Gelcoat / paint advice required.

[AEROCOOK]

Im repairing some chips and scrapes in the gelcoat on my ski boat, most of which are below the waterline.
The bottom of the boat is gloss black and I need advise on how to refinish the bottom once my repairs are done.
The only recomended paint for below the water line seems to be antifouling paint which I understand is not glossy, but flat. If at all possible, I would like to retain the gloss finish on the boat, what are my options?

 

[glennrow]

Re: Gelcoat / paint advice required.

Im repairing some chips and scrapes in the gelcoat on my ski boat, most of which are below the waterline.
The bottom of the boat is gloss black and I need advise on how to refinish the bottom once my repairs are done.
The only recomended paint for below the water line seems to be antifouling paint which I understand is not glossy, but flat. If at all possible, I would like to retain the gloss finish on the boat, what are my options?

does the boat stay in the water, or do you do take it in and out for each use? anti fouling bottom paint is great for boats that stay in the water. depending on how often and how long you are in the water, you may be able to get away using a top-side paint ( that will give you all the gloss you desire )

 

[AEROCOOK]

Re: Gelcoat / paint advice required.

I wouldnt keep it in for more than a few days at a time, thanks for the reply.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Gelcoat / paint advice required.

Unless the hull finish is extremely bad, you should be able to sand and buff it so it will look good again, it will be much easier and cost less than painting.

 

[AEROCOOK]

Re: Gelcoat / paint advice required.

Unless the hull finish is extremely bad, you should be able to sand and buff it so it will look good again, it will be much easier and cost less than painting.

Any tips on how to to this?

 

[lilmandavis]

Re: Gelcoat / paint advice required.

grease that elbow and get some fine grit paper.

 

[epresutti]

Re: Gelcoat / paint advice required.

Aerocook,

Here is a link to a semi-gloss by interlux, there are gloss and semi-gloss bottom paints that are mostly for high-performance racing. They have a price tag that goes along with!

You can certainly use an orbital sander and remove the bottom paint, being very careful not to go through the gel coat. I used Wet sanding pads by 3m that come in 400 grit, and lots of elbow grease. I was repainting so I wasn't completely worried about the gelcoat since it was a rebuild.

Here is the semi-gloss bottom paint:
http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa//prod..._epoxy.asp?ComponentID=9860&SourcePageID=6631

Here is my rebuild, towards the bottom is the removal of the bottom paint.

http://www.granvilletech.com/Default.aspx?tabid=53

Hope this helps.

Peace.

Ed.