How do I get a bumpy finish with gel coat?

[Mark42]

Parts of my boat have a bumpy surface. Supposed to be non-slip, and it is applied where ever the top side is reinforced for walking on. Looks similar to latex paint applied with a cheap-o roller. Was wondering if I used a roller to apply the gel coat would it come out the same?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How do I get a bumpy finish with gel coat?

mark, i read something about glass beams, adding them to the mix. something you mix in the gelcoat.

 

[andy6374]

Re: How do I get a bumpy finish with gel coat?

Gelcoat is slippery when wet. You need to add some non-skid particles
US paints makes an excellent non-skid additive

http://www.jamestowndistributors.co...&familyName=AwlGrip+GripTex+Non+Skid+Additive

Make sure you use about twice the amount recommended. They really need to change this because the spec. they give is way under.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How do I get a bumpy finish with gel coat?

yeah, thats the stuff. glass beads/polymer beads close. can't expect an old man to remember everything.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: How do I get a bumpy finish with gel coat?

Have had good luck using the non-skid additive above. I like to then apply a final coat of paint (without non-skid) over it.

I am anxious to try a product from Cabelas called tuff-coat. I have seen a boat with this finish and I think it is excellent.

 

[sdunt]

Re: How do I get a bumpy finish with gel coat?

I remember reading a post http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=196556 where they talked about using cabasol mixed in Gel Coat and running it on....

 

[flashback]

Re: How do I get a bumpy finish with gel coat?

I have put gelcoat on with a foam roller and have had good results.. enough texture to create quite a good non-slip surface..

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: How do I get a bumpy finish with gel coat?

That "Thicken with cabosil to ketchup..." was something I posted a long time ago...guess what...I should be trying it in the next week or so..will let you know how it comes out.

-JMW