How to tell, Gelcoat or Paint?

[Meauran]

Hi all,

I've been reading along and searching the forums for threads on paint care/repair/restoration. This is a real newbie question, but I don't do paint or bodywork other than wash and wax on cars (and not Corvettes).

How do I know if I have paint or if I have a gelcoat finish? With this information, I can figure out my next move but I guess I need to start before the beginning.

Thanks in advance.

 

[QC]

Re: How to tell, Gelcoat or Paint?

Well . . . hmmmm. Fiberglass boat? If so, then the original finish is 99.999% of the time gelcoat. So if there is no "new" paint, an example would be on the bottom, you should be able to see a uniform height, feel and look of the finish. Your typical white production boat is gelcoat with stickers. Higher end the accents are Gelcoat and higher still you'll see some wild Gelcoat graphics with no indications of masking tape that would have to delineate the different colors if it was paint. Got a picture?

These are all gelcoat:

 

[Meauran]

Re: How to tell, Gelcoat or Paint?

:redface:

I knew it was a silly question and would be a simple answer. I think I can figure it out from here. Thanks.

:redface:

 

[QC]

Re: How to tell, Gelcoat or Paint?

Not a silly question . . . sorry if I sounded sarcastic. Most of us love original Gelcoat finishes if they can be saved. Modern paints are pretty darn good and can get a gelcoat look and possibly even a better finish. Gelcoat is very hard and cleans up well, but the consensus is that it is not worth it to try and apply it after a boat has been finished.