Paint easily stains....why?

[fishinaddict]

Hey guys, I am having a prob with everything staining my fiberglass. I am figuring the gel coat is gone. What do I need to do? Do I just wax it really good, or do I need to put on another clear coat?
Thanks

 

[gcboat]

Re: Paint easily stains....why?

If your gel coat is truely gone then painting is your only option. You could sand and buff - then wax and have a look-see, but you will be doing this quite often to maintain a shine.
Gel coat does not have a clear coat finish on it. There are exceptions but you're not one of them.
Take a gander in the FAQ section or the resto threads to get a whole lot of info on your particular situation.
There are cases of really oxidized gel coat coming back to life with sanding and buffing and still other's have used products such as VertGlass or similiar to bring it back.
Either way there really is no simple fix.

 

[fishinaddict]

Re: Paint easily stains....why?

The paint looks good it just stains really easily. Is there nothing I can put on it to help???

 

[gcboat]

Re: Paint easily stains....why?

When gel coat gets older the finish turns very porous. Not like a sponge but very close. Your staining is due to that porosity of the finish. One of the ways to go about a repair is to sand, buff and wax- as mentioned. Lots of work. The second would be to apply one of those "new" finishes. Then there's the ole' paint trick.
It really all boils down to how much you want to keep this boat and how much time, effort and funds you want to invest in it.
There are other options but that pretty much covers it. Don't get fooled into thinking that a clear coat will solve your problems - it really won't. It would require the same time and effort as a complete repaint and will show any underlaying defects. Plus a two part finish such as AwlGrip or similiar is pretty pricey.
Here's a link to the Interlux company. Take a look around and you might get some idea as to how involved painting a boat really is:http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa/default.asp
I honestly think that is going to be your best route to solve your problem.
Hey - a nice, new, shiney boat - how very nice !!!!!

 

[gcboat]

Re: Paint easily stains....why?

There is a product that will remove pretty much every stain known to mankind. Called MaryKate On & Off. Pretty potent stuff. WM and other's carry it. If you decide to give it a try READ THE INSTRUCTIONS !!!!!!
Bubba got my brain cells working on that one.