Gel coat VS. Paint

[fishKILLER1987]

I am in the process of biginning a summer project of repairing and eventually painting my boat. I understand that gelcoat has more protective qualities than paint. However, from what I understand, gelcoat is harder to work with than paint. So, I am trying to put together a list of pros and cons for using gelcoat and a list of pros and cons for using paint.

This of course raises a few questions:

1) Can gelcoat be used in place of antifouling bottom paint?

2) Does gelcoat come in a variety of colors?

3) Can I apply gelcoat with a paint sprayer?

4) If I decide to go with paint, do I sand it down the same as I would with gelcoat?

5) Is there anything that has to be applied after a coat of paint to bring out that polished look?

Thanks.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Gel coat VS. Paint

Use gelcoat if the original is gone, like a hole repair.

Some marine paints are very good and easy to work with, I used interluxe paint, very glossy because it contains teflon. If the prep is done and perfect the paint will look perfect. I used a $2 throwaway brush and it flowed out perfectly.

I would not paint a hull with gelcoat due to the amount of sanding required, it only goes on smooth if its sprayed into a boat mold. Its not easy to sand.

 

[fishKILLER1987]

Re: Gel coat VS. Paint

Ok, I was thinking the same thing. Having to wetsand the entire boat after gelcoat would be a gigantic pain. So what you're saying is to only use gelcoat as a filler for repair work?

Is there any sanding required after a coat of paint?

Does it usually take multiple coats?

Do you suppose this could be fixed with gelcoat?

Thanks again for the info.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Gel coat VS. Paint

yeh that has to be fixed because the gelcoat is gone so it needs new gelcoat to seal it up, mat is porous as a sponge.
Powersand it and feather the edges out, if its deep into the mat start with mat and resin, then thicken gelcoat with cabosil and chopped fiber to a paste and apply it, sand it and apply gelcoat and finish sand.
Follow this proceedure pposted by yachtdoc.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=320710&highlight=yachtdr
He set up some photos, follow the link.