The right color?

[airdvr1227]

So the plan is to paint a 4" stripe on the lower part of the flybridge. The gelcoat is worn completely out and it makes the boat look tired. I haven't been able to find a pain that is the correct color...a burgundy of sorts. I see lots of black, white, red, and blue. Where can I get paint that can be mixed to the proper color?

 

[mr 88]

Have you ever thought about using marine tape ? Easier ,fade proof and easily removed if need be.

 

[ondarvr]

Any automotive paint supply store.

 

[airdvr1227]

Excellent thought. Any ideas on what paint?

 

[mr 88]

Check out the restoration forum,rustoleum has a marine paint I believe,many use it and a paint outlet should be able to mix it to your liking. Try googling it. The problem with painting the gelcoat is the surface has to be sanded and prepped perfectly for the paint to adhere correctly,. Not going to be easy keeping it in a 4'' area.

 

[ondarvr]

Stripes are commonly painted, and prepping gel coat for paint is very easy.

 

[bajaunderground]

What about a custom wrap? I'd bet money there's a way for them to just apply a custom width stripe?

 

[ondarvr]

Vinyl wraps are quick and easy, many people go that route now.

 

[keith2k455]

A vinyl wrap is fairly inexpensive and durable from what I understand.

What color burgundy are you looking for? Is it similar to this on my '03 Crownline?

 

[airdvr1227]

Yes it is. I stopped in an auto paint store today and spoke wih a nice gentleman who suggested BASF Limco acrylic enamel that he can tint. Recommended Transtar primer and then adding a hardener for gloss and durability. Seems pretty straightforward.

 

[ondarvr]

Primers aren't required over gel coat, it tends to be an excellent substrate for paint. Using a primer isn't bad, just not required.

 

[mr 88]

Pretty sure fiberglass ,gelcoat never stops releasing some sort of agent that will reek havoc with the paint you put on over it without being sanded.. Maybe check with a auto body shop that has painted a corvette for more info,use the search engine on here or google painting over gel coat [ awlgrip is on that google search with good info, 2nd listing from the top,or go to there website].I have seen many fiberglass paint jobs blister because of poor prep work.

 

[ondarvr]

I can tell you for fact it doesn't release anything that will interfere with the bond. I sell gel coat to manufactures that paint all of their products, most don't use a primer, the ones that do use it for specific purposes.

 

[bajaunderground]

Pretty sure fiberglass ,gelcoat never stops releasing some sort of agent that will reek havoc with the paint you put on over it without being sanded.. Maybe check with a auto body shop that has painted a corvette for more info,use the search engine on here or google painting over gel coat [ awlgrip is on that google search with good info, 2nd listing from the top,or go to there website].I have seen many fiberglass paint jobs blister because of poor prep work.

Corvettes do use gel coats either, typically they have an additive added to the paint to make it flexible (just like 99% of all plastic, color matched bumpers). I will agree that if ANY paint job is not prepped correctly, there will be less than desirable outcome.

I digress, if it were me, I'd add the custom wrap...that way you can go wild...like Skulls, Snakes and Dragons...who doesn't love a dragon?

Whatever route you take, I'm sure it will look great! And, as always, we like pics!

 

[keith2k455]

I don't have a paint code, but at least now you have a year and model to work with. Good luck, I can't wait to see how it turns out.

 

[ondarvr]

I agree with prep, most failures result in that area. I have customers that paint 200' yachts with Awlgrip, they use the primer because the warranty for those craft require it, they don't want to take any risks in a $1,000,000 not being covered under warranty. All those big trucks you see on the road, no primer, I sold them conductive sanding gel so they could use an electrostatic painting proccess. Prior to that it was normal product and no primer. I see more failures in the primer system than paint.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

For a simple 4" stripe go to a sign maker and have them make one in vinyl peel and stick in your colour. We have a fabric store here where I can buy the stuff by the yard in many colours. I bet it will be less expensive than paint and primer and virtually zero effort with a professional finish.