A dozen of the leading antifouling paints are put to the test and rated by MBY in The Solent and the Mediterranean
International Micron 99 [not for retail sale]
Micron 99 is a true Copolymer for professional application only, which releases biocides as part of a chemical reaction regardless of boat speed
DURABILITY: 4/5
Micron 99 is a tough paint that’s able to withstand regular fast trips without wearing away. The copolymer structure means it should work equally well even when left static in a marina.
COLOUR FASTNESS: 4/5
Above the waterline the colour changed from white to a gradual turquoise. It’s not too severe though, particularly if you chose a dark colour.
WEED/BARNACLES: 3/5
In the Mediterranean and Solent locations there was no weed or barnacle growth at all. But in the East Coast location the slime had started to show signs of weed-like growth, which over the winter could have developed into fully grown weed.
SLIME CONTROL: 3/5
There was little or no slime present in the Mediterranean location, while it was the best on test in the Solent. However, on the East Coast the opposite was true with Micron 99 exhibiting the heaviest slime growth of the group, showing just how much performance can differ from one location to the next.
WASH TEST: 4/5
Despite the heavy slime in the East Coast location, the finger wipe proved that the slime wasn’t strongly attached to the panel and after a hose down, the panel returned to its original white.
VERDICT 72%
This was the only Copolymer type of antifouling on this test and it proved to have varying results. The Med and Solent tests showed great results, but it was the muddy East Coast water that let it down. It’s a professional application, so can’t be bought off the shelf for DIY use.
