Interlux Brightsides Over GelCoat?

[DukesFin]

I ground down some nicks, scratches and chips on the boat today and got a thin coat of resin over the exposed glass...

Then I started looking the whole boat hull over and decided that I'd paint the whole hull. I like Interlux Brightsides medium blue color for sides and white for the bottom. I'll be priming it with the recommended primer from Interlux.

My question is, can I sand down the existing gel coat and apply the Interlux primer over it or do I need to either get the whole hull down to glass (not likely), or can I only use gelcoat over gelcoat?

If I can put it over gelcoat, I'm assuming that I clean and sand the exisiting gel coat to give the primer something to hold on to, but what grit would be appropriate?

Thanks!

I'll post the "project" as I move forward!!!

Oh, it's a 20' Cabo 204 Centercon (center console) if that matters at all!

 

[drewpster]

Re: Interlux Brightsides Over GelCoat?

1) Dewax- with solvent get it extra clean
2) sand with 220 lightly Make any repairs to get the surface smooth
3) Prime
4) sand primer
5) paint

good to go

this is a oversimplified version of steps for paint. Prep is key to a good job. The idea that gelcoat cannot be painted is a myth. It must be dewaxed thoroughly to remove all traces of mold release before painting.

go here for more info on Interlux paints
http://www.yachtpaint.com/

 

[keepNitreel]

Re: Interlux Brightsides Over GelCoat?

They have video intructions on youtube.

 

[DukesFin]

Re: Interlux Brightsides Over GelCoat?

Great!

The short answer is "yes" I can paint over the gelcoat, but I have to be absolutely sure I've gotten all wax/release/gunk off of the gelcoat FIRST, right?

Thanks!

 

[jonesg]

Re: Interlux Brightsides Over GelCoat?

Unless its a brand new hull that release compound, whatever they used, is looong gone. Previous wax jobs are the problem but if your gel looks chalky and in need of paint its going to be an easier job than a gelcoat with a mirror finish. I'm planning on doing the same, interlux is so easy to work with.

 

[keepNitreel]

Re: Interlux Brightsides Over GelCoat?

The person doing the demo from Jamestown distributors in the youtube video said even if the boat is 40 yrs old it still needs to be dewaxed first before sanding. So is he just saying that to make more dewaxer sales? You know I wouldn't doubt it, people are always trying to sell you things you don't need.

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Interlux Brightsides Over GelCoat?

I would dewax regardless better safe than sorry and you dont have to buy their dewaxer .


Rick

 

[DukesFin]

Re: Interlux Brightsides Over GelCoat?

Mine WAS chalky before I buffed/polished it 3 months ago, but I'll work very hard cleaning it and removing any wax that is still there.

I know it's a lot of "elbow grease", but I can't stand doing a job twice that I could have done once had I only taken extra care the first time around!

I guess dad DID teach me something... It's just taken 36 years for me to heed his advice!!!

Yep, clean the hull, fill and repair anything that needs it, sand with 200 grit and clean again, then prime! Sand the primer and put the 1st coat of Brightsides on!

Oh, it's going to be a fun few weeks coming up!!!

 

[jonesg]

Re: Interlux Brightsides Over GelCoat?

The person doing the demo from Jamestown distributors in the youtube video said even if the boat is 40 yrs old it still needs to be dewaxed first before sanding. So is he just saying that to make more dewaxer sales? You know I wouldn't doubt it, people are always trying to sell you things you don't need.

its the wax jobs that owners put on their boats over the yrs that gets in the cranny's, mold release is hosed off onsite.

When I was molding I applied 6 coats of wax initially then pva, all it took is a warm soapy water wash with a soft rag and its gone.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Interlux Brightsides Over GelCoat?

Dewaxing is always a sticky issue. Some say don?t worry about it. But the point is not always limited to wax. A good solvent wash does more than remove wax, it cleans the surface. You can never be sure what has adhered to the surface over the age of the hull. In my opinion it is ALWAYS a good practice to wash the hull down with a strong solvent prior to priming or painting. Wax aside, there is all kinds of surface contaminates that can make paint fisheye, run, or peel. There is nothing more frustrating than a paint problem that could have been avoided altogether with a little extra prep.
Do the wash just to be sure, and prevent problems down the road. Dewax prior to sanding. Use solvent to wash to sanding residue- Prevent problems caused by unseen contaminates. Seems logical to me.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Interlux Brightsides Over GelCoat?

Mine WAS chalky before I buffed/polished it 3 months ago, but I'll work very hard cleaning it and removing any wax that is still there.

I know it's a lot of "elbow grease", but I can't stand doing a job twice that I could have done once had I only taken extra care the first time around!

I guess dad DID teach me something... It's just taken 36 years for me to heed his advice!!!

Yep, clean the hull, fill and repair anything that needs it, sand with 200 grit and clean again, then prime! Sand the primer and put the 1st coat of Brightsides on!

Oh, it's going to be a fun few weeks coming up!!!

the directions on the can ...err... can't see it because I drizzled paint all over the side of the can, but I recall it saying fresh glass only needed sanding with 320 and an acetone wipe, then apply paint.

My boat had the worst looking finish on the stern ,
the guy brushed gelcoat on and every brush stroke showed, it was hilarious.

I ground it all off and brushed white brightside on with an .89 cent wooden disposeable brush and it looks great, second coat really shines, you'd think it was sprayed. No primer. Compared to awlgrip this stuff is almost idiot proof.

But I think on the console and gunnels I'll prime.