1990 Quantum Fish & ski repaint?

[gussbuster]

Hello all, I have a 1990 Quantum 20' Fish & ski that I puchased a year and a half ago. The previous owner top coated the top side of the boat with either a clear coat or gel coat with metal flake. Im not sure wich it is. It looks as if it was brushed on and though in most spots doesnt look terrible, others have begun to crack and chip off. Im guessing the proper amount of prep work was not done. I can see the original dull gel coat under the chipped spots. Im thinking of restoring/repainting the finish on the color areas only. the lower half of the boat (original white gelcoat is untouched and in very good condition.

What will be my best plan of attack as far as the top side goes? Can I simply sand down the current top coat and repaint with a urethane paint? I also want to re-apply the flake finish. I have read that paints wont hold up all that well on a boat but have seen some done with great results. All of the color ( or at least 95% of it ) is above the water line. Am I wasting my time wanting to re-do this or can I acheive good results?

 

[drewpster]

Re: 1990 Quantum Fish & ski repaint?

The one sticker I can see you having is the flake. In my opinion using flake limits you to an automotive paint system. Automotive paints do not hold up well on a boat. Marine paints on the other hand are designed for boats and hold up very well. There are also marine paints that are designed for amateur painters that do not require special tools to apply.
Flaked fishing boats are done using gelcoat and are applied in the mold when the boat is built. It is very difficult to duplicate using gelcoat. So painting is your best option. My advice, forget the metal flake and use a marine paint system.
Whatever you decide, it will be necessary to remove any flaking on the surface and prep the boat according to the guidelines of the paint system you pick.
Do some research and let us know which way you want to go.

Awlgrip- well known standard in marine finishes
Interlux- also well known and leans toward the DIY painter
Pettits
Rustoleum marine

Just to name a few.....All used here by members on project boats.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1990 Quantum Fish & ski repaint?

Ditto on NOT using MetalFlake. Painting a Boat is ALL, repeat ALL in the Prep. Call the MFG and speak directly with the techs to determine the correct method for application, correct primer etc... Do that and your paint job WILL be successful and will last.

 

[proshadetree]

Re: 1990 Quantum Fish & ski repaint?

I have a 1975 sidwinder jet. I have been dissuaded from flaking it also. I just can not get past the Flake and gel in my mind. Do not try with a 2.5 gun it will not spray gel flake worth a hoot. Interested in more information on this to decide.

 

[gussbuster]

Re: 1990 Quantum Fish & ski repaint?

Thanks for the input guys. Im going to post pics of the boat when I have a chance to take them to show what Im working with. I have been looking into awlgrips awlcraft 2000 metallic....any thoughts or known experiances?