5 Key Signs Your Vessel Needs a New Paint Job

Keeping your boat in top condition isn’t just about pride of ownership; it’s about protection, performance, and safety.

At Seacraft Paints, we’ve been helping Western Australian boat owners maintain their vessels with high-quality marine paint systems built to withstand our tough coastal conditions.

Not sure if it’s time for a repaint? Here are five signs your boat could be due for a fresh coat.

1. Visible Chalking and Fading

One of the earliest indicators that your boat’s paint is deteriorating is chalking: a white, powdery residue that transfers to your hand when you touch the hull.

This usually appears as the paint’s UV protection breaks down, leaving surfaces looking dull and uneven.

Fading colour, especially on sun-exposed areas, is more than just cosmetic. It means the paint is no longer offering full protection from UV and salt exposure.

Products like Jotun Hardtop Ultra are designed to maintain their gloss and colour, even under WA’s harsh sun, making them a smart replacement choice.

2. Cracking, Peeling or Blistering

If you notice cracks, peeling sections, or blisters (small bubbles) in your boat’s paint, it’s a clear sign the protective layer has failed.

These issues often allow water to get behind the coating, which can lead to corrosion on metal boats or timber damage on wooden vessels.

A repaint using durable, marine-grade products such as Altex Elite 321 Brushing Polyurethane can restore both protection and appearance.

3. Rust Stains or Corrosion

Rust bleed-through or visible corrosion around fittings and seams is a serious red flag for steel. This means your paint system is no longer acting as an effective barrier against moisture and salt.

Before rust spreads further, it’s crucial to strip back compromised coatings and reapply an appropriate marine primer and topcoat. Our in-store experts can recommend the right prep products and finishes to prevent further damage.

4. Difficulty Cleaning the Surface

If cleaning your boat feels like a losing battle, the paint may be to blame. As marine coatings age, they lose their smooth, non-stick surface. This allows dirt, salt, and marine growth to settle in, making routine cleaning less effective.

A fresh coat of marine paint, paired with polish and protection from our 3M Perfect-it Gelcoat range, restores that smooth, easy-to-clean surface, reducing your maintenance time.

5. Age of Current Paint Job

Even the best marine paints have a service life. Most boats need a full repaint every 2–5 years, depending on use, storage, and exposure. WA’s strong UV, high salinity, and marine fouling rates can shorten this cycle.

If your vessel hasn’t seen fresh paint in over five years, or you’re unsure when it was last done, it’s time to book an inspection or talk to our team.

Whether you’re coating fibreglass, timber, steel or aluminium, we stock proven products from Jotun, Altex, International, and Carboline to suit every hull material.

A fresh paint job is more than a cosmetic fix. It’s an investment in your boat’s protection and performance. At Seacraft Paints in South Fremantle, we carry a wide range of marine paints and antifouling products tailored to Western Australian conditions. Visit our store at Unit 7/24 Mews Rd, South Fremantle or contact us to speak with our experienced team.