Paint for a Fiberglass Gamefisher

[Paul Trahan]

I need to paint a 1980 (or so) fiberglass Gamefisher. The fiberglass is solid but a bit threadbare, and I think it is going to be itchy. I viewed some previous posts on this topic, and all recommended paint. I like the (original) colors of the boat and would like to use some sort of clear coat. Could I just get some sort of polyurethane clear coat and paint it with that? Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Paul Trahan]

Re: Paint for a Fiberglass Gamefisher

I need to paint a 1980 (or so) fiberglass Gamefisher. The fiberglass is solid but a bit threadbare, and I think it is going to be itchy. I viewed some previous posts on this topic, and all recommended paint. I like the (original) colors of the boat and would like to use some sort of clear coat. Could I just get some sort of polyurethane clear coat and paint it with that? Any input would be appreciated.

FYI. I checked with a buddy of mine who owns an auto body shop, and he recommended some sort of two part polymer. He is going to hook me up with the product and loan me his power washer to prep the boat. He said I should be able to mix it (4 hour working time) and brush or roll it on.

 

[DJ]

Re: Paint for a Fiberglass Gamefisher

Clear won't work.

Use a one part epoxy from Pettit or Interlux. You'll be happy with the results. You cannot color tint those paints but they offer quite a few colors.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Paint for a Fiberglass Gamefisher

i have use Rustoleum oil base with good results.

 

[farmboy]

Re: Paint for a Fiberglass Gamefisher

Painting fiberglass is not a big deal but I would be certain the gel-coat is shot before hand. Once painted, it takes more maintenance to keep it nice than the glass did. Try applying some Floods Penetrol per the manufacturers instructions to a weather worn section and see if that fixes the problem. I have had great results with that product and it waxes well after it dries. If you are going to paint it, ALL wax has to be removed. I use a tri-sodium phosphate wash for that task but you must keep it off the chrome, aluminum, gauges, ect. I then patch the scratches with bondo and then sand the glass carefully with #400 and wash once more prior to masking and spraying. An airless sprayer works fine IF you know what your doing. As far as the coating, it must be compatible with the epoxy/polyester fibre-glass. Most any two-component epoxy or polyurethane will do. I like the latter as that material has good gloss and color retention in sunshine environments.

 

[Paul Trahan]

Re: Paint for a Fiberglass Gamefisher

Thanks for the input guys. Here is what I did. I taped off those sections where I was worried about getting stuck with the fiberglass (rails and seating areas) and I applied truck bed liner with a brush. I believe Gator II was the brand. I just finished it yesterday, and it looks fine. My auto body shop buddy told me it will never come off. It looks good and has a nice texture.