coatings — to keep your hull clean and fast all season.

Why Bottom Paint Matters

Any boat kept in the water for more than a few days will begin accumulating marine growth on the hull — algae, barnacles, mussels, and other organisms that attach to the hull surface and multiply rapidly in warm water. This fouling creates drag that slows your boat, increases fuel consumption, and can cause significant damage to gelcoat and fiberglass if left unchecked. In NJ/NY waters, where water temperatures rise quickly through the summer months, fouling can become a serious problem within weeks of launching.

Antifouling bottom paint works by releasing biocides — typically copper compounds — at a controlled rate that prevents marine organisms from attaching to the hull. Different paint technologies release biocides at different rates and are suited to different use patterns and environments.

Understanding Antifouling Paint Technologies

Ablative (Self-Polishing) Paints

Ablative paints wear away slowly as the boat moves through the water, continuously exposing fresh biocide at the surface. This means the paint is always releasing at its maximum effectiveness, and there's no spent paint layer building up on the hull over multiple seasons. Ablative paints are ideal for boats that are used regularly — the more you use the boat, the better they work. They're also easier to maintain year over year because you can apply new coats directly over old ablative paint without stripping.

SPC (Self-Polishing Copolymer) Paints

SPC paints use a chemical reaction with seawater to control the release rate of biocides, providing very consistent, predictable antifouling performance throughout the season. SPC technology is considered the most advanced antifouling approach and is used in Interlux's premium Micron Extra line. SPC paints provide excellent performance for both active and occasionally used boats.

Copper-Free Antifouling

Some marinas and waterways restrict or prohibit copper-based antifouling paints due to environmental concerns. Copper-free antifouling paints use alternative biocides that are effective against fouling without the environmental impact of copper. If you boat in areas with copper restrictions, copper-free paint is required.

Interlux Micron CSC — Premium Ablative Antifouling

Micron CSC is Interlux's flagship ablative antifouling paint, designed for maximum season-long protection in high-fouling environments like NJ/NY coastal waters. CSC stands for "Copper Super Concentrate" — Micron CSC contains a high concentration of cuprous oxide biocide that provides exceptional protection against barnacles, slime, and other fouling organisms. Its ablative formula means it self-polishes as you use the boat, maintaining consistent biocide release all season.

Available in five colors:

Best for: Boats kept in the water all season in high-fouling NJ/NY coastal waters. Powerboats, sailboats, and cruisers used regularly.

Interlux Micron Extra SPC — Advanced Self-Polishing Copolymer

Micron Extra uses Interlux's advanced SPC technology for the most consistent, controlled biocide release available. Unlike traditional ablative paints that rely on physical abrasion, SPC technology uses a chemical reaction with seawater to control release rate — providing excellent antifouling performance whether the boat is moving or sitting at the dock. Particularly effective in areas with strong tidal currents and for boats that may sit unused for extended periods.

Available in gallons and quarts:

Best for: Boats in high-fouling environments, boats that sit at the dock between uses, and boaters who want the most technologically advanced antifouling available.

Interlux Micron Navigator — Water-Based Antifouling

Micron Navigator is Interlux's water-based antifouling paint — lower in VOCs, easier to apply and clean up, and suitable for use in areas with stricter environmental regulations. Despite being water-based, Micron Navigator delivers solid antifouling performance for recreational boats in moderate-fouling environments.

Best for: Recreational boaters in moderate-fouling environments and boaters who prefer a water-based product for easier application and cleanup.

Interlux Micron CF — Copper-Free Antifouling

Micron CF uses alternative biocides that are effective against fouling without copper compounds. Required in areas where copper-based antifouling is restricted, and essential for aluminum hulls where copper causes galvanic corrosion.

Best for: Aluminum hulls, boats in copper-restricted areas, and environmentally conscious boaters.

Choosing the Right Paint for NJ/NY Waters

Powerboat used regularly: Micron CSC or Micron Extra SPC
Powerboat used occasionally: Micron Extra SPC
Sailboat or slow-speed vessel: Micron Extra SPC or Micron Navigator
Aluminum hull: Micron CF Copper-Free only
Trailered boat: Bottom paint generally not needed unless left in water for extended periods

How Much Paint Do You Need?

Up to 20': 1 quart per coat
20'–30': 1 gallon per coat
30'–40': 1.5–2 gallons per coat
40'+: 2+ gallons per coat

Plan for 2 coats minimum, with an extra coat at the waterline and around running gear where fouling pressure is highest.

Application Tips

Surface prep is everything — clean, sand, and degrease before painting
Apply above 50°F — check the product data sheet for temperature and humidity requirements
Use a 3/8" nap roller for large areas; brush for edges and running gear
Launch within the recommended window — typically 24–72 hours after application
Wear PPE — gloves, eye protection, and a respirator when sanding or applying
Don't mix paint types — ablative over ablative only, or strip to bare fiberglass before switching

Above-Waterline Protection: Waxing and Polishing

Bottom paint protects below the waterline, but topsides and deck need protection too. UV radiation, saltwater, and oxidation attack gelcoat above the waterline, causing fading and chalking that's expensive to repair if neglected.

The process: Wash → Compound (if oxidized) → Polish → Wax. Reapply wax 2–3 times per season for maximum UV and salt protection.

Bergen Performance Marine offers professional wash, wax, and detailing services as part of our maintenance services. Our team uses professional-grade products and techniques to restore and protect your hull.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I repaint the bottom?

Most recreational boats in NJ/NY waters need a fresh coat every season. Ablative paints like Micron CSC can be recoated directly without stripping; hard paints may need stripping every few years as paint builds up.

Can I paint over last year's bottom paint?

Yes, if using the same paint type. Clean and lightly sand the existing paint, then apply new coats. If switching paint types or if old paint is peeling, strip to bare fiberglass first.

Do I need a primer under bottom paint?

On bare fiberglass, a barrier coat primer is strongly recommended to prevent osmotic blistering. On previously painted hulls in good condition, a primer is generally not required.

Can Bergen Performance Marine apply my bottom paint?

Yes — we offer professional bottom paint application as part of our seasonal maintenance services. Contact us to schedule your haul-out and bottom paint service.

Get Your Boat Ready for the Season

Getting your bottom paint sorted now — before the peak season rush — means more time on the water and less time waiting at the boatyard. Browse our full Interlux antifouling paint selection at Bergen Performance Marine, or contact us to schedule professional bottom paint service this spring.