Matching textured surface on 89 century resorter

[89 resorter]

I just purchased my first boat restoration project, an 89 Century Resorter, and I need to find out if anyone has any experience matching the white texture of the fiberglass on the top of the gunnels and across the aft? The guy who I bought the boat from was definitely not afraid to drill holes in the boat placing snaps, antenna mount and even a couple of rod holders in this finish. My goal is to restore the boat back to original and any help you can offer is greatly appreciated.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Matching textured surface on 89 century resorter

Post some pix of the gunwale & texture

 

[89 resorter]

Re: Matching textured surface on 89 century resorter

Getting a good pic was more difficult than I though but I think the one attached does a pretty good job showing the texture. Basically, after staring at it over the weekend it looks like the surface of a low gloss vinyl fabric.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Matching textured surface on 89 century resorter

That looks pretty close to a Vinyl like texture. If so, you could prolly use some vinyl, spray on your gelcoat with a preval sprayer, babysit it and right as it's tacking up, place the vinyl over it, and gently roll it onto the surface of the gelcoat and the pattern of the vinyl would be imprinted into the gelcoat. You could practice on some plywood first to see how it goes. That's my 2? on the subject! I'd give it a go and see how it works. I know they make Gelcoat "Stamps" that work on the same principle.

 

[gddavid]

Re: Matching textured surface on 89 century resorter

Use mold release agent to wax a section of the textured surface and then pour some rtv silicone over it, after this cures you can peel it off and then use this to mold the finish of your new gel coat. Repair the holes left by the previous owner, apply mold release wax to the surrounding area, apply color matched and waxed gelcoat to the repaired area then lay your mold over the area to give it the proper texture. When you lay your mold down, roll it down from one side to the other so the air escapes.

It is one of those things that is easier said than done but gives you an appreciation for the guys that are really good at fiberglass work. The hardest step would be matching the gelcoat, with a late model boat you can usually order gelcoat from the builder but with an older boat the builder is usually out of business, would not have that color any more, and the sun has changed the color anyway so you need to mix the pigments yourself.

 

[89 resorter]

Re: Matching textured surface on 89 century resorter

Both ideas are greatly appreciated and worth the try. I like the idea of practicing on plywood so I can test how both ideas work and also begin getting familiar with mixing the color. Like they say, practice makes perfect and I can definitely use the practice since this will be my first try at this gel coat thing. Thanks again and I will let you know how it goes.