which most forgiving-durabak or gelcoat?

[mwe-maxxowner]

For those who have done both on a new deck, which was the easiest to turn out a nice looking job with (most forgiving of possible fiberglass or prepping mistakes)- gelcoat or durabak. If I do gel coat it'll be an off white, and if durabak it'll be something similar with first coat textured, last two smooth.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: which most forgiving-durabak or gelcoat?

I think the durabak will be a little more forgiving, but not much. Any thin paintable finish and even marine vinyl will require prep work, it isn't that hard and well worth the effort you put into it so you can be proud of a job well done.

Fairing compound and sanding are your friends when it comes to thin finish coatings. Take the time to lay the glass down right and prep work will be minimized.

You're going to get lots of good practice with your stringers and transom before you do the deck so that will help a lot.

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: which most forgiving-durabak or gelcoat?

Thanks for the help! The kicker for me, I think, to decide durabak (and I was also figuring what you stated as well) is that for he gelcoat to look good I'll have to sand in between each coat, no? Then I'll need to wet sand and polish the last coat. At least I think that's what I've gathered. I'm gonna fill any seams and screw holes in the deck before I glass it, so hopefully all I'll have to contend with is the buildup where my layers of glass overlap before I put down whatever I do.

Seems to me the process would be similar to when I used to finish cabinets. Sand and putty and fare the surface, then one coat of fel, sand it all flat and dull, then next coat, etc.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: which most forgiving-durabak or gelcoat?

The durabak will also likely telegraph any surface imperfections so it'll need good prep, sand, fill & fair....