clear coat

[Stassson]

My clear coat on my '85 is long gone on the top part wich is gray. It's a 20 c/c Chapperal black and gray the black is getting kinda faded. Friend of mine said I could use a pray paint can with clear coat in it. Does anybody no if this will work or will it make it worse. Also do those cleaners that claim to work on faded oxydized paint work or are they a ripp off? Thanks

 

[DJ]

Re: clear coat

Srasson,<br /><br />Clear coat (automotive) is a completely different animal than gel coat (fiberglass).<br /><br />I doubt spraying clear coat over the glass would have any long lasting effect.<br /><br />The best route would be to paint.

 

[wezie]

Re: clear coat

Might try a small spot. If you understand it is a fix and may not last as long, this may be a way to get back on the water.<br />Paint is an option.<br />Two part polyurethane is an option as a clear coat replacement. Not too much fun though.<br /><br />"Restorers" that work in removing oxidized fiberglass and polishing the finish, are mostly compound and may contain wax. They will not "restore" the factory appearance as new, but shine it up nicely bringing back some of the color. Waxing keeps the finish sealed and slows oxidization.<br />There are some products like penetrol that "wet" the surface with an oil and seal it to some extent. Don't know the long term results. Some have said the look lasts and some say it doesn't.

 

[DJP]

Re: clear coat

Whoa! Before attempting to spray clear coat on your finish, I suggest finding some Penetrol at either your local West Marine or other marine supply store. One 12 ounce container will more than adequately provide you with a clean clear coat over your faded paint. However, Penetrol is not a permanent fix but a good interm resolution to a ugly problem. Otherwise you will have to sand, repaint, and then re-clear coat, and that will cost you. Try the Penetrol, I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Penetrol itself when dry is like a shellac (did I spell that right?), it is very thin, almost like paint thinner, so don't expect it to be thick like house paint, or even spray paint for that matter. Very light brush strokes carefully applied will produce no runs and a smooth shiney hard finish that will last.....A while.

 

[fredcrn]

Re: clear coat

I agree. I just did my '83 which had faded pretty badly. I applied the penetrol with a soft cloth and buffed it dry after about 5 minutes, with fantastic results. Not sure how long it lasts, but even if I have to do this a couple times each season, it's not a big job and looks great. It'll be interesting to see how it stands up to the salt water.<br />Just my .02<br />Fred

 

[Spidybot]

Re: clear coat

Penetrol or similar is far better than any spraycan.<br /><br />Both Penetrol and ABC add a layer to the surface. Lasts pretty good but must be removed with special detergent before paint can be used, if at any point you should decide for that.<br /><br />BTW: The special lustre in gelcoat cannot be made by painting. Paint has more gloss which will make any minor scratch or buckle stand out like a candle in the dark.

 

[capercanuck]

Re: clear coat

I used a system called VERTGLASS. I think there are 3 or 4 steps to it, but it worked really well for me. I was told about it by a friend who used it. If you do decide to go with one of these systems, be sure to follow the directions to the letter. Another friend of mine used the VERTGLASS and ended up sealing in the oxidation that he was trying to get rid of, then blamed the poor outcome on the product. It wasn't the product, he just didn't expend the energy to remove the oxidation, which was one of the steps in the application process. It was lots of work, but technically really easy. Wash, Light Abrasive, Apply Sealant. It is probably the best stuff I've seen yet. Also, a friend of mine runs a body shop and paints boats. He uses a paint called IMRON. He painted his own 32' Trojan last year and it turned out great. Hope some of this information helps.

 

[Stassson]

Re: clear coat

Thanks for all the help. I will lok up these products waiting for all the rain to pass so I can get some time on this boat Thanks for all the help