1969 larson painting and clear coat?

[destructones]

I have a 14'3 1969 Larson runabout
I have done a lot of repairs on in and I'm finally read to paint it
the finish that is on there is very worn I don't know if it was painted or if it had gel coat
if you rub your hand on it the finish comes off on your hand
I mostly use the boat in salt water sometimes for 12 or so hours at a time but besides that
the boat is trailer kept and I use a boat cover
since I've made so many repairs I'm going to use a primer and I've gotten several quarts of rusto topside paint
since it doesn't stay in the water for very long I was told not to use bottom paint even though I will use it on the bottom of the boat rusto makes a clear coat but I have heard bad things about it what kind of clear coat should I use??
I planned on using an airless sprayer
I want the wettest look but I've also never painted a boat before so I want something that can be applied easily
can I use clear gel coat over the paint, I heard the best clear coat was the two part kind
currently I am looking at toon brite which is kinda cheap( $70 a gallon) and it's a one part
any tips would be appreciated

 

[coolbri70]

Re: 1969 larson painting and clear coat?

"can I use clear gel coat over the paint" this is what I've read, gel coat don't stick to paint, if you don't use pigment the uv rays turn it yellow and it cracks

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1969 larson painting and clear coat?

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Skip the clear coat, 'n just add hardener to yer Rustoleum,....

 

[sphelps]

Re: 1969 larson painting and clear coat?

Yep I agree with Bondo . The enamel hardiner works fine for what you are wanting to do . And can be touched up really easy .
Don,t forget your PPE !