Gelcoat????

[mnessman]

I am in the process of rebuilding a 70 model lamar boat, and the gelcoat is faded really bad. What I am wanting to know is what is the purpose of the gelcoat and would I need to completly spray new gelcoat on the boat before it gets painted or can you just paint over faded gelcoat with out any problems. I have started any thread on the resto on this boat but since I have not really done much work to it except for removing the floor and stringers and now working on th transom. I have read alot of the reto threads here and have learned alot from them. Thanks to all for so much information, it has helped me alot in getting myself prepared for the resto.

 

[proshadetree]

Re: Gelcoat????

Unless the gel is shot you might try a buffing compound and polish Ive seen some sad looking gel look like new aft some compound and polish.

 

[mnessman]

Re: Gelcoat????

Yea I have seen where you can possibly buff it out but I am thinking of changing the color. I also have to repair several holes that the previous owner put in the boat. Do I need to put gel coat on these areas before I paint the boat or can I just fiberglass it and get it smooth then paint it. And after it is painted do I need to do anything sprecial to the finish or can I just spray some clearcoat on it and be done with it.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Gelcoat????

Do a search here on painting a boat and you should be able to read many opinions and some very good info.

 

[TheWoodCrafter]

Re: Gelcoat????

If you are going to paint you don't need to gel coat the holes. You do need to fill them with fairing compound.

Depending on the paint you choose, after it is painted you are done.
Just wax after about 30 days.

 

[mnessman]

Re: Gelcoat????

Thanks I didnt even think about fairing compound. Can I also use it to fill in any screw holes?

 

[gcboat]

Re: Gelcoat????

You could use the fairing compound but this is more for holes, etc :http://www.marinetex.com/

Here is a good link to the Interlux product guide. Might help you understand the boat painting process a little better: http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa/default.asp

 

[mnessman]

Re: Gelcoat????

Thanks for the information, both of those sites look like they have a lot of good information on them. One of them even raised my hopes on replacing my transom. I have been nervous about cutting the fiberglass and then making it look good again, since I have never worked with fiberglass before. Once again thanks for the help.