When comparing different types of antifouling paints against fouling on leisure boats, the results were the opposite of what many would expect. Of the paints tested, the biocide-free silicone paint worked best, and the paint marketed as environmentally friendly turned out to be extremely toxic. The study, led by Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, was conducted in Swedish, Danish and French coastal waters, and also showed that coatings with a low copper content can be just as effective as those containing more copper.

A new fouling-release hull coating system is offering boat owners another tool to help reduce the spread of marine pests. Unlike traditional antifouling paints that rely on biocides, silicone-based coatings such as Hempel’s Hempaguard X7 and Silic One create an ultra-smooth surface that makes it difficult for marine organisms to attach.

Paint Smart is excited to announce our attendance at this year’s Auckland Boat Show from 5-8 March, where we’ll be showcasing one of the most innovative marine coating technologies in the market: the Hempel Silic One Fouling Release System.