Gear: Interlux Pre-Kote Plus and Toplac Plus

There are few boat projects more satisfying than repainting the topsides of a pretty boat. I did exactly that with my 1969 Cape Cod Knockabout this past spring. She looks beautiful. 

It had been nearly a decade since I painted Sandy with Interlux’s Brightside paint in Fire Red and it was clear she needed a refresh. However, I was tripped up when I discovered that Interlux’s Brightside was no longer available. The good news was that Interlux had developed a new and improved system to replace it: Pre-Kote Plus and Toplac Plus. 

As with any paint product, preparation is key: sanding and filling the topsides to get to a fair and smooth surface meant that the new primer, Pre-Kote Plus, would perform at its best. This single-part primer was thicker than I expected but went on smoothly with mini foam rollers. It can be thinned for different climates, but I found at 70°F and moderate humidity I had adequate working time, and it self-leveled nicely, no tipping required. By the time I wrapped around the boat with my first coat, the area I initially rolled was already dry to the touch.

After a few coats of Pre-Kote Plus, a light sand, and a wipe down, I pulled out a fresh can of Toplac Plus in Rochelle Red—the new Interlux single-part topcoat designed for use above the waterline. This is always the most satisfying step because all the earlier work culminates in a beautiful transformation almost as quickly as the topcoat hits the hull. I used mini foam rollers here too. The Toplac Plus self-leveled wonderfully without tipping and dried to a glossy sheen, enough that I could see the reflection of my smile in the paint after just the first coat. It only got better after three.  

Toplac Plus is a single-part enamel, whereas Brightside was a single-part polyurethane. This switch in chemistry, Interlux says, provides better gloss and color retention, important in a high UV environment like the water. The colors offered are also more vibrant. Enamels are typically harder than single-part polyurethanes, so I would not be surprised to see the durability of this coating exceed its predecessor. 

The ease of application and the results mean Sandy is now looking sharp and ready to show off for plenty of seasons to come. Check out Interlux’s new formulation at www.interlux.com. 

August/September 2025