boat finish

[atwerp]

The outside finish of an older hull looks like it is in good shape, but doesn't have that new boat shine. Buffing and waxing brought some of it back, but I am still not totally satisfied with the gloss. Can I paint it, or apply a clear coat, gel coat or? Should it be brushed or sprayed on?

Also for the inside of the boat, what do you recommend?

Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: boat finish

I would Guess that it's Oxidized,........

If it's Sanded with something like 1000grit, or Finer,+ Then Waxed,+ Buffed.....
You May, or may Not get the finish you're Looking for......

The other Options you mention Are viable,....
Spraying a New finish is the Easier way of doing it.....

 

[atwerp]

Re: boat finish

Shoul I use a paint or gel coat? If paint, what type do you recommend?

 

[Bondo]

Re: boat finish

I use a 2pt. Urethane Automotive paint,....... Sprayed.....

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: boat finish

Interlux Toplac Is very user friendly and can be applied with a low-nap roller and tipped out with a dry brush to a great,smooth shine.

 

[Coors]

Re: boat finish

bondo; your valve timing on your new avatar is needing a better cam

 

[Bondo]

Re: boat finish

That's CamS......... Bigger Cams........d

 

[drewpster]

Re: boat finish

I have restored faded gelcoat by wet sanding to progressively finer grits starting with 600 grit to 1500 grit papers. Then finishing with rubbing compound and wax. It is important to test the surface using the finer grits first to insure that you do not sand through the gelcoat. If the fine grit shows no improvement with light sanding go to the rougher grit to remove chalking. It is terribly labor intensive so I do not recommend doing it unless you are determined to restore the gelcoat.
If the boat is older you have to measure the work with the benefit. In other words if I were restoring a rare boat and trying to preserve the sale value, I would restore the gelcoat. In fact I would go as far as to recoat the gelcoat. if I were simply trying to improve the look of my old beater, I would use paint. Paint is not as durable as gelcoat. However paint can be simply recoated when it fades or get damaged.
I have used Interlux products and been very satisfied with the results. Salt water guys seem to like Awlgrip paints. Single part polyurethanes work well above the waterline. Two part products are slightly more durable and work well for hull sides. The trick is to use the paint system as the manufacturer has designed it. Cleaning and prep are what make the paint job. No matter how good the paint product is it will not fix poor preparation. I always stick to the manufacturers recommendations.
How to apply the paint will depend on the manufacturer. Most can be applied with a short nap, no lint roller then "tipped off" with a natural fine bristle brush to help the paint "level" and maximize shine. By far the best way to apply the paint is by spray. Spraying takes specialized tools and techniques but yields the best result. Both techniques yield good shine. Again, go with what the manufacturer recommends.
I have heard many automotive paint and body guys in my business recommend using automotive urethanes to paint a boat. If I were a paint and body guy and had access to the spray and safety equipment needed to apply automotive paints, I would probably agree. However given the fact that good quality marine paints and good quality automotive paints are comparable in price, I am going to go with marine paints every time on a boat. Reason being that I can apply the marine paint using common tools and get a good result. Also I know that marine specific paints are designed for marine environments. How often do you walk across your Corvette? marine paints are designed to be durable and stain resistant for use on boat decks. In my view it is always safer to use application specific products.