Gel-coat or paint?

[joker64]

Ok, got the boat on the hard, and it is time for some of the more aggressive work to take place.

As I bought an older boat SO 44, 1993, I knew that there were a series of improvements to do. The next one is to restore the hull to close to it's original luster.

As one might expect from a boat of this age, and previous owners that did next to nothing, the gel-coat is yellowed and nicked in places. As there are many little places that will require gel-coat paste to fill, and sanding, I thought that perhaps after the filling and sanding, maybe a re-coat of the hull with gel-coat would be a better way to restore the protection and shine.

After further reading, I am finding that some say the new gel-coat doesn't really bond so well to the old, and as such the protection isn't the same as factory gel-coat. As such, a two part polyester paint may be recommended.

Ok, so I don't want to try to match new gel-coat to a faded white color. I want a nice shinny white hull.

So, any suggestions? Should I first repair, and sand out all the little nicks (there is nothing major), and then see how 'white it is', or plan on the full-monty?

In will have about 5-6 days to do the job (weather permitting), and would like to get it all done then.

All suggestions appreciated thanks.

[gene]

I think it would be difficult to get the hull painted in 5-6 days, even done by a yard with the proper equipment. Why not have the gel-coat patched and polished and see how you like it. You can always have it painted next later.

I also do not like painted hulls. Scratches are more difficult to repair and some popular paints need special care to keep them looking good. Gel-coat takes a lot of abuse.

Gene

[so40gtb]

You might take a look at using Poly-Glo on the hull. Practical Sailor has done a long-term review of it and recommends the product. Friends of ours used it on a mid-70s Erickson 35 in Chesapeake Bay and were very pleased with the result. A 1993 boat might be a bit young for this, as the original finish might have some more life with some restoration effort.

[joker64]

Thanks all, I am taking the advice to try and revive the old finish instead of replacing it.

I am planning next week to try a 3M product that is supposed to remove heavy oxidation, restore the finish, and provide a protective layer of wax all in one go.

Hoping for the best....will let ya know.

[jeffrey20]

Oct 31, 2010 10:46:00 GMT joker64 said:

Ok, got the boat on the hard, and it is time for some of the more aggressive work to take place.

As I bought an older boat SO 44, 1993, I knew that there were a series of improvements to do. The next one is to restore the hull to close to it's original luster.

As one might expect from a boat of this age, and previous owners that did next to nothing, the gel-coat is yellowed and nicked in places. As there are many little places that will require gel-coat paste to fill, and sanding, I thought that perhaps after the filling and sanding, maybe a re-coat of the hull with gel-coat would be a better way to restore the protection and shine.

After further reading, I am finding that some say the new gel-coat doesn't really bond so well to the old, and as such the protection isn't the same as factory gel-coat. As such, a two part polyester paint may be recommended.

Ok, so I don't want to try to match new gel-coat to a faded white color. I want a nice shinny white hull.

So, any suggestions? Should I first repair, and sand out all the little nicks (there is nothing major), and then see how 'white it is', or plan on the full-monty?

In will have about 5-6 days to do the job (weather permitting), and would like to get it all done then.

All suggestions appreciated thanks.