Colour matching gel coat

[WindyWindyWindy]

I'm just trying to get a better colour match on some already white gel coat filler and I'm struggling to find actual polyester resin pigment here in Spain.

I read that alcohol inks aren't compatible with polyester, is that right?

Also, I read that acrylic paint can be used, is that right and is kiddies poster paint suitable?

Finally you can buy coloured mica powder, is that what I should be using?

 

[tross]

You should be able to get your boat builder to tell you the pantone shade of your topside/ hull. You can then order a small batch of gelcoat to match

 

[WindyWindyWindy]

Thank you, I had no idea they did that!

Been googling for bloody hours and failed completely..

 

[ChromeDome]

The builder (if still existing) or a fellow owner may know the colour code when new. Fade and ageing must have changed the original on your boat, though

 

[AngusMcDoon]

Thank you, I had no idea they did that!

Been googling for bloody hours and failed completely..

The colour of the gelcoat many boat builders used is specified by a RAL code. You can order pre-mixed gelcoats of RAL colours in the UK, although I don't know about where you are. Here are some, for example...

Flowcoat/Topcoat RAL Colours (inc catalyst)- East Coast Fibreglass Supplies

 

[WindyWindyWindy]

The colour of the gelcoat many boat builders used is specified by a RAL code. You can order pre-mixed gelcoats of RAL colours in the UK, although I don't know about where you are. Here are some, for example...

Flowcoat/Topcoat RAL Colours (inc catalyst)- East Coast Fibreglass Supplies

Strange, I guess it works for you, but I can't get to their site, it just times out.

 

[ChromeDome]

Flowcoat/Topcoat RAL Colours (inc catalyst)- East Coast Fibreglass Supplies

Works for me, looks as of they can mix almost any.

Car paint shops do this all the time when partially painting cars: Detect the true colour.

If you're not going to get a Spectrophotometer like the pros (££££) look for an app for your mobile (Color Grab or similar). Might at least give you an idea.

 

[BobnLesley]

I bought two part white gel coat repair paste and small bottles of black and yellow dye to mix in to match by trial and error. I discovered - by way of a fairly large error - that the perfect match for our Vega was to add two drips of yellow plus an inch of cigarette ash.