Clear gel topper

[spoolnaround]

Has anyone who has applied clear gel coat on their existing gel coat had any issues? Chipping? Bubbling? Pealing? I have flake on the surface and considering topping my current gel coat.

 

[Woodonglass]

Your flake IS Clear Gelcoat with Flake in it. I KNOW what you're wanting to do but...It's not really gunna work. To make it look really good you have to sand it down to the base coat, reapply the base and then shoot new clear with flake in it.

 

[ondarvr]

Yes, you can apply clear gel coat and not worry much about it flaking or peeling, looking good may be tougher though. The cosmetic outcome depends on the current condition of the flake layer.

 

[spoolnaround]

Thank your for the replies. So basically live with it or hit it with a clear automotive paint? That is according to what i have read on this subject anyway. What type automotive paint works and lasts best? Or do you have any orher suggestions?

 

[spoolnaround]

Yes, you can apply clear gel coat and not worry much about it flaking or peeling, looking good may be tougher though. The cosmetic outcome depends on the current condition of the flake layer.

Current flake layer looks great when polished and waxed but dulls really fast, plus you can feel the flakes slightly when you run your hand over them.

 

[gm280]

Current flake layer looks great when polished and waxed but dulls really fast, plus you can feel the flakes slightly when you run your hand over them.

Sounds like the polyester material is gone now. When you can feel the metal flakes, the only real solution is to sand down the surface and then prime and paint over it in a solid color. There is no bring back metal flake in any easy quick fashion.

Can you do a metal flake finish? Yes you can, but the cost, time and labor really isn't worth it. Remember that metal flake finish was accomplished when the boat hull was being make in the molds initially. JMHO

 

[ondarvr]

Automotive paints are a short term fix, they look better for a while, then flake and peel off.