can I paint my boat???

[rparis42]

Hello all. I was here about a year ago when I was doing the floor on my bayliner 1989 capri. You guys are the bomb...I love to hear the experts here at work. You guys are alot of help. My question is .....the out side of my boat has a faded dingy look, what can I do to clean it up? or can I paint it???? it is fiber glass right? Another question is...if I were to put a live bait tank on my boat ....does that mean I have tofind a water sorce,meaning having to punch outside the hull for water??

Thanks alot guys I hope and look forward to learning from you all.

 

[tavett]

Re: can I paint my boat???

I'm having the same problem with my 1987 bayliner cobra. metalflake dingy. I took 1000 grit wet sandpaper and sanded until smooth, then clearcoat on top of that. I'ts going to take another layer of clear coat, but is turning out pretty good. But consult a fiberglass man first. Good luck

 

[NYBo]

Re: can I paint my boat???

Welcome to iboats!

Depending on how bad the gelcoat (the outer layer applied to the fiberglass) is, you can wet sand it as tavett suggested, followed by rubbing and polishing compounds, just as you would do for an oxidized automotive finish. Use an electric polisher to save some elbow grease, but be careful not to burn the surface. However, start with polishing compound. No sense taking off more of the surface than you have to, even though the gelcoat is fairly thick. Unless you have metalflake, a clearcoat topper won't be necessary. Just finish with a good marine wax.

 

[rparis42]

Re: can I paint my boat???

thanks alot...Tavett and NYBo...I will start on that as soon as I finish with the inside of my boat. Thats another job at hand.

thanks again guys