[justin123]

Applying gelcoat to a fiberglass surface is not really necessary, as gelcoat is a fiberglass resin itself. Most people think that the best way to prepare a fiberglass boat for a gelcoat application is to have it done in a local car repair shop, where they handle similar coats everyday. You can add a gelcoat surface to your fiberglass boat if you wish to change its color, if you have damaged the outside of the boat somehow, or there are other reasons for replacing the fiberglass shell which the boat came with using a gelcoat resin. If you plan to do this, following a few simple tips can help you to prepare your fiberglass for the application of this coat.

[fresno]

The most obvious step in preparing your fiberglass body for a gelcoat is the one which many people miss, and that is simply to give your boat a cleaning. Fiberglass can attract dust particles like paper on a comb, so you need to make sure that the surface you will be painting is scrupulously clean. You should first sweep the surface with a wide brush, and then clean up the area more closely using a brush with rigid bristles. This will help to remove debris from the corners or between panels. Sweep all of your debris into a dustpan, and then clean out your brush carefully, ready for when you will next want to use it.

[hjordanfishere]

Sometimes, the surface will need a new coat of gelcoat because the old surface has become oxidized through contact with the air and salt water. If this is the case, you should strip away the old gelcoat surface using a specially designed planer. This will cut into the pigmented resin and ensure that the gelcoat is completely removed from the surface of the fiberglass boat. You can purchase these sanders from local hardware stores, and it may be possible to rent them from marinas and other boat-specialist stores. Once you have the gelcoat planer working, connect it to a vacuum cleaner or other waste disposal unit in order to ensure that the dust and dirt will not be left on the boat surface, where it can affect the appearance of the new gelcoat.

[Bimmerhead]

Not all gelcoat products are created equally, so it's important to start with one that is designed for brush/roller application. Many gelcoat products are designed for spray application, and will lack the self-leveling properties that brush application requires. If the gelcoat does not contain wax, paraffin waxes are available to add to the gelcoat as an air-dry additive. For best results, take extra care to use only the amount of MEKP catalyst that is needed for the amount of gelcoat and the environmental conditions.

[baloney]

Do not attempt to apply gelcoat when the conditions are not right, and always avoid applying in direct sunlight. This will give the gelcoat time to flow and self level. It should not be necessary to thin the gelcoat. When brushing, always use a natural bristle brush that can tolerate the gelcoat, while also choosing one that has tapered bristles that are not too stiff. When rolling, always use a 1/8" or 1/4" solvent-safe roller cover that can tolerate the solvents of the gelcoat, as well as one that will not leave lint or hairs in the gelcoat.

[Poorboy]

[azadian]

Pool slides are commonly made with fiberglass or coated with fiberglass gel coat. Fiberglass gel coat is a finishing paint as well as a protective layer. For outside applications, gel coat contains additives that provide protection from ultraviolet rays. After years of sun exposure and wear and tear, the gel coat on a fiberglass pool side can become dull and discolored. Gel coat can be restored back to its original finish fairly easily with supplies found at a marine supply store. Put on a respirator and sand the entire surface of gel coat with a palm sander and coarse grit sandpaper. Sand the gel coat until it is smooth and dull. Once the entire surface is scuffed go over the surface again with fine grit sandpaper. Clean the sanded surface with a rag and acetone. Remove any gel coat dust or grease that may be on the surface. Any grease or oil residue left on the surface will cause the gel coat to bubble up and bond improperly. Mask off the edges of the area to be gel coated using pain more

[mybassfishing]

A clean and minimal question and answer theme for WordPress and AnsPress. Theme can be used to create a professional Q&A community. [links]

[barbarousrelic]

How Do You Restore The Gelcoat On A Fiberglass Pool Slide? more

[SteveL]

Receive all latest updates and answers right into your inbox. Nothing crap, promise.

[8bit]

Fiberglass boats are painted with a fiberglass resin-based paint called gel coat. Gel coat consists of a high quality resin that's pigmented with color and has additives to protect from ultraviolet rays. Even with the protective qualities of gel coat, over time it will become dull and faded from oxidation.

[bittard]

Oxidation on fiberglass is basically like rust on metal; the fiberglass becomes dry and weak and will eventually flake off. Oxidized gel coat can be restored by removing the oxidized areas and applying multiple coats of wax.

[dimpydiet123]

[jemenake]