A dozen of the leading antifouling paints are put to the test and rated by MBY in The Solent and the Mediterranean
Hempel Mille NCT [not for retail sale]
Mille NCT is a self-polishing paint that is for professional application only as some of its chemicals are not approved for DIY use. The paint structure gradually disolves and wears away over time, exposing fresh layers of biocide
DURABILITY: 3/5
As with all self-polishing paints, it is not designed for long periods of high-speed use, but should cope fine with boats that cruise an average amount at 20-25 knots.
COLOUR FASTNESS: 3/5
We have to be careful judging a red paint against white ones, however by the time we removed the test panels, the vibrant colour had dulled and showed the dirt as much as the white panels but without the turquoise tints.
WEED/BARNACLES: 3/5
In the Med and Solent there was no sign of weed at either area. In the East Coast location there were signs that weed could be forming in the centre of the panel.
SLIME CONTROL: 3/5
The Mediterranean proved easy for Mille NCT, with hardly any slime. At the Solent there was an uneven spread of slime, which in places was quite thick. At the East Coast location, there was a thin spread of slime across the centre of the panel.
WASH TEST: 4/5
There was little slime to rub off except on the Solent panel and even there it came away easily with a wipe of the finger. The hose removed most of the rest of it, leaving just a slight green tinge behind where it had come away. A strong performer all-round.
VERDICT 64%
This paint worked pretty well, preventing all weed and barnacles from growing and exhibiting only some patchy slime which washed away easily. The colour fade was a bit disappointing, but as a protective coating it performed well.
