Abstract: A water-base vinyl paint containing a toxicant for the protection of underwater surfaces from fouling growth. Suitable modified vinyl acetate resins are dissolved in a water solution brought to a pH of at least about 8 by a suitable poly-functional amine. A suitable toxicant, such as cuprous oxide is dispersed in the solution, and after the addition of modifiers, the finished product is then painted onto a surface to be protected from fouling growth when immersed into the ocean. The dried coating dissolves or leaches slowly in alkaline water, such as sea water, providing constantly fresh toxicant to prevent fouling growth. Desired characteristics of the coating may be modified by adding other agents, such as defoamers, urea formaldehyde resins, to the coating solution.