gel coating

[mickey117]

I'm removing carpet and trying to gel coat floor. I started sanding with 80 grit paper and smoothing out the floor. I'm trying to do a gray gel coat. Can anyone help?

 

[gcboat]

Re: gel coating

My question to you is why gel coat? Do you have any idea how difficult it is to apply that product? If you're not familiar with its uses or applications I would highly recommend you stay away from it and just use a single part polyurethane or possibly a two part epoxy based product. Either will give you good service and there would be no need to spend extra bucks on the gel coat.
Getting you deck clean is your most important step. In ANY paint application it usually runs 99% prep and 1% paint. Miss that one step and all of your work will not last. Depending on the condition of your existing deck there are a number of ways to go about it, but you will need more than just the good ole' 80#. Take a look through here: http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa/default.asp

 

[mickey117]

Re: gel coating

what is the polyurathane and epoxy mixture? and what type of sandpaper do u recommend? thanx for all of ur help.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: gel coating

Get your self a 4 inch angle grinder,a adaptor for a 10' sand paper and some 80 or 100 grit paper. Take your time now that combination will cut wood like butter, find the high spot's and grind them eyeball level, then lightly go over the whole floor.

I did this to a old deck once, it took me two hour's to completely remove and level the old stain and smooth out the wood.......the deck was 15' by 20' a boat floor may take 1 hour and being very precise at that.....

From there its simple, seal it with epoxy sand again, and you should have a very smooth surface to work with...

That's a pretty good way to prep the flloor, as to the interlux that could be a very good solution if your not somewhat fimilar with gel or dont want to experiment


http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=214519

 

[mickey117]

Re: gel coating

you said to us a grinder that sounds a little scary to me do you think its ok to on a fiberglass floor and the side of the boat? what about the corners, isn't it gonna go through the glass if it goes through wood like butter. and u mentioned knocking down all the high and low spots. what do u mean? how smooth do u think it should be? a palm sander won't work? please help me and thanks

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: gel coating

Just on the floor not the boat it's self......... I read your are taking up the carpet if so yes it's ok to use one the floor, and yes it is very powerful but very easy to control. I cannot see a situation where you couldnt just use 100 grit and lightly level and clean the floor in minute's and yes you will have to do the corner's by hand.

This is just time mgmt...........DO NOT USE IT ON THE BOAT NOPE NOTTA NEVA>>>>>>

 

[mickey117]

Re: gel coating

ok thanx as far as the sanding the boat goes i was talking about sanding the inside of the boat which iguess is ok rite?the inside of the hull is just fiberglass with a gelcoat on outside,have you ever heard of tuff coat if so what do you think about this product.or is there something better?

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: gel coating

There is no one shot cure all for all thing's as to the floor you willbe ok with the grinder i think......do not get carried away....... as to any new componet such as the hull,,,,,, post a pic and ask questions's

 

[mickey117]

Re: gel coating

will do guys thanx for all the advise. this place this great