Gel coat or paint

klos

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 18, 2005
Messages
209
I was wondering what would be better for an I/O engine compartment / bilge area, Gel coat or paint. Also what kind of prep is needed. Do I have to grind down to clean glass or just clean with acetone, Thanks.
 

ondarvr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
11,527
Re: Gel coat or paint

With either one you will need to clean it up and do some sanding, the prep is about the same. Gel coat will hide more of the surface texture because it goes on thicker, paint will have more gloss. A stiff wire brush will roughen the low areas in the glass pattern so you won't need to sand it down completely.
 

Tail_Gunner

Admiral
Joined
Jan 13, 2006
Messages
6,237
Re: Gel coat or paint

For myself i am going to use spray in bedliner. Tougher than paint, does a pretty good job of leveling not a pretty as gel but overall its a lot more durable and water tight... ;)
 

klos

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 18, 2005
Messages
209
Re: Gel coat or paint

Thanks for the replies. I've done lots of paint but I'm not so sure about gel coat. Do you spray with an automotive style spray gun. Thanks for any info.
 

ondarvr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
11,527
Re: Gel coat or paint

For a bilge use a paint roller or brush, it's just like paint only thicker.
 

michael-lagrange

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 3, 2006
Messages
211
Re: Gel coat or paint

A guy i work with used bedliner spray for the bilge, said it worked great.
 
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