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Antifouling guide

The right underwater coating is essential for a well-maintained boat. A good antifouling protects the underwater hull of your boat and prevents fouling from settling on the surface. It therefore helps to maintain speed and manoeuvrability and contributes to lower fuel consumption.

Important parameters when choosing an antifouling are The type of boat:

  • The sailing and travelling speed: Do you own a fast or slow boat? How often do you sail during the season?
  • The hull material: most antifoulings can be applied to primed materials such as plywood, GRP and steel without any problems, but not every antifouling is suitable for aluminium hulls and solid wood (e.g. clinker-built boats)
  • The geographical location of the berth: Is your boat moored in salt or fresh water, in warm or cold waters, in flowing waters like rivers, in the South Seas or just on land?
  • Existing layers of paint: What antifouling has been used previously, are you due for a rebuild or are you the lucky owner of a new yacht? Environmental protection and legislation in the area where the boat will be used: If you want to visit the Netherlands, for example, you may only use a product with a separate "Holland approval"

There are three different types of antifouling: self-eroding antifouling, hard antifouling, and thin-film antifouling.

An environmentally friendly alternative are biocide-free underwater paints and coatings that work without organic biocides and copper or that work physically, e.g. via their surface structure.

Self-eroding antifouling paints

Self-eroding antifouling paints have a soluble resin system with active components that repel or prevent fouling. After activation in the water, the layers of antifouling are broken down in a controlled manner so that there is always a fresh and active layer of biocides on the surface. This ensures a high level of effectiveness during the sailing season, a smooth surface and reduces the build-up of thick layers of antifouling on the hull. In the next season, the new coat can be applied directly after thorough cleaning and without intermediate sanding.

Self-eroding antifouling paints

HEMPEL ALU-PROP-NCT 750ml Antifouling
High performance, self-polishing antifouling. Excellent fouling protection due to patented binder technology from HEMPEL. Especially for aluminum boats, but can also be used for boats made of GRP, wood, steel as well as propeller drives.Application with roller or brush possible. Recommended Primer for underground preparation: Hempel Light Primer or Hempel's Underwater Primer.Coverage: 13m2/litreThinner: Hempel 808 (No. 3)For the right application, please follow the instructions in the technical data sheet under "Downloads and Information".

Content: 0.5 Liter (€0.00* / 1 Liter)

From €35.90 *
SEAJET SAMURAI 031 Antifouling
SEAJET 031 SAMURAI is a tin-free, self-polishing antifouling for all waters.Intended for all boatbuilding materials, except aluminum.Adheres to most hard and self-polishing antifoulings (though not those that contain teflon or tin).Sanding before each coat is not necessary.The base coat should contain 2 - 3 layers, so that the antifouling remains active over several years.Coverage: approx. 9 m.sq./l. Use biocide products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. BAuA-Nr. N-12986

From €38.95 *
SEAJET EMPEROR A 034 Antifouling for Aluminium Vessels
Emperor 034 A is an extremely effective self-polishing antifouling with a new advanced resin technology and biocides that ensure effective protection against fouling.This makes this antifouling suitable for areas worldwide with high fouling pressure. Suitable for all boat building materials, including aluminum. Three coats will last for the duration of 2 seasons. Vivid, luminous colors.Yield: approx. 10 m²/l.Use biocidal products safely! Please refer to the Technical Product Data Sheet under "Downloads & Information" for the correct application of the product.

From €59.90 *
HEMPEL CLASSIC Antifouling
Robust and reliable, self polishing antifouling with copper compounds as active agent. Sanding is not necessary before subsequent coatings. Applicable for all boat building materials except aluminium.Ecological protection for the whole season in salt water, brackish water and fresh water sailing areas in moderate temperatures.Yield: ca.11 m²/lThis product is approved for the use in the Netherlands (approval no. 15010). Use biocidal products safely! Please refer to the Technical Product Data Sheet under "Downloads & Information" for the correct application of the product.

From €65.95 *
EPIFANES COPPER CRUISE Antifouling
Highly efficient, hard antifouling that incorporates copper and biocides with a selfpolishing effect and exceptional long-term fouling protection in saltwater, fresh water and brackish water. It is aprroved for the use in the Netherlands (approval no. 14301).The innovative 'Copper Release Technology' combines the advantages of hard and selfpolishing antifoulings.With highly improved encrustation protection, compared to conventional copper carrying antifoulings, here the active agents are optimised and released in considerable smaller amounts, which is favourable for the environment.Can be used with most other commercially available underwater primers without any problems as well as on most hard and selfpolishing antifoulings. Suitable for all sailing and motor vessels with a maximum speed of 30 knots, as well as all hull materials except aluminium.Not suitable for boats moored permanently, vessels which are not moved for the whole season.Yield: approx. 10 m²/l The colours on the colours chart may change slightly depending on your printer or computer screen settings. Use biocide products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. BAuA-Nr. N-74891

From €62.90 *
SEAJET 033 SHOGUN antifouling
Very effective, self polishing antifouling also for difficult encrustation situations.Suitable for all boat building materials except aluminium.Adheres to most hard and self polishing antifouling (not those containing Teflon). Sanding before the next coating is not necessary.2-3 layers are sufficient for the duration of 2 seasons.Yield: 8,8 m²/l.  Use biocide products safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

From €54.00 *
HEMPEL MILLE NCT Self Polishing Antifouling
Selfpolishing premium antifouling with highly effective antifouling protection per copper bonding and organic agents.By the use of the NCT technology (NewCopperTechnology) it succeeds to make use of the copper bonding even more continuously and controlled for more economic and effective usage.The selfpolishing effect of the antifouling provides for an always smooth, bioactive and low friction surface, which doesn't need to be sanded for the succeeding coat.Applicable to all surfaces and boat materials (with the exception of aluminium) as well as for the employment in all waters.Thinner: 808.Yield: approx. 13 m²/l. Use biocide products safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

From €47.95 *
SIGMA ECOFLEET 290S antifouling
Tin-free, self-polishing longtime antifouling from the shipping industry.Fouling protection for up to 36 months in all waters.The base consists of bioactive, organic materials and copper compounds.Can cover most hard and ablative antifoulings.Must not be applied over old antifoulings containing teflon or tin..As a base or bonding agent, SIGMA VIKOTE CR-Primer is recommended.Yield: approx. 7 m.sq./l.Colour: red brown.Thinner: 21-06 (article-no 2580-101).Use biocidal products with care! Please read the information on the lable and the instruction leaflet before use. BAuA-Nr. N-52694

From €147.00 *
YACHTCARE SP Self Polishing Antifouling
A self-polishing antifouling with copper bindings and bioactive, organic active ingredients. Intended for use in fresh, salt and brackish water. Through the self-renewing effect the paint retains a bioactive surface throughout its entire life.YACHTCARE self polishing antifouling is compatible with most other antifouling systems.It is applicable on wood, GRP and steel. Not applicable for aluminum bases. Thinner: YACHTCARE ANTIFOULING THINNERRequirement: 12.5 m.sq./l Use biocide products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. BAuA-Nr. N-74363

From €34.50 *
SEAJET PROFESSIONAL 032 Antifouling
Seajet Basic is a selpolishing antifouling based on copper compound. For a succeeding coat is not nessacary to sand the underwater hull.Suitable for all boats (no aluminium boats). The antifouling is developed for small commercial craft ships and traditional boats,suited for salt, brackish and fresh water areas. Comes in 3.5l buckets in black or red.Coverage Rate: approx. 8,7 m²/l. Use biocide products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. BAUA-Nr. N-58963

From €129.00 *
HEMPEL ECOPOWER PROP Propeller-Spray
Biocide-free spray paint, suitable for propellers, Z-drives and stern drives. Protects against fouling and facilitates cleaning. Advanced binder technology controls the self-renewing effect throughout the season.For application on uncoated surfaces it is recommended to prime with HEMPELS Light Primer and adhesion primer HEMPELS Underwater Primer. In case of existing, old or traditional antifouling, remove loose material and fouling beforehand, on surfaces with existing, old hard matrix or unknown antifouling, the surface should be additionally wet sanded (grit 180). Clean and dry the surface afterwards. If the condition of the previous antifouling layer is poor, seal with a layer of primer (e.g. HEMPELS Underwater Primer). For detailed application instructions, please refer to the Technical Product Data Sheet under "Information and Downloads". Suitable thinner: 808 (No.3)Theoretical spreading rate: 11 m2m2/Litre

Content: 0.5 Liter (€0.00* / 1 Liter)

From €28.90 *
EPIFANES FOUL AWAY Biocide Free
A self-polishing underwater paint, free of copper, tin and organic biocides.Suitable for freshwater- brackish water and intermittent saltwater areas.Suitable for all boat building materials. Adheres to all hard antifoulings and self-polishing antifoulings.Three coats are recommended as initial application.Yield: approx. 10 m²/l. Thinner: EPIFANES D-100 ThinnerThe colors on the color sample card may differ from the original colors due to monitor or printer settings and are only intended as a guide.Use biocidal products with care. Always read the label and product information before use.

From €68.90 *

Hard antifouling paints

Hard antifouling paints have a resin system with a high content of water-insoluble components that make the surface hard and abrasion-resistant. The high proportion of bioactive substances and their constant release into the water ensure a high degree of protection against fouling. Due to its hardness and resistance, the antifouling is ideal for fast motorboats, trailer boats and tidal waters where boats can fall dry. Wet sanding the surface with fine sandpaper can be used on regatta boats to create a smooth finish for more speed. As the active ingredients wash out over the season, the surface should also be wet-sanded before the annual repainting to achieve good adhesion for the new coat.

Hart-Antifouling

HEMPEL HARD RACING TecCel Hard Antifouling
Highly effective premium hard antifouling with copper compounds as the active ingredient, which offers optimum fouling protection due to the hard binder, especially on fast motorboats, trailer boats and boats that fall dry in the mudflats.Suitable for all waters. Modified with TecCel non-stick technology (PTFE), it is smoother and has less friction than conventional hard antifoulings. Can be applied to all hull materials except aluminum (exception: white). Detailed application information can be found under "Downloads & Information".Coverage: approx. 13 m²/l Thinner: HEMPEL Thinner No. 808 (max. 5%)

From €38.90 *
HEMPEL ECOPOWER Racing biocide free
Biocide free hard antifouling with Teccel anti adhesion technology (PTFe) for specially even and low-friction surfaces.Recomended for all waters with little fouling growth (fresh water bodies) and for all waters with high environmental regulations. Suitable for all boat building materials. Thinner: 808.Yield: approx. 12,3 m²/l. For more than 100 years HEMPEL produces ship paints and today is one of the worldwide leading producers in this field. HEMPEL is especially known for its great varnishes and the perfected premium antifoulings among their yacht paints. As well as the products for the mega yachts and the commercial shipping, that will be applied by the professional user, which we can offer on demand.

From €33.90 *
SEAJET 037 COASTAL Antifouling
SEAJET 037 COASTAL is a tin-free hard antifouling system for salt and fresh water.Intended for all boatbuilding materials, except aluminum. Also intended for locations that dry out.When used as a primer, 2 - 3 coats are recommended.Coverage: approx 10 m.sq./l. Use biocide products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. BAuA-Nr. N-13052

From €35.90 *
YACHTCARE hard antifouling ACTION
Economical and effective hard antifouling with copper bonding as active component and an indissoluble binder.As such it offers excellent antifouling protection especially for speed boats, trailer boats and boats that fall dry in tidal waters.Developed for the north European coastal and inland waters.Apart from aluminium it can be applied on all surfaces and boat materials.Yield: 13m²/l. Use biocide products safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

From €36.95 *

Thin-film antifouling paints

Thin-film antifouling paints do not work by releasing active substances into the water, but rather through the very smooth surface, which makes it difficult for organisms to adhere. The smooth non-stick surface is created by a PTFE additive. The effect is sometimes supported by biocide components like copper, which are incorporated in the binder. The smooth surface ensures extremely low frictional resistance in the water and thus ensures higher speeds and lower fuel consumption. Thin-film antifouling paints are also characterised by a very fast drying time.

Thin-film antifouling paints

HEMPEL HEMPASPEED TF Thin-Film Bottom Coating
HEMPASPEED TF is a biocide-free antifouling. It forms such a smooth surface that fouling is minimized and friction is reduced. The new hydrogel technology in the HEMPASPEED TF is a combination of thin layer and hard antifouling. That means it is as robust as a hard antifouling, but with an ultra-smooth surface. It protects against fouling and is easy to clean without chemicals. Suitable for fresh, salt and brackish water as well as for inland areas. Particularly recommended in areas where biocides may not be used or only to a limited extent (also in the Netherlands). Suitable for all sports boats with GRP, steel or aluminum hulls, also for regatta and trailer boats. Application on existing antifouling layerIt is possible to switch from a conventional antifouling to HEMPASPEED TF. The old coating (if it is still intact) does not have to be removed. A layer of HEMPEL CONVERSION Primer is then required as an intermediate layer. Two coats of HEMPASPEED TF should be applied over the primer. Application as a new coating When recoating, the substrate must first be sealed with HEMPEL LIGHT Primer before applying HEMPEL CONVERSION Primer and two coats of HEMPASPEED TF. Note the instructions on the product data sheet. A maximum of 3 months should elapse between application and putting the product in the water, ideally 30 hours at around 15°Application with brush or roller Dilute with Thinner 808 (No 3) (Art. No. 2577-020) Available in four shades: True Blue (blue), Ultimate White (white), Black (black) and Penta Gray (grey). Yield: approx. 11 m²/l.

From €44.90 *
SEA-LINE Thin film antifouling SILVER RACING
Very smooth and extremely fast drying thinfilm-antifouling with PTFE non-stick technology and copper oxyds as biocide agent. For medium fouling conditions in salt water, brackish water and fresh water and lakes. Not applicable for aluminium boats. Can be applied to all under-water Epoxy primers and is compatible with PTFE antifouling like VC 17m andHempel Waterglide.Not compatible to classic hard antifouling with PTFE. Please check the compatibility chart.Yield: 11-12 m²/l. Use biocide products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. BAuA-Nr. N-74280

From €44.90 *

Biocide free underwater coatings

Biocide-free underwater paints and coatings do not use any biocides currently classified as harmful to the environment (e.g. copper). There are biocide-free coatings that are based on colophony and zinc oxide which have a similar effect to self-polishing antifouling paints and can be applied in the same way. Biocide free hard coatings do not contain zinc oxide and are more suitable for trailer boats that are not permanently in the water.

A special group of biocide free coatings are hydrogel and silicone-based coatings. These coatings work through physical properties of the surface. Non-reactive polymers form a so-called hydrogel layer between the hull and the seawater, creating a micro-rough surface which is perceived as water by microorganisms and causes them not to attach to the surface. The silicone makes the surface extremely smooth and flexible, causing microorganisms to easily fall off when the hull travels through water. Biocide-free underwater paints and coatings are particularly suitable for inland waters with low fouling pressure and for areas where biocide-containing antifoulings are banned. In other waters, such as the North Sea and Baltic Sea, these coatings may be less effective against fouling than coatings containing biocides. Regular inspection of the hull during the season and cleaning with a sponge will help to minimise the build-up of fouling in these cases.

Biocide free underwater coatings

LeFANT NAUTICA HARD ECO biocide free antifouling
NAUTICA HARD ECO is a biocide-free underwater coating from the Swedish company LEFANT, suitable for sail and power boats in all speed ranges.The hard matrix in the coating provides a smooth, low-friction surface which protects the boat from fouling and is easy to clean. A clean underwater hull increases speed and helps reduce fuel consumption.NAUTICA HARD ECO is suitable for use on aluminium hulls and is compatible with most self-polishing and hard antifouling. Can be painted directly onto LEFANT TF and LEFANT MARK 5. Two coats last for seasonal protection, extra coats in areas where friction and wear are higher, such as rudder, stern and waterline might be neccessary.Coverage: 13 m²/litreFor the application of Lefant Nautica Hard ECO, please see the detailed instructions on the technical data sheet under "Downloads & Information".

From €59.00 *
SEAJET 021 EKO Biocide-free Underwater Coating
SEAJET 021 EKO is a biocide-free underwater coating that forms a hydrolysis-based, erodible layer that is constantly renewed, making it difficult for dirt and fouling to adhere. It is applied like a conventional antifouling, two coats last a season. Suitable for fresh and salt water areas with light to medium fouling pressure, regular cleaning of the surface is recommended during the year.SEAJET 021 EKO can be applied to primed wood, GRP, steel and aluminum. Suitable for boats with maximum speeds of up to 40 knots.Coverage: 10m²/lFor a new coating of the underwater hull, 2 coats of SEAJET 117 Epoxy Primer are suitable for priming, for wooden hulls SEAJET 015 Underwater Primer. Then apply 2 coats of SEAJET 021 EKO.When applying to existing antifouling, compatibility should be checked beforehand, e.g. using the SEAJET compatibility table. Clean underwater coatings in good condition, apply 1 coat of SEAJET 015 Underwater Primer, then apply 2 coats of SEAJET 021 EKO.Note: Please read the label and product information before use. A technical data sheet with the exact application instructions can be found below under "Downloads & Information"

Content: 0.7519 Liter (€0.00* / 1 Liter)

From €29.90 *
HEMPEL SILIC ONE Propeller-Kit
HEMPEL's SILIC ONE propeller kit is an innovative, biocide-free coating for propellers with technological properties that ensure less frictional resistance and the best possible fouling protection.SILIC ONE is a copper- and biocide-free fouling release coating system based on silicone and hydrogel. Polymers in the coating react with water on the surface and form an invisible protective layer, a so-called hydrogel, between the hull surface and the water. For microorganisms, this layer is perceived as a liquid, so that they do not attach themselves to the hull in the first place. On the other hand, the micro-rough structure and the smooth surface tension prevent fouling organisms from becoming firmly anchored, so that they fall off again through manual cleaning or when moving quickly through the water.Suitable for fresh, salt and brackish water as well as inland areas. Particularly recommended in areas where biocides may not be used or only to a limited extent (also in the Netherlands).The Propller-Kit consists of:1x 375 ml SilicOne TieCoat,1x 375 ml SilicOne in blackImportant: Please note that the propeller must be free of any old paint/antifouling. We recommend that you adhere very closely to the processing instructions and recoating intervals in the application data sheet.For first time coating it is recommended to use HEMPEL Light Primer, which you have to order seperately.

€59.90 *
LEFANT T-COAT 2K Bottom Coating
This light and biocide-free underwater coating is similar to a hard antifouling while being eco-friendly and easy to clean. The epoxy-resin-based coating produces a smooth, dense surface that protects the hull against moisture and corrosion as well as from bio fouling such as algae. LeFant T-Coat is free of silicones and metals and suitable for the use in open and closed waters (e.g. lakes, rivers). If fouling becomes attached to the surface, it can be easily removed mechanically with cleaning sponges, brushes or hull cleaning systems.Suitable GRP/plastic, steel, aluminum. Please note that existing antifouling and one-component underwater primers must be completely removed prior to application of T-Coat. Existing epoxy coating systems in good condition may be retained. For better adhesion and sealing of porous, sandblasted or rough surfaces, as well as when recoating, it is recommended to prime with an epoxy resin based primer like the LEFANT Epoxy Primer, (first coat thinned with 20-30% LEFANT Multi Thinner).To achieve a smooth "racing" surface, the paint can be wet sanded over with a fine grit after curing.Working temperature: minimum 7 °C, an ideal working temperature at 15-25 °C.Color mixing: Mix the primer with the desired color additive, add hardener and stir thoroughly. One paint pot contains 55 ml of paint and is sufficient for a 750 ml can of coating.Coverage: 4-6m²Application: Apply with brush or roller, one 750 ml container is sufficient for about 6m². 2-3 coats (approx. 100 microns/coat) are recommended for a new structure, 3-4 coats for the color white. For the safe and correct application of Lefant T-Coat, please read the product data sheet. You will find it below under "Downloads & Information".

From €72.80 *
HEMPEL ECOPOWER Cruise biocide free
Biozidfreies, selbstpolierendes Antifouling, dessen Oberfläche sich durch Reibung im Wasser immer wieder selbst reinigt.Saisonbedingter Bewuchs lässt sich mit Bürsten oder Hochdruckreinigen problemlos entfernen.Schleifen der gereinigten Oberfläche vor dem Folgeanstrich ist nicht notwendig.Empfohlen für alle Gewässer mit geringem Bewuchsdruck (Süßwasser) und hohen Umweltanforderungen. Geeignet für alle Bootsbaumaterialien. Thinner: 808.Yield: approx. 14,3 m²/l. Antifouling tip When completely renewing the underwater coat it makes sense - after first sealing with an Epoxy primer (i.e. Light Primer) - to firstly apply a coat of hard antifouling before two coats of selfpolishing antifouling in another colour. This can save time and money, because only when the colour of the first coat of paint becomes visible, will it become necessary to apply new coats of selfpolishing antifouling. For more than 100 years HEMPEL produces ship paints and today is one of the worldwide leading producers in this field. HEMPEL is especially known for its great varnishes and the perfected premium antifoulings among their yacht paints. As well as the products for the mega yachts and the commercial shipping, that will be applied by the professional user, which we can offer on demand.

From €39.90 *
HEMPEL HEMPASPEED TF Thin-Film Bottom Coating
HEMPASPEED TF is a biocide-free antifouling. It forms such a smooth surface that fouling is minimized and friction is reduced. The new hydrogel technology in the HEMPASPEED TF is a combination of thin layer and hard antifouling. That means it is as robust as a hard antifouling, but with an ultra-smooth surface. It protects against fouling and is easy to clean without chemicals. Suitable for fresh, salt and brackish water as well as for inland areas. Particularly recommended in areas where biocides may not be used or only to a limited extent (also in the Netherlands). Suitable for all sports boats with GRP, steel or aluminum hulls, also for regatta and trailer boats. Application on existing antifouling layerIt is possible to switch from a conventional antifouling to HEMPASPEED TF. The old coating (if it is still intact) does not have to be removed. A layer of HEMPEL CONVERSION Primer is then required as an intermediate layer. Two coats of HEMPASPEED TF should be applied over the primer. Application as a new coating When recoating, the substrate must first be sealed with HEMPEL LIGHT Primer before applying HEMPEL CONVERSION Primer and two coats of HEMPASPEED TF. Note the instructions on the product data sheet. A maximum of 3 months should elapse between application and putting the product in the water, ideally 30 hours at around 15°Application with brush or roller Dilute with Thinner 808 (No 3) (Art. No. 2577-020) Available in four shades: True Blue (blue), Ultimate White (white), Black (black) and Penta Gray (grey). Yield: approx. 11 m²/l.

From €44.90 *
EPIFANES FOUL AWAY Biocide Free
A self-polishing underwater paint, free of copper, tin and organic biocides.Suitable for freshwater- brackish water and intermittent saltwater areas.Suitable for all boat building materials. Adheres to all hard antifoulings and self-polishing antifoulings.Three coats are recommended as initial application.Yield: approx. 10 m²/l. Thinner: EPIFANES D-100 ThinnerThe colors on the color sample card may differ from the original colors due to monitor or printer settings and are only intended as a guide.Use biocidal products with care. Always read the label and product information before use.

From €68.90 *
HEMPEL ECOPOWER Racing biocide free
Biocide free hard antifouling with Teccel anti adhesion technology (PTFe) for specially even and low-friction surfaces.Recomended for all waters with little fouling growth (fresh water bodies) and for all waters with high environmental regulations. Suitable for all boat building materials. Thinner: 808.Yield: approx. 12,3 m²/l. For more than 100 years HEMPEL produces ship paints and today is one of the worldwide leading producers in this field. HEMPEL is especially known for its great varnishes and the perfected premium antifoulings among their yacht paints. As well as the products for the mega yachts and the commercial shipping, that will be applied by the professional user, which we can offer on demand.

From €33.90 *

How do I find the right antifouling for my sailing area?

Every body of water has its own aquatic organisms. Depending on the temperature, solar radiation, salt content, current, nutrient content (e.g. introduction of agricultural fertilisers) and water quality, the fouling varies so that not every antifouling works equally well in every area.



Find out which antifouling is suitable for your area:

  • Our TOPLICHT product description provides information on the area of application for which the antifouling is suitable The technical data sheet provided by manufacturers also contains information about the area of use
  • Ask around in your area or marina, perhaps your neighbour has an insider tip
  • Hören Sie sich um in Ihrem Revier, vielleicht hat der Nebenlieger einen Geheimtipp.
  • he German Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) has compiled a fouling atlas for Germany and provides extensive information on antifouling, which you can find at this link: https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/chemikalien/biozide/biozidprodukte/antifouling-mittel/bewuchsatlas-start
  • Special regulations and guidelines apply to some areas in Germany and abroad. Please familiarise yourself with local legislation. An up-to-date list of antifouling products approved in the Netherlands for example is regularly published on the "Varen doe je Samen" website: PDF Approved antifouling paints in the Netherlands (as of 2023)

How much antifouling do I need?

Firstly, you need to calculate the total surface area in m² of your underwater hull using the following formulas:



Long keel: total surface area m² = 0.75 x length of waterline x (width + draught)
Short keeler: total surface area m² = 0.50 x length of waterline x (beam + draught)
Motorboat: total surface area m² = length of waterline x (width + draught)

The coverage (m² per litre) of every antifouling paint can be found in our product description online or in the catalogue as well as in the product data sheets, which you find in the download area under every product in our web shop. The required quantity in litres can be calculated using the formula total surface area m²/yield m²/litre of paint.

How many coats of antifouling paint do I need to apply?

The number of coats of antifouling depends on the product used, the speed of the boat, the composition of the water and the climatic conditions of the area. Most manufacturers provide a recommendation in the product data sheet on how many layers you will need to paint. As a rule, at least two coats of antifouling are required initially. One coat is usually sufficient to renew the protection.

When do I need to renew my antifouling coating?

We recommend renewing the antifouling annually to ensure adequate protection against fouling. When the boat comes out of the water in autumn, the underwater hull should be cleaned as thoroughly as possible, preferably with a high-pressure cleaner.

If the surface is intact:

  • Clean the surface with HEMPELS Pre-Clean and fresh water, for example, and remove any non-adhering paint (sand the transitions lightly if necessary).
  • Allow the underwater hull to dry.
  • Apply one or two coats of the same antifouling.

If the surface is damaged:

If necessary, treat and prime the surface with filler as follows:

  • Wet sand the underwater hull with 100 - 240 grit sandpaper or dry sand with the MIRKA sanding discs and an extraction system.
  • Clean the underwater hull, e.g. with HEMPEL's Pre-Clean and fresh water.
  • Allow to dry.
  • Where necessary, fill and prime with suitable products.
  • Apply additional primer coats to smoothed and levelled areas to lock in the filler.
  • Allow the underwater hull to dry completely before applying primer and antifouling.
  • pply one or two coats of antifouling.

If the underwater hull needs to be rebuilt:

  • Sand the old antifouling completely down to the primer or scrape off the antifouling and sand the surface smooth afterwards.
  • Clean the underwater hull, e.g. with HEMPEL's Pre-Clean and fresh water.
  • Allow to dry.
  • Apply primer coats according to the product data sheets.
  • Apply one or two coats of antifouling.

Roller or brush - how do I apply antifouling?

Applying antifouling with a roller is usually the quickest method for large areas. High-quality foam rollers or a short-fibre mohair roller create a high-quality surface. Brushes are suitable for difficult and rough surfaces, as well as small repairs and hard-to-reach areas.

You can achieve an even surface if you work criss-cross, i.e. both horizontally and vertically, on an area that is not too large. If you are working with a brush, the final brush strokes should only be light and vertical. We generally recommend the use of high-quality rollers and brushes to prevent the rollers from swelling too quickly due to the solvent and the brushes from losing hair.

Roller and brushes

Paint roller mohair
Paint roller complete with mohair roller.

€3.95 *
Spare roller mohair
Spare roller, for paint roller, mohair.

€2.50 *
WEST SYSTEM Handle for paint roller
Roller frame for use with WEST-SYSTEM products.

From €9.90 *
WEST SYSTEM PU-roller
Roller covers for use with WEST SYSTEM products.

From €6.50 *
Spare roller moltopren
Spare roller, for paint roller, moltopren.

From €1.45 *
Roller pan
Roller pan.

From €2.80 *
Ring brush no. 2 professional quality
Professional quality: Pure, light, full China bristle brush, exceptionally elastic. With double white bristle support, arched bristle level, worked at the end.

From €8.70 *
EPIFANES Paint stirrer
Wooden mixing sticks from EPIFANES. Available in two sizes to match the EPIFANES paint cans.

From €1.00 *
Brush mug
Brush mug made of polypropylene with lid and mounting for the brush.

€4.50 *

In what weather can I apply antifouling?

Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations, which you can find on the product data sheets. We generally recommend applying antifouling at temperatures between 10 and 25 degrees. The humidity should not exceed 65%. Only paint your underwater hull when it is completely dry. Due to temperature fluctuations and high humidity, condensation often forms on the underwater hull in spring, in which case you must not apply the antifouling under any circumstances. Also avoid direct sunlight on the surface to be painted and do not apply the antifouling.

I do not know which antifouling has been applied to my boat

If you do not know which antifouling has been used when buying a used boat, you can carry out a test to determine it. Wipe the hull surface with a damp sponge. If the sponge changes colour, it is usually a self-polishing antifouling. If no colour remains on the sponge, it will be a hard or thin film antifouling. In the case you don't know which antifouling has been used prior, you can apply a coat of barrier primer, e.g. SEAJET 015 Underwater Primer or HEMPEL Underwater Primer, and only then the selected antifouling. Also follow the manufacturer's recommendations from the technical product data sheet of the new antifouling.

I would like to change to a different antifouling product, what do I need to consider?

If you want to use a different antifouling product, you should first find out which antifouling is on the hull and whether it is compatible with the new antifouling. Most manufacturers publish so-called compatibility charts that show whether the old antifouling can be painted over directly with the new antifouling or if e.g. a barrier primer is required to provide adhesion for the new coating. Processing instructions for changing products can also be found in the technical product data sheets, which you can find in our download area in our webshop or on the manufacturers website.

When do I need to renew my antifouling coating?

There is no general answer as to how long antifouling paint remains effective, as its effectiveness depends on several factors:

  • type of antifouling (read the recommendations in the product data sheet)
  • thickness of the coating applied
  • the speed at which the boat is travelling
  • the temperature of the water
  • micro-organisms present in the water
  • the general condition of the underwater hull (does the colour hold, is it nice and smooth)

To optimise the effect, a new layer of antifouling should usually be applied every year. It may also be sufficient to simply brush out the antifouling, as the antifouling usually wears off more quickly at the waterline, rudder and keel.

TOPLICHT tip for self-eroding antifouling paint: When completely recoating the underwater hull, it can be wise to first apply a coat of hard antifouling after sealing with an epoxy primer (e.g. HEMPEL Light Primer) and only then apply 2 coats of self-eroding antifouling in a different colour. This can save work and money, as it is only necessary to apply new self-eroding antifouling when the colour of the bottom layer becomes visible.