RE-painting gelcoat

[pcatterall]

I think I will strip the paint, but the existing primer is rock solid. So maybe apply new primer over the old, and paint over that. Unless that is a major no-no?

Always possible to repaint over old good sound primer. Problems can be compatability ( do a test) How will you strip down to just keep the primer? There will be areas where you go 'through it onto the gell coat there may be areas where the top coat has not been removed etc. I have done it that way but wondered afterwards if was worth it!

 

[Anwen]

On a side note, I am actually considering to use adhesive film on the topland instead of painting it. I have been in the signmaking industry, and there are amazing things you can do with self-adhesive film these days, lasting many years in a tough marine environment no problem. Imagine, just peel off an old coat and put on a new one. And no arguable devaluation of the gelcoat underneath.

This is a really good idea, but may work out expensive. Budget price for a car is around 1500GBP, and a boat (depending on length) is going to take a lot more vinyl, but on the other hand, it is going to be much more straightforward to apply with fewer compound curves, return edges and trim pieces etc. On the plus side, the vinyl can be printed, so you could get a really eye catching graphic design on the hull.

 

[Colvic Watson]

Sure I heard that some production boat builders are doing it for dark colour finishes. How easy would it be to scarf in a piece in the event of damage?

 

[onesea]

This is a really good idea, but may work out expensive. Budget price for a car is around 1500GBP, and a boat (depending on length) is going to take a lot more vinyl, but on the other hand, it is going to be much more straightforward to apply with fewer compound curves, return edges and trim pieces etc. On the plus side, the vinyl can be printed, so you could get a really eye catching graphic design on the hull.

So where do we find out more? It seems its a mater of cost per/m3 and time taken to fit... Any contacts suggested Google links?

 

[machurley22]

No idea about cost but came across their ad recently.

http://www.wild-graphics.co.uk/2007/index2.htm

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

I think I will strip the paint, but the existing primer is rock solid. So maybe apply new primer over the old, and paint over that. Unless that is a major no-no?

Hi Simon, apologies if I sound negative but.......rock solid or not, from your original post you said the paint was peeling off.
As already said, there must be a reason for that. Either you have to find out what paint is definatly compatable with the primer, which in itself may take a long time (days, weeks, months, years???) or get it all off back to the gel.
You may find a paint company who will possibly test the primer for you to establish if it's compatable with their paint,. (they could say no, or providing you commit yourself to using their paint, but worth a try).

My last boat was painted by the previous owner in single pack. A dreadful mistake in any boat of significant value, imo. Thankfully, the boat was otherwise very good and still managed to sell, but I lost sevaral prospective buyers as soon as they found it had been painted. Hence my concern as to devalueing a boat if you paint when a good gel polish may be an alternative. Another friend selling his boat had very little interest in an excellent modern swedish boat which eventually was sold for well under the price expected and we think it due to being painted.

Certain dark gel coats and paints, blue, green, red do not fair well long term generally, as they tend to milk over and go dull due to ultraviolet light taking its toll. Even so I'd recommend polish and wax to gel to maintain the finish rather than painting.

I now have an older boat with a fairly scratched gel, but I prefer that to the hassles of a painted hull which is less tolerant of a scratch or scrape situation.

Others suggest re gelling. The very best solution if done well and if the boat is worth the trouble/expense. imho

 

[rib]

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