painting a jet boat

[73taylor]

i need to paint over my 19 foot fiberglass jet boat, it has a gelcoat thats in bad shape, i want to paint it white.but i want to do it my self to save a little money my question is, what kind of prep work needs to be done and what kind of primer should i use and what kind of paint. now i want it to shine becouse i go to the lake all the time,and it looks cool as hell. i will be painting the top side and the bottom.any info or experaince would help thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: painting a jet boat

now i want it to shine becouse i go to the lake all the time,and it looks cool as hell.

Ayuh,.... Seach Google about how they paint them Hot-Rod Show Cars,....

That's Exactly what you've gotta do to your Boat for that Look...
Same Prep,...
Same Techniques...
Same Paints...

 

[geedubcpa]

Re: painting a jet boat

You have two options - if you are painting with a spray gun, then most automotive paint products will work fine if they are two part.

As far as prep goes - remove all decals, then wetsand with 400 grit - follow the paint manufacturer on the proper primers.

I painted my waverunner with NAPA products - base coat then clear coat. It worked out fine and was very durable. You can also paint with a single stage paint.

You should also consider buffing out the gelcoat - maybe it can be saved?

Good luck with your project.

 

[73taylor]

Re: painting a jet boat

thanks for all the info guys but the gelcoat has deep cracks in it and it needs to be painted

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: painting a jet boat

thanks for all the info guys but the gelcoat has deep cracks in it and it needs to be painted

Cracks MUST be repaired before painting ....... paint will not cover the cracks.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: painting a jet boat

Also, if you repair the cracks with gelcoat, you don't need to paint.

I can see taking the easy way out though, and just filling the cracks with something easy like marine-tex, then painting.

But why not decide based on the result you want?

Erik