An anti-fouling coating utilizes capsaicin as an anti-fouling agent. In a preferred embodiment, finely divided capsaicin, an oleoresin capsaicin liquid solution, or crystalized capsaicin, is mixed with a suitable corrosion resistant epoxy resin which is then mixed with a hardening catalyst and applied to the surface to be treated. In some applications, finely divided inert particles may be added to impart additional desirable characteristic to the surface. The capsaicin constituent used in the coating preferably has a rating of from about 100, 000 to about 1,500,000 Scoville Heat Units. The capsaicin may be mixed with a silicon dioxide and then solubilized into a free-flowing homogeneous liquid oleoresin composition by adding a solvent to increase solubility and facilitate mixing. The capsaicin may also be formed into crystals which are mixed with the coating material. The anti-fouling composition can be used in combination with conventional anti-fouling coatings and paints and binders and applied to wood, metal, and plastic surfaces. The anti-fouling composition may also be added to other materials in molding processes to form various articles of manufacture and molded products, such as boat hulls and water pipes, which resist fouling by organisms common in fresh water and sea water.
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