Interlux Paint ACT Ablative Antifouling Bottom Paint

Interlux ACT Ablative Antifouling Bottom Paint

Interlux ACT is a trusted single-season ablative bottom paint that delivers excellent season-to-season protection in moderate to heavy fouling waters. Using Ablative Copolymer Technology, the coating slowly wears away with use, continually exposing fresh biocide at the surface. This controlled erosion helps prevent marine growth while eliminating the heavy paint build-up and aggressive sanding associated with many hard bottom paints.

With a higher copper content and a built-in Slime Fighter additive, ACT is very effective at controlling shell fouling such as barnacles and zebra mussels, as well as weed, slime and algae. It can be used on fiberglass, wood and properly primed metal hulls (not aluminum) in fresh, salt and brackish water, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of powerboats and sailboats.

Available in popular colors including black, blue, red, green and brown, ACT is a go-to ablative paint for boaters and boatyards looking for reliable performance and easier maintenance between haul-outs.

Best Uses

Single-season antifouling protection for powerboats and sailboats

Boats kept in moderate to heavy fouling waters (algae, slime, barnacles, zebra mussels)

Fresh, salt, and brackish water marinas and moorings

Owners who want an ablative coating that minimizes paint build-up and sanding at recoat time

Fiberglass, wood, and properly primed steel or lead hulls below the waterline (not suitable for aluminum)

Key Features & Benefits

Ablative Copolymer Technology: Coating wears away in a controlled manner during use, continuously exposing fresh biocide and helping prevent premature wear-through.

High copper content with Slime Fighter: Formulated to control hard growth such as barnacles and zebra mussels and soft growth like weed, slime and algae, keeping the hull cleaner for longer.

Reduced paint build-up: Because the film gradually erodes, there is less old paint to sand off at recoat time compared to many hard bottom paints.

Season-to-season protection: Provides dependable single-season protection when applied at the recommended film thickness and coverage.

All-water versatility: Can be used in fresh, salt, and brackish waters, ideal for boats that move between different environments.

Flexible application: Can be applied by brush, roller, or airless spray over most existing antifouling coatings that are in sound condition, following Interlux compatibility guidance.

Application & System Overview

Interlux ACT can be applied over most well-adhered antifouling paints or as part of an Interlux system over properly prepared bare substrates. Always read the product label and technical datasheet before starting your bottom paint project.

Substrates: Fiberglass, wood, and properly primed steel or lead below the waterline (not for aluminum hulls or drives).

Existing antifouling: Confirm compatibility using the Interlux antifouling compatibility chart. The existing coating must be aged, firmly adhered, and in good condition.

Coats: Apply a minimum of two full coats, with an extra stripe coat on high-wear areas such as the waterline, chines, leading edges and rudders. Three coats are recommended on bare wood.

Methods: Apply by brush, 3/8" nap solvent-resistant roller, or airless spray using equipment suitable for solvent-based marine coatings.

Stir or shake ACT thoroughly before and during application to keep the copper and resins evenly mixed. Thin only if necessary, and never more than the maximum amount specified on the label.

Surface Preparation Overview

Proper surface preparation is critical to adhesion and antifouling performance. The summary below should be used in conjunction with the full Interlux instructions.

Previously painted surfaces – good condition

Scrub the bottom to remove slime, salts and loose growth, then rinse and allow to dry.

Sand the existing coating with 80-grit wet-or-dry paper as recommended to create …