Ablative and self-polishing paint is known for being more efficient because there is a higher and longer delivery of biocide compared to hard antifouling paint. Ablating is the process of how the paint wears away after time which will prevent organisms from attaching to the hull. That is why the more coats of ablative paint you apply, the longer it will be between painting periods. Three types of ablative paints that wear away in entirely different ways are controlled solubility copolymer, self-polishing, and hybrid ablative paint. All antifouling paints will work in certain conditions, but what works well in your harbor really depends on water temp, current, fresh water outflows, and how often you use your boat.
Controlled Solubility Copolymer Paint is used in areas with high amounts of fouling. Much like how a bar of soap wears away, the physical action of water against the hull will slowly wear away the paint and expose fresh layers of biocide. The wear of the biocide will depend on drag of the hull. If you remove the boat from the water for more than two weeks during the season, you will have to reactivate the biocide's effectiveness by scrubbing lightly with a Scotch-Brite pad before placing your boat back in the water.
Self-Polishing Copolymer Paint is a superior antifouling paint because the release of biocide is chemically controlled, not physically controlled like controlled solubility copolymer paint. The advantage to using controlled solubility copolymer paint is that the boat can be hauled and relaunched without repainting because the biocides only activate in water.
Hybrid Ablative Paint releases biocide like a self-polishing copolymer ablative, but has more hardness similar to a conventional antifouling paint. Hybrid bottom paint can be burnished for extra speed and is perfect for a racing boat that requires added speed, might remain in the water for a time, but will also be trailered.
Hard Antifouling Paint is also known as contact leaching paint. The hard paint dries as a porous film that contains biocides which leach out as they come in contact with water. High cuprous oxide (copper) is used in the paint to retard the marine growth on the hull. The leaching process starts at a very high rate, and gradually slows down until there is no active biocide available. The remaining hard paint film then remains intact until sanded off. Biocides will no longer released because they have been exhausted limited the protection of the hull. Hard paints are perfect for boats that run at high speeds (over 30 kts) or for boats that are left in the water for extended periods of time.
What's the difference between ablative bottom paint and hard bottom paint?
