As far as clear coating over it, you can paint directly over Gel Coat so I don't see why you can't shoot it with clear you do have to make sure it is completely de-waxed and spotless clean. I would use something like interlux 202 or prepsol Good luck
Full Answer
Does clear stick to gel coat?
i have never had luck getting clear to stick to gel and stay. clear is Purus and gel is not. clear expands and contracts with heat and cold and gel dont, thus causing cracks. have it re gelled and save So about 5 years ago did you ask some one " what automotive clear works best on gel coat". I've lost track on how many post's I've seen like this.
Can you paint on gelcoat?
Gelcoat is a plastic resin, just like the rest of the fiberglass that makes up the boat. When people talk about painting on gelcoat, they usually mean making small patches and fixes into the existing finish. In other words, gelcoat is easy to repair but not so easy to replace. Painting gel coat is very similar to painting on an epoxy barrier coat.
How do I Stop my gel coat from becoming tack free?
Spraying gel coat in direct sunlight can prevent the surface from becoming tack free, another common and frequently unexpected problem. The gel coat will start to gel before you can pull all the tape off, this will mess up the tape lines, you will also drop the tape and/or the masking paper on the wet gel coat, requiring more work later to fix it.
How long does it take for gelcoat to dry?
A coat of gelcoat will usually take two to four hours to harden. If you apply multiple coats of gelcoat, the first coat should be tacky to the touch but not leave an impression when pressed with a fingernail. If your pressed fingernail leaves an impression, allow our gelcoat to dry for some more hours.
Can you put a clear coat over gel coat?
Yes, It is possible to just spray clear over GelCoat.
Can you gel coat over gelcoat?
Can You Spray Gelcoat Over Gelcoat? The short answer's yes. But first, make sure the surface is free from dirt and debris. Using the window frame analogy again, you wouldn't apply new paint over old paint without preparing the surface.
Can you clear coat a fiberglass boat?
Fiberglass Boats Nyalic boat clear coat is used to restore the gloss and appearance of faded, oxidized fiberglass. Gloss meter readings taken before and after a Nyalic application show gloss improvements by as much as 400%.
How do I make my gelcoat shiny?
3:1733:12How To Restore Shine To Fiberglass Boat Gelcoat [ WEBINAR ] | BoatUSYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to use a circular motion make sure you cover every little inch of the gel coat. And againMoreYou want to use a circular motion make sure you cover every little inch of the gel coat. And again you want to do two coats. Now here's the good news even though you have to apply a thick paste wax.
How do I get a smooth finish on gelcoat?
7:0710:46Making Boat GelCoat Look Good! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's best to use a large trowel on the big spots. And we'll use a smaller knife on the smaller spotsMoreIt's best to use a large trowel on the big spots. And we'll use a smaller knife on the smaller spots. The same thing goes for the inside of the transom.
Do you have to sand between coats of gelcoat?
Sanding between coats is not necessary unless a surfacing agent has been added to your gel coat. Once your repair is covered, feather a 'flow' or sanding coat on the masked-off area making layered passes to avoid a buildup of gel coat in any one area. Each of these coats of gelcoat may involve several passes.
What is the best clear coat for fiberglass boat?
This Toon-Brite Protective Clear Coat for Boats rejuvenates fading or oxidizing metal surfaces and provides a long-lasting barrier against the elements. It is a perfect clear coat option for aluminum, fiberglass, brass, copper, stainless, and other metal surfaces.
What's the difference between clear coat and gelcoat?
Re: clear coat vs gel coat Clear coat will work fine reagarding gloss, appearance, and UV protection and may even look better than gel, it is also easier to repair. That said as far as durabilty and scratch resistance, gelcoat is the way to go, also clearcoat is not recommended below the water line.
What kind of clear coat goes on a boat?
Polyurethane can be used to protect a boats paint and to keep the finish on wooden marine vessels visually appealing and more durable. You can apply polyurethane over any type of paint if it is clean and prepared properly.
Can faded gelcoat be restored?
To help to restore the color, shine and appearance of your boat, choose a gelcoat restorer. Gelcoat restorers are suitable for fiberglass (GRP) gelcoats and can help to give long lasting effects, wetting the pigment to restore a strong and vibrant color and shine.
Can you pressure wash gel coat?
DON'T Pressure Wash Old Gelcoat When pressure cleaning your boat's hull, look for any air bubbles or minor chipping first. Pressure washing gelcoat, especially a gelcoat finish that's older and worse for wear, can lead to even more chipping and more damage.
What grit sandpaper should I use on gelcoat?
Use the 1500 grit sandpaper with a dual action sander running the sander at a speed of 900 – 1100 Max. RPM. When sanding, use a 50% overlap with each pass of the sander. Remember to use a soft interface pad with the 1500 grit abrasive when sanding.
Can you redo gelcoat on a boat?
The ultra high gloss most new boats exhibit is due entirely to the highly polished, mirror-like surface of the mold used in the original construction of the boat. Time and exposure eventually erode the relatively soft surface of gelcoat, leaving it dull and chalky. Fortunately, the gloss usually can be restored.
Can you recoat Flowcoat?
it is perfectly normal to recoat by light sanding and wipe to build up layers.
How long should you wait between coats of gelcoat?
Apply gel coat to mold surface. Spraying gel coat is recommended for more accurate and consistent coverage. Apply gel coat in 4-5 layers at approximately 5 mils each, allowing 15-20 minutes between layers for a total thickness of 20-25 mils.
How do you fix gelcoat cracks on a boat?
2:038:44How To Fix Boat Gelcoat Spider Cracks, Hairline Cracks ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo for the amount of gel coat I've got in there two drops is going to be plenty. I'll have to mixMoreSo for the amount of gel coat I've got in there two drops is going to be plenty. I'll have to mix the catalyst well into the jaw coat. And remember that we don't have a lot of working time.
Does clear coat give you shine?
I don't know that Clear Coat will gain you anything other than "shiny chalk" over time. UV will go through the Clear Coat given time. I see a lot of the bass boats where the gel coat has faded under the clear coat and the clear coat itself is fine and even has a shine to it.
Can you paint over gel coat?
As far as clear coating over it , you can paint directly over Gel Coat so I don't see why you can't shoot it with clear you do have to make sure it is completely de-waxed and spotless clean. I would use something like interlux 202 or prepsol
What Can I Use to Thin Gelcoat?
The most recommended product for thinning gelcoat is styrene monomer. You can spray it with polyvinyl alcohol before the gelcoat reaches its gel stage or by adding around one ounce per quart of the wax additive. The PVA is a release agent that you can use as a surfacing agent when using gelcoat without the sanding aid. It is also soluble in water and easily applied.
How to fix cracks in gelcoat?
You will need to clean the surface and fix any minor cracks—using sandpaper of the needed grit, wet sand the area you will need to paint. Sanding will roughen up the gelcoat surface and help the paint stay on.
How Do You Paint a Gelcoat Boat?
Painting your boat will not only increase its value but also breathe new life into its appearance. The major steps to follow when applying gelcoat to your boat are:
Can You Bottom Paint Over Gelcoat?
Yes, you can. The choice to bottom paint over gelcoat is dependent on several factors that we will explore at length. But first, what is bottom paint? Bottom paint, also known as anti-fouling paint, is a category of underwater hull paints applied to the outer layer of a ship or a boat to slow the growth of marine organisms such as barnacles from attaching to the hull. Such organisms usually have significant effects on the performance of the boat/vessel.
Do You Need to Sand Gelcoat Before Painting?
Yes, you do. Sanding will roughen up the gel coat surface and ensure the paint adheres to the surface and stays in place. If you applied primer before the paint, you could sand the finish primer with 320 to 400 grit sandpaper. Use 80 or 40 grit paper to sand cracks you have filled with putty and 220 or 230 grit paper for the surface around any repaired areas. If the surface has a deep crack, you can start with 36 to 60 grit sandpaper.
How Much Does It Cost to Re Gelcoat a Boat?
There is no perfect estimate on the amount it costs to re gelcoat any boats since all boats have different builds that cause the price to vary wildly or have small differences. You will need to consider the cost for your boat personally, depending on size and the amount of damage.
How Long Does Gelcoat Take to Harden?
A coat of gelcoat will usually take two to four hours to harden. If you apply multiple coats of gelcoat, the first coat should be tacky to the touch but not leave an impression when pressed with a fingernail. If your pressed fingernail leaves an impression, allow our gelcoat to dry for some more hours. You could also leave your gelcoat to harden and cure overnight to be sure it is fully cured.
Do you need a custom paint job on a boat?
I have seen a lot of action in the restoratoin questions department. Let's face it guys like to DIY and make it happen them selves as well. You do not need a custom paint job or wrap to make your boat look great. All you really need to do is have a professional complete the repairs and the end result is night and day compared to the week end warrior who pulls up in a mobile unit.
Can you add Flex Agent to car paint?
No reason to argue about it - it's just facts. Yes, you can add flex-agent to auto paint to make it flex more, but nothing is free. This is what is added to car paint to apply to todays plastic bumpers, mirrors, air dams, and such.
Can you paint a boat if you aren't out every other week?
Again, if you aren't out EVERY OTHER WEEKEND and have friends and family all over your boat - you can get away with paint.
Does BMW paint soften?
Whatever BMW uses - known to be soft paint. Detailers have to take it easy as to not induce MORE scratches during polishing. But, it will flex more if it's soft. Again, nothing free.
Can you paint urethane clear on gel?
Gel coat, release agent, molds. That's why. I can see painting urethane clear onto gel to give it a "quick" gloss, but it is going to crack and chip after it is fully cured and has a year or two of expansion/contraction and rough water use.
What grit should I use for sanding a boat?
This is the short list of what to expect. For prep work I normally use 80 grit for sanding. The prep work for gel coat is a little easier than for paint because gel coat goes on thicker and will hide many sins. Any spot you don't sand will chip off in the near future, normally in the most visible location on the hull.
What happens if you spray a cat on a boat?
And the over spray on their cars. A neighbor’s cat will jump on the boat and mess up the wet gel coat, then the cat owners will want to sue you. The cat will also walk on your car leaving tracks that you don’t see until later.
Does gel coat have UV resistance?
The down side is that gel coat depends almost 100% on pigment loading for UV resistance, if we could reduce the amount of pigment by 2 or 3% and get the same results we would, pigments are expensive (adding Duratec can reduce the pigment loading by 30-50%). But we can easily see any reduction in pigments when we do weathering tests, so we don't.
Can you spray gel coat from a pressure pot?
For someone not familiar with spraying gel coat from a pressure pot (which is what you need, a gravity feed or siphon gun won't do it) having the gel coat harden in the equipment is a real and common problem, this means replacing everything that can't be salvaged, $$.
Do you run out of gel coat?
You will probably run out of gel coat with about 10% of the spraying left to be done, and need to order more. And by the way, you will sand through in spots and need to re-spray those sections. These sections may not match the rest of it and be visible, especially to you.
Can you spray over spray on your wife's car?
You will get over spray on your wife’s car if you do it in your driveway, or on someone else’s stuff if you do it at another location. You will get gel coat inside your vehicle, you won’t see it until a week later, it will be on the steering wheel, seats and knobs.
Do go fast boats yellow?
Even though these boats have the potential to yellow quickly outdoors, they are in sunlight only when in use, the rest of the time they stored in well protected locations, so weathering isn't really an issue.
