Roll and tip gelcoat?

[Robj]

Hello,

I will be re-gelcoating the inside of a little fishing boat that I am working on. Any pointers on how to get the best results?

Thanx and have a great day,

Rob.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Roll and tip gelcoat?

It has got to be spraying Robj if you want it smooth and shiney. I had to do some gelcoat on the keel of a little runabout one time. It had to fix some beaching wear at the keel. I ended up re-gelling two areas on either side of the keel about 12"X12". I applied it using a brush and a plastic spreader. Big mistake! It felt like I would be sanding until I was a little old man. After compounding it for what seemed like a month it finally shined a little. Nowadays I paint. I have never sprayed gelcoat. But I assure you if I ever have to do any gelcoat again, I am going to find out how to spray it.

 

[Robj]

Re: Roll and tip gelcoat?

Thanx Drewpster,

I am trying to avoid spraying at all costs.....if I can. Not expecting perfection, just something that looks decent. It is only a fishing boat.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Roll and tip gelcoat?

Just roll it on, it will leave a somewhat uniform texture on the surface and will be fine if that type finish will work for you. Just don't over load the roller or you'll get an uneven pattern.

Or paint it, it will cost less, be easier and you can get almost any color you want at the local store.

 

[Robj]

Re: Roll and tip gelcoat?

I thought of painting it, but read that it takes about 8 coats with wet sanding inbetween? Sounds like too much work for this boat. That is why i was thinking of using gelcoat, 1 coat and I am done. What type of roller should I use?

Ondarvr when are you going up to Kelowna again?? Looks like Oops boat won't see the water for a while yet. I will be going up there in early August for a least a week. Hopefully there will be some Sockeye fishin in the Fraser this year, in that case will only stay in Kelowna for a week, but no fishin, may stay longer. If the Sockeye are open, you should give it a try, lots of fun, or come up for the day and I'll take you out.

Thanx and have a great day,

Rob.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Roll and tip gelcoat?

Not sure about the 8 coats and sanding? If your not trying for a great finish, as in texture is OK, then painting can be easy and will give a much better finish than rolled gel coat. If you want a smooth finish, gel coat will be much more difficult than paint.

With no sanding after application gel coat will be dull and have a somewhat rough surface, It will be better if sprayed, but will still be dull with an orange peel surace and need sanding and buffing for any gloss at all. It will fill defects in the original surface though, so it can hide some pretty nasty stuff.

If your has boat a mold finish gel coat surface inside and you want to keep that nice smooth glossy finish, then painting is by far the easiest way.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Roll and tip gelcoat?

I'm in Kelowna right now and heading home this afternoon, then Im leaving for Alaska Sunday for a week of fishing. I should be back up here sometime in early August but not sure when yet. If you're headed out for sockeye I'm in.

 

[Robj]

Re: Roll and tip gelcoat?

I'm in Kelowna right now and heading home this afternoon, then Im leaving for Alaska Sunday for a week of fishing. I should be back up here sometime in early August but not sure whan yet. If you're headed out for sockeye I'm in.

Sounds good. Providing there is an opening. Last year there wasn't.

Good luck in Alaska!!

Rob.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Roll and tip gelcoat?

Another option is to use something like Cabellas' Tuff Coat. It is easy to apply and wears well.

Gel-coat would be my last choice.