I can feel the metalflake, what should i do??

[mtduckhunter]

I just bought a 1984 ranger bass boat, the clear gel-coat on the top cap is completly gone, the sides and transom is fine other than that white haze which i can buff out.

What should i do? it feels like 80 grit sandpaper, should i sand it to make it smooth or will this change the looks? Or spray a clear coat?

 

[5150abf]

Re: I can feel the metalflake, what should i do??

That is a kinda sticky problem, if were mine I would try to sand it with soemthing like 320-400 really lightly, if you can feel metal flake it is well into the gel coat then hit it with some clear coat.

That should bring back the shine and protect the gel coat too, might take a couple coats to cover deep enough.

DO NOT buff it first, buffing compound has silicone in it and you will never get it off the boat adn nothing sticks to it.

 

[mtduckhunter]

Re: I can feel the metalflake, what should i do??

Thats what i was thinking, . . what kind of clear coat should i use? ready to spray or a two part? I dont know much about clears.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: I can feel the metalflake, what should i do??

AUtomotive RTS (Ready to Spray) will work. Be certain to sand lightly, degrease, use a tack cloth and have fun. Most of the RTS will withstand UV since it is used on vehicles.

 

[mtduckhunter]

Re: I can feel the metalflake, what should i do??

Thanks bob, where can i get that?

 

[5150abf]

Re: I can feel the metalflake, what should i do??

Any auto parts store will have that, I have used the Dupliciolor before, you are gonna need probably 5-6 cans to do the whole top side.

Better would be to use an actual automotive clear coat but you need a compressor and a spray gun and it can get pricey, NAPA has a brand called Crossfire by Senior Martin that is really nice.

We use it at the body shop, I think it is $61 for a gallon, reducer is $26ish and hardner is about the same, cut that in half since I think all you will need is 2 quarts.

 

[mtduckhunter]

Re: I can feel the metalflake, what should i do??

I already have a compressor and a spray gun so all i will need is the clear coat.

Why will i need 5 - 6 cans? Are you talking about quart cans?

 

[5150abf]

Re: I can feel the metalflake, what should i do??

No, if you went with spray bombs of clear you would need 5-6 cans, if you go with 2 part auto clear you might get by with 2 quarts, by the time you reduce it you will have 3 quarts of actual clear which will certainly get it done.

The trick will be getting the flake smooth enough to clear, it doesn't need to be perfect but anything still sticking up will show.

Super thin coat first, just haze it on, then go back and hit it alittle harder wit a finish coat if you have enough left.

Go slow and be sure to let the coats set up before you lay another one.

As I said, clear can be really spendy so call around and get your best price,we use NAPA but we get a buisness discount so I don't know what stuff is over the counter price.

 

[mtduckhunter]

Re: I can feel the metalflake, what should i do??

i sanded a small area with 400 grit paper and its really smooth, so i dont think it will be to hard to get it ready to spray.

 

[_7_]

Re: I can feel the metalflake, what should i do??

Is it possible the OP has an update on this?
I have a similar issues


Looking for finished pictures if you have them...