This blog post provides step-by-step guidance on how to repair and protect boat tanks – such as marine fuel tanks, black water tanks, grey water tanks, potable water tanks – using the epoxy paste, Belzona 1111 (Super Metal) and high-performance coating, Belzona 5811 (Immersion Grade).
Boat tanks are prone to water ingress, contaminants and corrosion, especially on tank floors where localised damage is common. While Belzona systems are often used for pitting repair, they can also coat the entire tank, providing long-term protection against further deterioration. Thus mitigating the need for costly and time-intensive alternative repair methods.
Belzona Solutions:
- Belzona 1111 (Super Metal): A metal epoxy repair composite for rebuilding pitted and corroded assets.
- Belzona 5811 (Immersion Grade): A high-performance, anti-corrosion coating that provides long-term corrosion protection.
How to Repair and Protect Boat Tanks: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step One: Surface Preparation Prior to Application of Belzona 1111 (Super Metal)
The first step prior to the application of Belzona 1111 (Super Metal) is surface preparation. Grit blast the mating faces to the requirements of SSPC SP 10 or ISO 8501- SA 2 ½ cleanliness with a minimum 75 µm (3 mils) profile.
Step Two: Mix Together the Two-Part Epoxy Repair Composite
Belzona 1111 (Super Metal) has a mixing ratio of 3:1 parts base to solidifier, by volume, and 5:1 parts base to solidifier, by weight. Mix the base and solidifier together using a spatula.
Step Three: Application of Belzona 1111 (Super Metal)
Apply Belzona 1111 (Super Metal) directly onto the prepared surface using the Belzona applicator or short-bristled brush to fill all cracks, remove entrapped air and ensure maximum contact with the surface.
Step Four: Pour and Mix Belzona 5811 (Immersion Grade)
Pour and mix the contents of high-performance coating, Belzona 5811 (Immersion Grade). The mixing ratio of this system is 3:1 parts base to solidifier by volume and 5:1 parts base to solidifier by weight.
In the event a tank would be seeing an immersed environment with a cold wall effect, Belzona 1111 (Super Metal) should be left to cure and frost blasted before application of Belzona 5811 (Immersion Grade).
Pour and mix the contents of high-performance coating, Belzona 5811 (Immersion Grade)
Step Five: Application of Belzona 5811 (Immersion Grade)
Apply the first coat of Belzona 5811 (Immersion Grade) to the substrate using a short-bristled brush or rubber squeegee.
Step Six: Mix and Apply Second Coat of Belzona 5811 (Immersion Grade)
As soon as possible after the application of the first coat, apply a second coat of Belzona 5811 (Immersion Grade), and leave to cure for the appropriate amount of time stated in the Instructions for Use document.
Global Marine Approvals
Belzona polymeric repair and protection systems for the marine industry have gained the following global marine approvals:
Lloyd’s Register
American Bureau of Shipping
Bureau Veritas
RINA Services
DNV
China Classification Society
Korean Register of Shipping
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Belzona systems approved for potable water?
Yes, Belzona offers several repair and protection systems approved for potable water applications. Notably, both Belzona 5812 DW is NSF/ANSI 61 certified and Belzona 5811DW2 (DW Immersion Grade) is WRAS certified for use in drinking water systems, including tanks, pipes and fittings. Additionally, Belzona 5892, Belzona 1341 (Supermetalglide), and Belzona 1111 (Super Metal) are also approved for contact with potable water, meeting both NSF/ANSI 61 and UK WRAS standards.
Can you repair a water tank?
Yes, you can repair a water tank using Belzona’s advanced repair and protection systems. Whether it’s a potable water, black water, or grey water tank, Belzona offers reliable epoxy repair composites and high-performance coatings that restore structural integrity and provide long-term corrosion protection.
Can a fuel tank be repaired?
Fuel tanks can be repaired effectively using Belzona’s metal repair and coating solutions. Over time, fuel tanks, especially on boats, can suffer from corrosion, leaks, and pitting damage, particularly on the tank floors. Instead of replacing the tank, you can repair it using Belzona 1111 (Super Metal), a proven metal repair composite that bonds strongly to damaged areas. After rebuilding the surface, applying Belzona 5811 (Immersion Grade) as a high-performance anti-corrosion coating ensures long-lasting protection against fuel, water ingress, and contaminants.
What is the price of Belzona’s boat tank repair and protection solution?
Contact your local authorised Belzona Distributor to purchase Belzona’s boat tank repair and protection solutions. To do this, visit the Distributor Finder page on Belzona’s website and use the contact details provided.
Learn More
Marine Coatings and Composites: Six Key Maintenance Areas
How to Repair and Protect Ship Bilges: A Complete Guide
What is a Marine Coating?
Contact Your Local Distributor to Learn More About How to Repair and Protect Boat Tanks
Based in the Company’s Headquarters in Harrogate, Angus Jackson joined Belzona Ltd in 2024 as a Chemical Engineer. Specialising in repair composites and protective coatings, Angus works closely with Belzona’s authorised Distributor Network, providing technical support and training.
He plays a key role in helping select and apply advanced polymeric materials for asset protection, ensuring long-term performance and reliability. In addition to delivering product training, Angus is actively involved in troubleshooting and optimising solutions for corrosion, erosion, and mechanical damage in industrial systems.
Holding an MEng in Chemical Engineering from Newcastle University, Angus has a background in pipeline engineering and simulation, with expertise in hydraulic analysis for Oil & Gas, water, and wastewater systems. His experience in flow dynamics and system optimisation provides a strong technical foundation for his current work in materials engineering. Passionate about innovation and knowledge sharing, he is dedicated to enhancing infrastructure longevity through advanced engineering solutions.
