Mercury Marine Paint

Mercury Marine Paint Resources and Information

PartsVu.com’s certified Mercury marine paint selection is factory-matched to make your touchups seamless. Also suitable for touch-ups on the majority of powerheads on 1989 and newer Mercury and Mariner Outboards. 

We stock a complete range of Mercury marine paint colors, including: 

• Mercury Marine Verado Silver Paint
• Mercury Marine Mariner Silver Paint
• Mercury Marine Light Gray Primer Paint
• Mercury Marine Mariner Light Gray Primer Paint
• Mercury Marine Mariner Nickel Gray Paint
• Mercury Force Graphite Gray Paint
• Mercury Warm Fusion White Paint
• Mercury Cold Fusion White Paint
• Mercury Clear Coat
• Mercury OEM Phantom Black Paint

We also regularly publish helpful resources to help you maintain your Mercury outboard motors and Mercury outboard parts:

• Mercury Outboard Serial Number Lookup
• Mercury Outboard Service Schedule
• Mercury Outboard Specs & Capacities Chart

Mercury Marine Paint FAQs

Which paint should I use on my Mercury outboard engine?

For an exact factory-match to your Mercury outboard’s color and finish, ColorRite outboard paint is the industry leader. For over 25 years, ColorRite has produced a full line of touch-up, aerosol, and professional sized paint for Mercury Powersport, Motorcycle, and marine engines. Mercury Phantom Black engine paint is suitable for use on all Mercury outboards, inboards, stern drive and lower units from 1960 to the present.

Recommended by powersports dealers since 1988, ColorRite paint products are the highest quality available anywhere to ensure a spot-on match and durable finish. 

How do I protect my Mercury Outboard Motor?

Cover it with Corrosion Guard. This rust inhibitor forms a water-resistant barrier on both painted and unpainted surfaces. We recommend using it at every service interval with a liberal application to all metal engine surfaces. You can also use it on outdrives, lower units, and power trim motors.

The marine environment is one of the harshest on the planet. This is why protecting your boat from corrosion is extremely important. For premium defense against rust, we highly recommend this product.

All of our Mercury technicians swear by Marine Grease 2-4-C with PTFE. It’s a high quality, exceptionally versatile, lithium-based grease that won’t break down when mixed with water. This product works to resist oxidation and degradation. With extreme pressure additives, the lubricant is able to withstand friction in a variety of operations and temperatures.

You can use this product on steering systems, cable linkages, remote controls, prop shafts, swivel pins, tilt lock mechanisms, hinge pins, and even your boat trailer wheel bearings. This multi-purpose product does it all.

In order to maximize your engine’s performance, use this complete fuel treatment at every fill-up with any grade of gasoline. Mercury Quickare is an excellent defense against the problems associated with ethanol-blended fuels, including its corrosive effects on metals as well as the gum and varnish that result from fuel oxidation. See PartsVu’s Knowledge Center for our article on the problems of ethanol gasoline.

This product can also be used to clean up existing deposits in untreated fuel lines, tanks, carburetors, injectors, intake valves, and spark plugs. It will keep your fuel fresh for up to three months and can be used in all 2 and 4 cycle carbureted and fuel-injected gasoline engines. Use one ounce to treat every 10 gallons of fuel.

How do I winterize my Mercury outboard engine?

It’s that time of year again, and unfortunately, it’s time to think about storing your boat for the season. While it’s always a bit more fun to pull out your boat than to put it away, properly winterizing your MerCruiser sterndrive engine avoids engine damage and will facilitate a smooth start to the beginning of next season. 

While there are several things you can do before storing your boat to get a jump on next season—like changing your oil and changing your fuel-water separating filter—there are six highly recommended steps. Here’s a brief summary of how to winterize a MerCruiser sterndrive:

1. Flush your MerCruiser engine
2. Stabilize your fuel system
3. Drain water and fill engine with antifreeze
4. Fog your MerCruiser sterndrive engine
5. Change lower unit oil
6. Disconnect your battery

How do I flush my Mercury outboard engine?

It’s important to thoroughly flush your engine to remove any salt buildup if you are a saltwater boater, or general mud and grime if you are a freshwater boater. Failure to remove this debris can cause or contribute to corrosion in the engine. If you’re a saltwater boater, salt crystals in the lower unit can cause a great deal of damage.

Flush with the Engine Not Running (using a hose port)

You’ll need:

• Garden hose
• Water supply

If your engine has a hose adapter, simply screw the hose into the port, turn on the water and let the water run for about 5 minutes.

Finally, tilt the engine all the way up, then trim it all of the way down to make sure every drop of water drains from the engine.

**Caution** Do not run the engine when flushing while using a hose port. This method is solely designed for flushing while your engine is entirely off.

How do I change my Mercury outboard engine lower unit oil?

You’ll need:

• Sufficient quantity of lower unit oil / gear lube oil
• Oil pump 
• Drain pan
• Large flat head screwdriver
• A few rags

We strongly recommend changing your Mercury outboard lower unit oil before storage to make sure there is no water in the lower unit’s oil. Any water in the oil could freeze, expand, and crack your lower unit. Also, changing lower unit oil means one less thing to do at the beginning of next season.

First, you’ll need to know how much lower unit oil / gear lube you need to fill your lower unit – check your owner’s manual. 

Locate the lower and upper lower unit oil drain holes. With your drain pan in position, first, remove the lower drain screw. The oil will start to drip out into the drain pan.

Next, remove the upper drain screw—oil will drain out quickly. Allow the oil to drain completely.

It is essential that you pay close attention to your lower unit’s oil. If the oil is a milky color, there is water in the lower unit, and you will have significant problems down the road. If this is the case, go directly to your marine mechanic to diagnose the problem and hopefully fix the issue before it causes more damage.

With the oil completely drained, screw in your pump fitting and attach the pump. Remove the cap of your bottle of lower unit oil and screw the pump onto the bottle. 

Pump until oil begins flowing out of the upper drain hole.

Insert your upper screw plug, hand tighten, then tighten securely with your flathead screwdriver.

With the lower screw in your hand, remove the oil pump fitting. Quickly insert and tighten the lower screw.

Wipe everything down and properly dispose of your old oil lower unit oil.

**Caution**

There must be no water in your lower unit oil. If there is water in the lower unit oil and your boat is stored in the cold, the water in the oil will freeze and crack your lower unit, which is definitely a bad thing.

How do I troubleshoot my Mercury outboard engine?

If your Mercury outboard cranks, but won’t start, there may be an issue that needs correcting. 

Most likely, the cause is a low and dying battery. Remove the battery from its housing by first disconnecting the black (negative) cable, and then the red (positive). You can then check the voltage using a voltmeter– it should be at about 12.6 volts. Inspect the battery for damage and clean off any corrosion or other buildup with a wire bristle brush. 

Some types of residue can be removed with a mixture of water and baking soda at a ratio of 1 cup:1 tablespoon, respectively. Apply and scrub the mixture over the affected parts. If you choose to do this, be sure to very thoroughly dry the battery before reattaching the cables. Finally, if the voltmeter resulted in a low reading, charge the battery. 

In cases where your battery won’t hold a charge, it will of course need to be replaced. In the meantime, you may be able to start the engine manually.

How to paint an outboard motor? / How to paint a outboard motor?

Painting an outboard motor can be a great way to give it a fresh new look, protect it from the elements, and increase its lifespan. Here are the steps you can follow to paint an outboard motor:

1. Clean the motor: Start by cleaning the outboard motor with soap and water. Remove any dirt, grime, and debris from the motor's surface. Then use a grease-cutting cleaner to remove any oils or grease that may be present.
2. Sand the motor: Once the motor is clean, sand the surface to create a smooth surface for painting. You can use a sandpaper with a fine grit to ensure that the paint will adhere well to the surface. Be sure to sand the entire surface of the motor to ensure even adhesion.
3. Apply primer: After sanding, apply a coat of primer to the motor. The primer will help the paint adhere to the surface of the motor and also help protect the metal from rust and corrosion. Choose a primer that is specifically designed for use on metal surfaces.
4. Apply paint: Once the primer is dry, it's time to apply the paint. Choose a paint that is designed for use on metal surfaces and is resistant to the elements. You can use a brush, roller, or spray gun to apply the paint. Apply two to three coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
5. Finish with a clear coat: Once the final coat of paint is dry, apply a clear coat to protect the surface and give it a glossy finish. This will also help protect the paint from fading due to exposure to sunlight and other elements.

By following these steps, you can paint your outboard motor and give it a fresh new look while also protecting it from the elements.

What is Mercury marine phantom black paint?

Mercury Marine Phantom Black paint is a type of paint used by Mercury Marine, a leading manufacturer of outboard motors and boat engines. The paint is a high-quality, durable finish that is specifically designed to provide excellent protection against the harsh marine environment.

Phantom Black is a distinctive, deep black color with a glossy finish that gives a sleek, modern look to outboard motors and other marine equipment. It is a two-part polyurethane paint that is applied in a multi-step process to provide superior adhesion, chemical resistance, and durability.

Mercury Marine Phantom Black paint is known for its exceptional resistance to fading, chalking, and cracking due to exposure to sunlight, saltwater, and other elements. It is also resistant to damage from impact, abrasion, and chemical exposure, making it an ideal choice for marine applications.

In addition to providing excellent protection and durability, Mercury Marine Phantom Black paint is also designed to be easy to apply and maintain, making it a popular choice among boaters and marine professionals alike.

How long does Mercury outboard paint?

The longevity of Mercury outboard paint can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the quality of the paint, the conditions it is exposed to, and how well it is maintained. In general, high-quality paints that are specifically designed for use on outboard motors and other marine equipment can last for many years with proper care.

Mercury Marine Phantom Black paint, for example, is a durable, two-part polyurethane paint that is designed to provide excellent protection against the harsh marine environment. When applied correctly and maintained properly, this paint can last for many years without fading, chalking, or cracking due to exposure to sunlight, saltwater, and other elements.

To ensure the longevity of your Mercury outboard paint, it is important to take good care of your motor and protect it from damage and exposure to the elements. This includes regularly washing and waxing the motor, avoiding impacts and abrasions, and storing the motor in a dry, protected area when not in use. With proper care, your Mercury outboard paint can last for many years and help keep your motor looking great and performing at its best.

Which Mercury marine paint colors are available?

Mercury Marine offers a variety of paint colors for their outboard motors and other marine equipment. Here are some of the colors that are available:

1. Phantom Black - a deep, glossy black that is a popular choice for outboard motors and other marine equipment.
2. Cold Fusion White - a bright, pure white that gives a clean, modern look to marine equipment.

 

• Warm Fusion White - a slightly warmer, creamier white that is also popular for marine equipment.

 

1. Mercury Silver - a bright, metallic silver that is often used for accents and trim on outboard motors.
2. Charcoal Metallic - a dark, metallic gray that can give a sleek, sophisticated look to outboard motors and other equipment.
3. Pacific Blue - a deep, rich blue that can give a bold, eye-catching look to marine equipment.
4. Cosmic Black - a metallic black with a subtle sparkle effect, which can add a unique touch to outboard motors and other marine equipment.

These are just a few of the paint colors that are available from Mercury Marine. They also offer custom paint options for those who want to create a truly unique look for their outboard motor or other marine equipment.

What are the Mercury Mariner paint codes?

Mercury Mariner outboard motor paint codes can vary depending on the year and model of the motor. However, here are some common paint codes that are used for Mercury Mariner outboard motors:

 

• Phantom Black - Paint code PMB

• Cold Fusion White - Paint code PCFW

• Warm Fusion White - Paint code PWF

• Mercury Silver - Paint code PMS

• Charcoal Metallic - Paint code PCM

• Pacific Blue - Paint code PBL

• Cosmic Black - Paint code PCB

 

It's important to note that these codes may vary by year and model, so it's always best to check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure that you have the correct paint code for your specific outboard motor. Additionally, some models may have custom paint options available that have unique codes, so it's always a good idea to double-check with the manufacturer or a qualified paint supplier to ensure that you are using the correct paint for your outboard motor.

What is Mercury marine skeg paint?

Mercury Marine Skeg Guard paint is a special type of paint that is designed to protect the lower unit and skeg of an outboard motor from the harsh marine environment. The skeg is the fin-like structure located at the bottom of the motor that helps to stabilize and steer the boat.

Skeg Guard paint is a high-quality, durable finish that is specifically formulated to provide excellent protection against impact, abrasion, and corrosion. It is available in a range of colors to match the color of your outboard motor or to create a custom look.

When applied correctly, Mercury Marine Skeg Guard paint can last for many years, protecting the lower unit and skeg of your outboard motor from damage and corrosion. It is also designed to be easy to apply, with a smooth, even finish that provides excellent adhesion and coverage.

If you frequently operate your boat in shallow or rocky waters, or if you want to protect your outboard motor from damage and corrosion, applying Mercury Marine Skeg Guard paint can be a smart investment. It can help prolong the lifespan of your outboard motor and keep it looking great for years to come.

Can I use old Mercury marine engine paint on new model outboards?

It is generally not recommended to use old Mercury marine engine paint on new model outboards. The reason for this is that the paint formula and color shades may have changed over time, and using an old paint product that has been stored for a long time could result in an inconsistent finish or color.

Additionally, newer outboard motors may have different surface materials or coatings that may require a different type of paint or preparation. Using an old paint product that is not designed for the specific surface material or coating of a newer outboard motor could result in poor adhesion, durability, and overall appearance.

To ensure the best results, it is recommended to use a current and compatible paint product that is specifically designed for use on the surface material and coating of your particular outboard motor model. This will help to ensure a consistent finish, long-lasting protection, and a great overall appearance.

Does Mercury marine silver paint keep my engine from overheating?

No, Mercury Marine Silver paint is not specifically designed to prevent your engine from overheating. The primary purpose of Mercury Marine Silver paint is to provide a high-quality, durable finish that protects the outboard motor from corrosion, abrasion, and other types of damage that can be caused by exposure to the harsh marine environment.

While the color of the paint can have an effect on the temperature of the outboard motor, the primary factor that affects engine temperature is the cooling system. The cooling system is responsible for regulating the temperature of the engine and preventing it from overheating.

It's important to regularly maintain the cooling system of your outboard motor to ensure that it is functioning properly and preventing the engine from overheating. This includes checking the water pump, thermostat, and other components of the cooling system, as well as ensuring that the proper amount and type of coolant is being used.

So while Mercury Marine Silver paint can provide excellent protection for your outboard motor, it is not a solution for preventing engine overheating. Proper maintenance and care of the cooling system is the best way to ensure that your outboard motor runs smoothly and avoids overheating.

Would using a different color outboard paint void my Mercury outboard warranty?

Using a different color outboard paint than the original color is unlikely to void your Mercury outboard motor warranty, as long as the paint used is a high-quality, marine-grade paint that is formulated for use on outboard motors.

However, it's important to note that any modifications or alterations made to the outboard motor may impact the warranty coverage. For example, if the paint used is not formulated for use on outboard motors or if it causes damage to the motor, the warranty coverage may be affected.

To ensure that any modifications or alterations made to the outboard motor do not impact the warranty coverage, it's recommended to consult the manufacturer's specifications and guidelines before making any changes. If you have any questions or concerns about the impact of using a different color outboard paint on your Mercury outboard motor warranty, it's best to contact your local Mercury dealer or customer service representative for guidance and clarification.

Should I use Mercury marine touch up paint for small chips?

Yes, it's a good idea to use Mercury Marine touch up paint for small chips or scratches on your Mercury outboard motor. Touch up paint can help to prevent further damage to the surface of the motor and protect against corrosion, which can lead to more serious issues over time.

Mercury Marine touch up paint is formulated to match the color and finish of your outboard motor, providing a seamless repair for small chips or scratches. The paint is also designed to be durable and long-lasting, ensuring that the repaired area will maintain its appearance and protection over time.

To use Mercury Marine touch up paint, simply clean the area around the chip or scratch with soap and water, and allow it to dry completely. Apply a small amount of touch up paint to the damaged area using a fine-tipped brush, and allow it to dry completely before applying a second coat, if necessary.

It's important to note that touch up paint is only intended for small, cosmetic repairs. If your outboard motor has more extensive damage or corrosion, it's recommended to seek professional repair or maintenance services to ensure that the motor is properly protected and functioning at its best.

Where can I learn more about Mercury Outboard Parts and Products?

PartsVu understands that boaters want to learn how to perform their own Mercury outboard maintenance. From maintaining your Mercury outboard, Mercury sterndrive, and MerCruiser engines, there’s always something new to learn and save money. That’s why PartsVu offers our comprehensive blog, The Partsvu Xchange. 

Read up on the latest developments in boating, as well as search for everything you need to know about Mercury outboard motor maintenance.

To get you off to a good start, these are some of the most popular articles on Mercury Paint and accessories:

• Mercury Outboard and Mercruiser Resources Collection