Gel Coat

[ampedzach]

Hey Guys,

I want to change the color on my boat and do some touch-ups and what not. Do I need to sand down the existing gel coat or do any prep work, or can I just apply the new gel coat and do all the finishing?

Thanks!

 

[ampedzach]

Re: Gel Coat

Ok, thanks a lot! I think I'm going to paint the whole thing black. I'll post some pics when I'm done.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Gel Coat

If your going to change colors, i would think about painting it with a good marine urethane paint.(Awl grip or Imron) It won't fade like gel coat and will last longer.Having mine done the end of this month.

 

[pauloman]

Re: Gel Coat

folks with lots of $$$ have the yard remove the gel coat from their brand new boats. Gel coat is not considered a quality finish.

Generally an epoxy primer and a two part polyester LPU coating (google lpu). Awlgrip is one vendor of LPU and other coatings if you don't mind paying 300% more than they are worth

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Gel Coat

folks with lots of $$$ have the yard remove the gel coat from their brand new boats. Gel coat is not considered a quality finish.

Actually Gelcoat is a very durable finish and the repair cost is a fraction of Paint.

I dont know why Anyone would Remove the gel prior to painting. ???

Generally an epoxy primer and a two part polyester LPU coating (google lpu). Awlgrip is one vendor of LPU and other coatings if you don't mind paying 300% more than they are worth

Just to let you know that Gelcoat is a 2 part polyester .. LPU is Linear Poly Urethane ( Nastiest of the Nastiest of paints IMO ). Its Very hard to repair. There is a way to repair LPU but is costly.

A good alternative of a good topcoat paint is Imron or AwlCraft 2000. Very expensive However it is repairable.

With Gel you should give your sanding profile a bit more bite. 120 or 80 grit is best ( I prefer 80 grit for full sprays ).

YD.

 

[ampedzach]

Re: Gel Coat

Thanks for the responses guys. I heard this rumor that I could paint the whole boat with some regular paint and then do a clear gel coat over the top to save money. Thoughts?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Gel Coat

Thanks for the responses guys. I heard this rumor that I could paint the whole boat with some regular paint and then do a clear gel coat over the top to save money. Thoughts?

Nope,... Ya don't put Gelcoat over Paint...

 

[airman1094]

Re: Gel Coat

Yeah putting gel coat over paint doesn't work out well...waste of money...you can use a good marine paint over the existing gel coat...then coat with marine grade clear coat

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Gel Coat

Thanks for the responses guys. I heard this rumor that I could paint the whole boat with some regular paint and then do a clear gel coat over the top to save money. Thoughts?

Why would you Paint ( I dont know what you mean by Regular Paint ) and not clear over it with the paint system you had ?? Clear over the paint with what you had then sand/buff it out.

YD.