Battling Salt, Sun & Spray: Surface Protection for Marine Projects

Marine environments are some of the harshest in the world. From saltwater spray to relentless UV rays, every exposed surface is under constant attack. Without the right surface protection, even the best finishes can deteriorate quickly — leading to costly repairs and maintenance.

Saltwater is a powerful corrosion catalyst, accelerating rust and metal degradation. Tiny salt crystals can penetrate paint layers, damaging the substrate. Repairing this type of damage often involves stripping back to bare metal and recoating, a process that is both time-consuming and costly.

Sun exposure causes UV damage in every climate, breaking down paint and staining the surface. This leads to fading, chalking, and a loss of gloss, while also weakening the surface and making it more prone to cracking or peeling. Over time, these effects compromise both the appearance and the long-term performance of the surface.

Constant wave action, wind-blown debris, and rainwater can gradually erode surfaces leaving surfaces pitted or scratched. The continuous wet-dry cycles in marine environments further increase the risk of blistering and flaking, accelerating deterioration.

In such challenging conditions, standard protective measures often fall short, making stronger solutions essential. Protectapeel provides a seamless barrier during manufacture, transit and storage against salt, UV, and debris, with easy application to flat, curved, or irregular surfaces. It offers long-lasting protection for up to 12 months and can be removed easily in one sheet without leaving residue.

Protectapeel has been used on high-profile marine projects — including the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carriers — to protect components during construction, transport, and installation. When removed, finishes were as pristine as the day they were made.

Whether it’s a naval vessel or a luxury yacht, Protectapeel helps marine projects stay on schedule, avoid costly rework, and maintain flawless finishes.