Painting the topside gelcoat

[Hofty]

Hey folks,

I have a 1988 ski boat. I want to paint over the gelcoat which is in relatively good condition. A bit of weathering and stains. I have read a fair bit about what is required to be done for a neat finish. Is it possible to just paint over the gelcoat with an enamel paint or is it correct to assume I need to apply a epoxy primer, sand it over the apply a polyurethane top coat? Not looking for professional look rather a fresh look under a budget.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Scott Danforth]

first, prior to any painting or gel coating is the sanding.

you need to sand the entire surface you plan to paint. talking a DA and 80 grit and at least a few days of sanding once you remove the hardware. failure to prep the surface will result in the paint separating from the substrate. then you should prime.

however looking at your photos, simply fire up the buffer first, you may have to wetsand at 800 grit first, however I would do that prior to painting. you do not have cracks showing in the photos, it looks like the boat just needs some lovin with a variable speed polisher (not a random orbital waxer) and the appropriate cutting compounds. you will need a few cans of elbow grease too.