Painting fiberglass

[NewbieBoater]

Hi folks. I've re-painted the bottom hull with anti-fouling paint.<br /><br />At the top part of the hull, there is a blue type paint on the fiberglass and I'm wondering if I can repaint it? If so, have any recommendations on what kind of paint to buy?<br /><br />Also, what can I do to clean up fiberglass/gel-coat?<br /><br />Thank you!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Painting fiberglass

What condition is the paint in????? There are great products at West marine to repaint the hull .There is something called Toplac paint that is a great all around paint.it can be brushed or sprayed.Charlie

 

[NewbieBoater]

Re: Painting fiberglass

The paint is like dry/dull/and flaking (if that makes sense). The boat is an 85 so it's to be expected. just trying to make it look better and perform better as well Is that paint shiney? <br /><br />thanks.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Painting fiberglass

Yes the Toplac is designed to give you a sprayed look when brushed and it has a great shine.You will have to get that old paint off before you put any new paint on.I would start with a pressure wash to see how much of the flaking paint comes off.Then sand the rest.The prep is the most important part of the process.Charlie

 

[NewbieBoater]

Re: Painting fiberglass

crazy charlie,<br /> I've pressure washed already --- thanks for the advice. I'm assuming that I'll need to sand that area. Any recommended sand paper type cause I know they come in different grits, etc, etc, etc.<br /><br />Thank you, you've been a huge help!!!!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Painting fiberglass

Best to stop in an auto body repair shop and pick up a few.start with a medium and work down to a fine.The paint can will tell you exactly what to use.I was a kid when i did it and i did all the steps but pretty half assed and it still came out great.Charlie

 

[lenny2113]

Re: Painting fiberglass

NewbieBoater,<br /><br />Below is a picture of the boat I painted with Introlux single part paint. We used a pro spray gun and results are great. The key to how your finish will look is based upon the preparation work you're willing to put in. I have to tell you this: If I were to do it again I would try to restore original gelcoat by all means. <br />I would not want to go with painting again. <br />Befoore I started I was very excited about it. But then it all begun:<br />You will have to sand sand and sand... Invest in orbital sander from the start. <br />I started with 150 grit for primer prep.<br />250 grit between coats of primer<br />320 grit between coats of paint<br />500 wet after final coat<br />1000 wet final<br />Polish compound.<br /><br />I used primer before spraying paint on the boat. <br />After coat of primer sanding fun begins. <br />Then next coat of primer. <br />Sand again.<br />Paint first coat of paint, sand.<br />Second coat, sand <br />Third coat wet sand.<br />Polish with heavy compound.<br />Light compound.<br />Wax...<br />Done.<br />I hope it helps a little. <br /><br />Easy right

 

[lenny2113]

Re: Painting fiberglass

NewbieBoater,<br />I also forgot to mention one thing.<br />I thought that painting project will take 2 weekends to finish. Soon after I started I realized the labor involved. It took April and May (2 full month) of weekends and evenings to get it done. But the results are rewarding.<br /><br />Good luck with your project.<br />Lenny