Tired-looking gelcoat on deck

[barson]

GRP-hull doesn't look bad at all, but the GRP deck is a tired not-white and chipped/marked/blotched.

Assume I can paint it, but assume also that means future repainting and repainting.

If so, any advice on what to use?

Basic questions, I know, but advice welcome

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[Guest]

A can of International Deck paint .... or similar from Jotun / Blakes etc.

Gives increased non-slip and should last a few years before needing re-coating .... fill nicks and dings with Fine-fill or similar filler. Many will cry NO - but for just filling small holes / dings etc. ... car filler is ok .... as it is not structural .... I often use Micro-balloons with polyester - this is sandable - but epoxy is very difficult to sand.


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ... and of course Yahoo groups :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/

 

[tcm]

i would give it a proper clean first. You need to send a private message (PM) to poster hereabouts "hlb" who has a large stock of what is waggishly described as "boat remover" tho acvtually just a good commercial cleaner. You dilute the stuff about 10 to one or more, rinse off, and then decide if painting needed. At the very least you would have a better base on which to paint.



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[Evadne]

I'd agree that cleaning might save you a job, try an oxalic acid based substance to whiten it, then polish if appropriate.
If you paint, I use Toplac, lasts for about 5 years, less if you're careless. Don't use anything lesser/cheaper. A couple of coats is good but it really it only needs one if well prepared.

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[Becky]

Having spent almost the whole winter in Chi marina doing up my boat, I became very used to the state and appearance of the boats around me. So when one went through an extraordinary transformation, I investigated. If you want a simple relatively cheap but strong clean and polish with UV protection and proofing against scuffs etc, give the guys at GRProclean a call. It was featured in Sailing Today, and seemed to be very good. But I have seen what it can achieve and it is wonderful! A whole Jenneau First 30-something, looking very tired came up dazzling, and for around £250 for the whole topsides. I cannot recommend it enough. A phone call might be worth while, Jon Jones is the owner of the company, Tel/fax01243 554072, mob 07767 476590 Web site www.grpro-clean.co.uk

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[barson]

Very helpful, thanks - but maybe I should said I'm in Australia. Not sure GRProclean works that far afield
But agree that a thorough chemical clean first is a good approach. Heard of the oxalic acid trick. Might contact 'hlb' anyway to see what equivalent there might be. Else is a long trip to pick some up

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[LeonF]

Can you get hold of 3M products out there ? Not the ones we buy in chandlers but the stuff you get direct from distributors. Do a search on the forum. I bought some buffer--can't remember its name then Finesse then a wax polish--all 3M with electric polisher and wool pads slightly damp.From a company called Diverse Marine Solutions I think--memory going. Great finish.

<hr width=100% size=1>L.A.R.Ferguson

 

[BrendanS]

If you did want to go down that route, there are several GRProclean franchises operating in Australia

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.grpro-clean.com/GRPro_Where.html>http://www.grpro-clean.com/GRPro_Where.html</A>

<hr width=100% size=1>Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabris, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam.

 

[DarrellSawyer]

Try a product called Y10 about £10 sterling

Used it on my boat due to a stain, never noticed anything amiss with the rest of the top side.
But it cleaned the stained area so well, had to do the whole bloody boat to stop the clean area standing out.
Just as well minimal effort is required

good luck

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[barson]

Tried the Oxalic Acid route - worked just fine - thank.

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