Abstract: The present invention provides safe paint and coating compositions comprising at least one environmentally acceptable phytochemical such as, but not limited to capsicum, grapefruit seed extract and menthol suitable for use in preventing the colonization of a treated surface by a variety of biological species. One aspect of the invention is anti-fouling marine paints (coatings). Another aspect of the invention of the present invention provides paint and coating compositions comprising phytochemicals for use as an architectural paint. The compositions of the invention can further comprise control release agents such as, for example, antioxidants, oxidizers or photosensitive compounds to promote sustained release of the anti-colonization agents at the treated surface and to assist in the abrasion of the paint surface to mechanically dislodge the attaching organisms.