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Marine Primers & Undercoats

Rawlins Paints stock an excellent range of high-quality marine grade primers and undercoats for use on a range of surfaces including metal, wood and fibreglass prior to the application of the selected topcoat. Primers and undercoats improve coating adhesion to a surface or substrate, coverage rates and the overall durability of the system. We offer primers and undercoats for surface areas above and below the waterline – please note the importance of choosing the right product to ensure longevity of your subsequent coats of paint. Click to see more info.

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Teamac Marine Primer Undercoat | Durable Oil-Based Undercoat

Teamac Marine Primer Undercoat

Available in White, Black, Buff, Primrose, and Red. Oil-based marine primer undercoat, designed for both interior and exterior use.  For wood, metal, and GRP. High opacity with excellent flow characteristics. Reduce topcoat sinkages, maintaining a high gloss finish.

Price £24.18 (incl. VAT)
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Teamac Metaclor Antifouling Primer | Marine Protection

Teamac Metaclor Antifouling Primer

In Metallic Grey. Chlorinated rubber-based primer designed for protective coating. For wood, metal, and GRP, including marine structures, yachts, narrowboats, and cruisers. Incorporates Zinc Phosphate for enhanced protection. Reliable base coat for various antifouling systems.

Price £25.54 (incl. VAT)
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PPG SigmaCover 280

PPG SigmaCover 280

Universal epoxy anticorrosive primer suitable for ballast tanks, decks, topside, superstructure, hull and cargo oil tanks. Used in protective coating systems for steel and non-ferrous metals, curing at temperatures down to 5°C, and can be overcoated with most alkyd, chlorinated rubber, vinyl, epoxy and two-component polyurethane coatings....

Price £43.49 (incl. VAT)
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Teamac Red Oxide Primer | Rust Protection

Teamac Red Oxide Primer

Red oxide primer designed for metal protection. For ferrous metallic objects, such as iron and steel. Excellent adhesion and rust prevention. Matt finish.

Price £14.84 (incl. VAT)
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Jotun Vinyguard Silvergrey 88

Jotun Vinyguard Silvergrey 88

1 component physically drying vinyl coating that is fast drying and can be used as primer or mid coat in atmospheric and immersed environments. Suitable for properly prepared carbon steel substrates. Recommended for topside, deck and superstructure or as a tie coat for anti-fouling systems in the marine sector.

Price £41.04 (incl. VAT)
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International Interprime 198

International Interprime 198

A quick drying, one pack alkyd primer, Interprime 198 is surface tolerant, compatible with most substrates and can be overcoated with a wide range of finishes. For the maintenance of above water areas Approved for the carriage of grain when used as part of an approved scheme For use at Maintenance & Repair or On Board Maintenance...

Price £77.17 (incl. VAT)
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Jotun Alkydprimer

Jotun Alkydprimer

Jotun Alkydprimer is a one component, single pack oxidatively drying alkyd coating that can be used as primer or mid coat in atmospheric environments. Suitable for properly prepared carbon steel, aluminium and wooden substrates, this alkyd primer is ideal for a wide range of industrial structures or for touch up areas in the marine industry.

Price £43.13 (incl. VAT)
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Teamac Aluminium Wood Primer | Oil-Based Timber Protection

Teamac Aluminium Wood Primer

Semi-Matt aluminium finish. Oil-based primer that contains aluminium, ideal for preventing staining. For all types of timber, particularly high-resinous woods. Excellent adhesion, providing a strong foundation for subsequent topcoats.

Price £20.12 (incl. VAT)
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Teamac High Performance 2 Pack Zinc Phosphate Primer | Marine Primer Undercoat

Teamac High Performance 2 Pack Zinc Phosphate Primer

In Grey, Red and White. Two-pack epoxy zinc phosphate primer for maximum corrosion resistance in marine environments. For a wide range of boat types and various other marine surfaces, including wood, GRP, steel, and aluminium. Recommended for blast-cleaned steel surfaces.

Price £29.04 (incl. VAT)
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Sherwin-Williams Macropoxy L524 - Rawlins Paints & Coatings

Sherwin-Williams Macropoxy L524

Sherwin-Williams Macropoxy L524 (formerly known as Epigrip L524) is a high build 2-pack modified epoxy coating for immersive protection in salt water, fresh water and crude oil. Recommended Uses Protection of ships bottoms and cargo tanks Submerged/splash zone areas of marine structures Jetties External protection of buried and other...

Price £83.04 (incl. VAT)
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Sherwin-Williams Ken-Kromik 671 | Marine Use Undercoat & Tiecoat

Sherwin-Williams Kem-Kromik 671

Ken-Kromik 671 (formerly known as Sherwin-Williams M671 and as Leighs M671) is a high quality undercoat/tiecoat developed for marine use on above waterline areas but also suitable for normal interior and exterior use. It is a single component, conventional quick drying undercoat/tiecoat. Ken-Kromik 671 may also be used as a wood primer for...

Price £93.17 (incl. VAT)
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Flag Multi-Purpose Metallic Primer | Marine Protection

Flag Multi-Purpose Metallic Primer

Flag Multi-Purpose Metallic Primer is a universal primer suitable for above and below the waterline on all substrates with good waterproofing and corrosion resisting performance. It is also suitable for use as a primer or barrier coat under Flag Antifouling Coatings and other traditional antifoulings. For use on boat hulls, topsides and...

Price £14.04 (incl. VAT)
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International Interstores Alkyd Primer | Marine Coatings

International Interstores Alkyd Primer

International Interstores Alkyd Primer, a quick drying one pack primer that is surface tolerant and compatible with most substrates and able to be overcoated with a wide range of finishes. Use for the maintenance of above water areas and at On Board Maintenance only. Part of a dedicated range of On Board Maintenance (OBM) products specifically...

Price £69.91 (incl. VAT)
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International Intergard 5000 | Anti-Corrosive Epoxy Primers

International Intergard 5000

International Intergard 5000, a 2 part universal epoxy anti-corrosive primer for use as a one or two coat system which can be applied directly to mechanically prepared shop primer or grit blasted, hydroblasted or mechanically cleaned surfaces. For use at Newbuilding, Maintenance & Repair or On Board Maintenance. Certified for approved...

Price £586.09 (incl. VAT)
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Jotun Safeguard Universal ES

Jotun Safeguard Universal ES

Jotun Safeguard Universal ES is a two component polyamide cured vinyl epoxy based coating. Specially designed as a tie coat between epoxy primers and antifouling systems but can be used as tie coat for a wide range of topcoats. To be used as tie coat in atmospheric and immersed environments.

Price £195.37 (incl. VAT)
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PPG SigmaPrime 200 | Tank Primer

PPG SigmaPrime 200

PPG SigmaPrime 200 is a universal epoxy anticorrosive primer based upon pure epoxy technology, a primer system that is suitable for ballast tanks, deck, topside, superstructure, hull, cargo oil tanks and cargoholds, with excellent anticorrosive properties and water resistance. Surface tolerant primer, with good chemical resistance Good...

Price £253.68 (incl. VAT)
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International Intertuf 362 | Marine Primer

International Intertuf 362

International Intertuf 362 is a hard wearing, surface tolerant two pack epoxy primer that is winter workable, down to -5°C. A high performance anticorrosive coating for use from keel to rail Suitable for use with controlled cathodic protection For use at newbuilding, maintenance and repair or on board maintenance

Price £404.83 (incl. VAT)
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PPG SigmaPrime 700 | Tank Primer

PPG SigmaPrime 700

PPG SigmaPrime 700 is a universal epoxy anticorrosive primer, based upon pure epoxy technology, suitable for Ballast Tanks, Decks, Topside, Superstructure and Hulls. The primer system has good adhesion to steel, galvanized steel and non-ferrous metals, curing at temperatures down to 5°C (41°F). Good abrasion resistance for dedicated areas...

Price £289.92 (incl. VAT)
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PPG SigmaCover 555 | Marine Anti-Fouling

PPG SigmaCover 555

PPG SigmaCover 555 is a two-component, polyamide-cured epoxy anticorrosive tiecoat, used as the final coat in epoxy underwater anticorrosive systems, with excellent adhesion for antifoulings. Excellent water resistance Good abrasion and impact resistance No induction time - 4 hours pot life 48 hours curing time before water immersion...

Price £246.43 (incl. VAT)
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PPG Sigma Vikote 18 | Chlorinated Rubber Primer & Sealer

PPG Sigma Vikote 18

PPG Sigma Vikote 18 is a high-build, aluminum pigmented chlorinated rubber primer/sealer. Offering excellent water resistance, resistance to well-designed/controlled cathodic protection and can be applied at temperatures down to –10°C (14°F). Anti-corrosive primer/sealer Unsaponifiable Fast-drying Tolerates a DFT up to 150 µm (6.0 mils)...

Price £221.06 (incl. VAT)
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PPG Sigmarine 28 | Marine Paint

PPG Sigmarine 28

PPG Sigmarine 28 is a one-component, quick-drying, high-build multipurpose zinc phosphate primer. Onboard maintenance primer for above-water areas Easy application Quick-drying Recoatable with various one and two component products Surface tolerant Good anticorrosive properties

Price £42.59 (incl. VAT)
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PPG SigmaCover 380 | Marine Paint

PPG SigmaCover 380

PPG SigmaCover 380 is a universal epoxy anticorrosive primer, based upon pure epoxy technology. Universal pure epoxy primer system suitable for ballast tanks, decks, topside, superstructures and hulls Good abrasion resistance for dedicated areas of application Suitable for immersion service (ballast tanks, outside shell) Good...

Price £62.33 (incl. VAT)
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International Intergard 263 | Marine Tiecoats

International Intergard 263

International Intergard 263, a two pack, tar free, epoxy tie coat for use between anticorrosives and either antifoulings or cosmetic finishes, ensuring maximum system adhesion and performance on outside shell vessel areas. Use as a sealer coat over Tributyltin (TBT) antifoulings For use at newbuilding, maintenance & repair or on board...

Price £404.83 (incl. VAT)
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PPG PhenGuard Subsea 610 | Marine Paints

PPG PhenGuard Subsea 610

PPG PhenGuard Subsea 610 is a two-component, high-build, amine adduct-cured novolac phenolic epoxy primer. Subsea primer for 2-coat system with PHENGUARD SUBSEA 780. Excellent resistance to high temperature cathodic protection. Meets the requirements of Norsok M-501 rev. 6, system 7C (180°C / 356°F). Excellent resistance to seawater...

Price £112.34 (incl. VAT)
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Hempel Hempadur Tiecoat 49183 | Anticorrosive Two-Component Epoxy

Hempel Hempadur Tiecoat 49183

Hempadur Tiecoat 49183 is an anticorrosive two-component epoxy for atmospheric and immersion service, used as a "tiecoat" between epoxy and physically drying coatings. For immersion service, it can also replace a second anti-corrosive primer coat for the underwater coating system and at the same time act as "tiecoat" for antifouling. For...

Price £253.04 (incl. VAT)
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Tikkurila Temanyl MS Primer | A one-component modified vinyl primer

Tikkurila Temanyl MS Primer

Tikkurila Temanyl MS Primer is a one-component modified vinyl primer. Ideal for use on internal and external steel structures. Easy to handle in the painting process. Due to its high film-building properties, the paint can be applied in thick layers, thus shortening the application process. Can be applied at sub-zero temperatures, thus...

Price £299.03 (incl. VAT)
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International Intersleek 717 | Marine Paint

International Intersleek 717

International Intersleek 717, is a two pack foul release system linkcoat. Enables application of the Intersleek 700 and Intersleek 900 foul release systems over SPC antifoulings For use at maintenance & repair Hard dry in as little as 3 hours (at 25°C) Dries down to 0°C in 24 hours Good application rate of 5.4 m²/litre at 100...

Price £779.08 (incl. VAT)
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International Intertuf 203 | Marine Paints

International Intertuf 203

International Intertuf 203, is a one pack, tar free vinyl anticorrosive which can be used at temperatures down to -5°C. As an anticorrosive for both above and below the waterline and also as a sealer coat over Tributyltin (TBT) antifoulings Suitable for use with controlled cathodic protection For use at newbuilding, maintenance &...

Price £716.47 (incl. VAT)
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International Intertuf 262 | Marine Paints

International Intertuf 262

International Intertuf 262 is a surface tolerant, two pack epoxy primer. As an epoxy anticorrosive coating for use from keel to rail Suitable for use with controlled cathodic protection For use at newbuilding, maintenance & repair or on board maintenance Certified for: Food Contact - Carriage of Grain (NOHH) Fire Resistance -...

Price £404.83 (incl. VAT)
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International Intergard 162

International Intergard 162

International Intergard 162 is a two pack, tar free, epoxy tie coat. For use at newbuilding or maintenance and repair Used as a primer for internal steel work Fire Resistance - Surface Spread of Flame (Exova Warringtonfire) Fire Resistance - Smoke and Toxicity (Exova Warringtonfire) Fire Resistance - Marine Equipment Directive...

Price £501.00 (incl. VAT)
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Sherwin-Williams Magnalux 42PP | For blast cleaned steel and concrete

Sherwin-Williams Magnalux 42PP

Sherwin-Williams Magnalux 42PP is a two/three component polyester-based holding primer for use under all polyester and vinyl ester coatings. Part of the Magnalux range of coatings. For use on both blast cleaned steel and concrete surfaces (service temp up to 85°C) Touch dry in approximately 1.5 hours at 23°C Low VOC - 0.8 gms/litre...

Price £920.14 (incl. VAT)
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Sherwin-Williams Magnalux 41VP | Vinyl esther based primer for steel and concrete

Sherwin-Williams Magnalux 41VP

Sherwin-Williams Magnalux 41VP is a two/three component vinyl ester based holding primer for use under all polyester and vinyl ester coatings. Part of the Magnalux range of coatings. For use on both blast cleaned steel and concrete surfaces (service temp above 85°C) Touch dry in approximately 1.5 hours at 23°C Low VOC - 0.8 gms/litre...

Price £968.84 (incl. VAT)
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International Intergard 7600

International Intergard 7600

International Intergard 7600 a two-component, pure epoxy universal primer. Universal application Optimised application properties True long overcoating intervals (up to 6 months) Good abrasion resistance Anticorrosive properties Suitable for application at low temperatures (down to -5°C) Suitable for use with controlled cathodic...

Price £362.51 (incl. VAT)
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Marine primers and undercoats can protect submerged areas of vessels including newbuilds, ships, yachts, boats, narrowboats, canal boats along with offshore structures, providing resistance against:

  • Salt water
  • Temperature changes
  • Reinforcement against impact damage and abrasion
  • Rust, corrosion and substrate oxidisation
  • Pitting and bacterial corrosion
  • Colour loss

Mild steel, for example, corrodes easily in saltwater, and unless it is adequately protected and reinforced with a primer or undercoat along with a topcoat, it can rapidly lose its strength – which may result in structural failure.

Corrosion is caused by the spontaneous reaction between a material and its environment – salt or freshwater submersion, for example, or docklands and related areas of heavy wave impact – which results in the degradation of the material. In metals, this can result in the deterioration of the mechanical properties of the metal.

Marine primers and undercoats are a core part of a full system installation to tackle, treat and prevent corrosive damage to a structure from fouling. They can greatly improve the lifespan of a structure, the mechanical integrity of a surface material, and improve colour retention on aesthetically proud areas.

Marine fouling is the term generally used to describe the corrosive settlement and growth of marine plants and animals on submerged structures. There are specialist anti-fouling coatings available which target this specific form of surface and substrate damage. Offshore structures around the UK coastline typically include:

  • Ships’ hulls
  • Piers
  • Piling
  • Oil rigs
  • Offshore wind turbines

Along with the internals of pipework used to carry water as a coolant for industrial power plants.

On ships hulls, fouling type, extent and severity depends upon many factors - water salinity, light, temperature, pollution and nutrient availability. The severity of fouling tends to be a seasonal phenomenon governed by geographical location.

Corrosion, and the rate at which corrosion occurs in seawater for example is dependent upon many factors, including oxygen concentration, pH (acidity/alkalinity), water temperature and the presence of dissolved salts such as chloride, sulphate, and sulphites. 

Corrosion attacks also occur in oil tanks, ballast tanks and cargo pipework, all of which can be protected with a basecoat or primer from International, Jotun, Sherwin-Williams, or Teamac, as part of their full system ranges for metal.

Corrosion Prevention

Proper surface preparation prior to the application of a primer or undercoat is essential for the success of any marine coating system. The importance of removing oil, grease, old coatings and surface contaminants (such as millscale and rust on steel, and zinc salts on zinc containing primers or galvanised surfaces) cannot be over emphasised.

The performance of any primer or paint coating is directly dependent upon the correct and thorough preparation of the surface prior to coating. The most expensive and technologically advanced coating system will fail if the surface preparation is incorrect or incomplete.

The main objective of surface preparation is to ensure that all such contamination is removed to reduce the possibility of initiating corrosion and to create a surface profile that allows satisfactory adhesion of the coating to be applied.

Marine Primers and Subsequent Coatings

The effectiveness of all coatings applied – including primers and undercoats - in preventing corrosion depends upon many factors, for example, coating type, end use and operating environment.

Coatings in service - cargo hold coatings, deck coatings and hull coatings - will be subjected to mechanical damage. Corrosion protection can therefore best be achieved by using a primer or undercoat that strengthens the mechanics of a full marine coating system.