PAINT vs GEL COAT

[rarambarri]

Hi there!

I need to paint a storage box that sits on top of my swim platform. It had a huge crack and after repairing the fiberglass, filling and sanding it to a smooth surface paint seems to be an easier approach than gel coat.

I was told to use the AWLGRIP system but?..
Awlgrip Polyester Urethane Topcoat Base Quart$67.01 / qt
Awlgrip Awlcat #3 Brushing Converter $68.20 / pt
Awlgrip Topcoat Brushing Reducer $27.48 / qt
Total $162.69

?..at $162.69 seems a bit too much, and that?s internet price w/o shipping or taxes. Anyhow, I was wondering if there?s a more economical approach to mi project. For instance, I?ve read about Pettit Easypoxy Single Component Polyurethane. At $36.76 White Quart (Internet) the difference is appreciable.
Would anybody recommend this alternative (or any other)?

Thanks?

 

[gcboat]

Re: PAINT vs GEL COAT

You will find that the single part Easypoxy will give you very good results. It is not up to par with the AwlGrip but still a very decent product for the bucks.
Now, give Luhrs a call and ask them if they can send you a paint code to match their FRP color. ( That is a Luhrs ?? ).
Remember that even with that code it won't be a perfect match. Fade factor, application techniques, etc.
I think you'll be very happy with the single part paints these days. Obviously the cost is a big head turner.
Your prep is the final judge on your finished job. Do it good and it will come out good.

Post some pics of the finished project -

 

[fishingdan]

Re: PAINT vs GEL COAT

Definitely paint and for a box like that I wouldn't hesitate to use a 1 part paint. Petit, Interlux and epiphane's 1 parts are all very good.

 

[smclear]

Re: PAINT vs GEL COAT

You can't beat Awl Grip IMO. However, if all your painting is the box, I wouldn't hesitate using a good quality paint like the ones already suggested. If you were doing the hull of the boat, then hands down, go with Awl Grip.

 

[rarambarri]

Re: PAINT vs GEL COAT

Thank you all for your valuable comments.

I am sure that Awlgrip is the best. But I was looking for a more economical alternative. After all, is just a box. So I think I'll go with the Pettit Easypoxy.

Again, thanks a lot for your guidance.

 

[keepNitreel]

Re: PAINT vs GEL COAT

Thank you all for your valuable comments.

I am sure that Awlgrip is the best. But I was looking for a more economical alternative. After all, is just a box. So I think I'll go with the Pettit Easypoxy.

Again, thanks a lot for your guidance.

I?ve read about Pettit Easypoxy Single Component Polyurethane. At $36.76 White Quart (Internet) the difference is appreciable.

I bought mine from Jamestown distributors.com for $28.99 a qt. No tax if you don't live in a state there located in, shipping was $10 from Maine to VA, ordered it Monday & got it Wednesday how cool is that

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: PAINT vs GEL COAT

Try perfection by interlux..probably 60 a quart and 25 for the solvent. Well worth the money and by far more durable than a sinlge part paint. I cant imagine paint being any more durable, but then again i could never have imagined how well perfection would look and perform.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: PAINT vs GEL COAT

Hello rarambarri..

There is one significant difference between Gel and paint.

Anyone can paint

Though I think gel is way more forgiving..and durable..and prep is simpler.. and well.. easier.. It does take some knowledge of the process.

Lets say you have the tools to make it go quicker..you prep with 80 grit .. mask off.. and spray it. Sand it down to 600 with a DA .. wet sand with 1200 and buff..

However...without the proper tools and experience.. Paint is the way to go for a first timer.

The tradeoff is that quality paint is usually more expensive and the finish is..well..not quite the same lets say..

YD.

 

[johnny50]

Re: PAINT vs GEL COAT

Yacht Dr,

I am hearing what you say- but why? I keep reading that once you paint, you are a slave to the paint, but a gel coat can be renewed and polished. And, you mention that paint does not look as good, so why do you recommend paint? Does paint scuff and chip? Is a gel coat harder to apply than paint?

Johnny

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: PAINT vs GEL COAT

Hello Johnny..

I did not recommend paint..actually gel is what I would use..

I said for a starter DIY guy paint would .. may be the way to go..

Gel is a different animal .. start small b4 you go big or you will loose $ experimenting.. ( kicking off in a gun would be first ).

YD.