Describes a marine coating, specifically anti-fouling paint, that slowly dissolves or sloughs off as water flows past the hull. This self-polishing action constantly exposes a fresh layer of biocides to prevent barnacles and algae from attaching, while preventing a thick build-up of old paint over multiple seasons.
Heard on the job
We need to roll on two coats of ablative paint before she splashes next week.
Insider tip
Always apply a different colored base coat under ablative paint so you can easily see when it has worn thin and needs repainting.
Also heard as
- Self-polishing
- Copolymer ablative