What paint DIY refurb on my hull

Skeltonsc

Member
Hi Guys,

I have finally fetched my baby and now its time to start the Refurb.

I have been searching around the net to try find out what paint to use on my Fiberglass hull.

Basically there are plenty options and cheap 2K vs Expensive Gel coat Epoxy etc.

I know in an ideal world Gel is the way to go but I'm looking for advise from the  guys in the know.

I normally launch in places where there are no slipways which means unhooking the trailer pushing it into the water then dragging the trailer out with the car and a belt.

The Boat has Keel Strips so this should take the brunt of the abuse when dragging the boat out of the water and up onto the trailer.

1. the boat will be dragged along the sand and mud on occasion when launching and retrieving, not beach sand but vaal dam mud and I don't think 2K will be good enough for this.

2. I've heard of 2 part Epoxy paints will probably be the way to go. Some schools of thought recommend swimming pool epoxy paint as its cheap and should last as long as Marine epoxy paint? just as long as preparation has been done correctly?

3. I'm going to leave the Hull white and not do any color changes so minor scratches wont bother me so much. but  I don't really want to have to re paint every time I trailer home.

Remember this is not a R250k boat so I cannot justify spending more than around R2K on paint so cost is a big factor.

What do the beach launch guys do?
 

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ok something you might know, but just adding it in any case.

gelcoat is a resin which is mixed with a hardener, but to get it to cure you need to remove all oxygen.

thus when molding a hull, the mold, gelcoat will only start to cure when the first layers of fiber and resin is applied as the oxygen will be removed.

so you are left with pool coat, which needs just a reactor/ hardener to get it to cure.

your problem here is applying it onto the hull in a smooth way without droplets forming.

cause working that down to smoothness is a nightmare.

ok, next up is epoxy based paints.
they are the best and very hard, they will stick to the hull very good.

if I had to, I would follow this option.

all the best in your endeavor
 

Lacost

New member
HI

Just to add you get a flow coat which you mix with a hardner the same as pool coat then you get it mixed with styrafoam this makes it posable to spray paint it on.
Any good fiberglass shop shuld be able to help.
in Pretoria there is Davidsons in PTA West ( If they still open ) a small shop but they are the real deal . There is also the main Davidsons shop In germaston area.
They can also mix the Flow coat so it can ne applyed vertical, up side down all with a spray gun..
Hope this helps

http://davidsonsfibreglass.co.za/general-repairs-mould-making/
 

Silverspider

New member
Do you really need to paint it ? Does it look so bad ?

If you really have to paint it, I'd go with Glatex 8, rolled on with a fine roller. 2K is definitely the most cost effective solution, and something like Awlgrip/coat will cost you way more than the R2k budget, even for 2 litres.

Also look at International Perfection paints - used on yachts and can be hand painted or sprayed, but again not that cheap.
 

MichaelK

Sealiner
Before applying pool coat or any other product advised.
Do yourself a favour and research removal of Tanin stains from gelcoats.

Here is an article that you guys may find interesting
http://www.pbo.co.uk/gear/10-gelcoat-cleaners-tested-26286
 

MichaelK

Sealiner
You can purchase Hull cleaners from any of your boating shops. However if you would like to purchase online here is a link for takealot.com

They selling starbrite Hull cleaner at R425

https://www.takealot.com/starbrite-hull-cleaner/PLID41530912?gclid=EAIaIQobChMItLPVrq7c2AIVzrXtCh3JUg8dEAQYASABEgLKr_D_BwE

Note that all boats should be polished with a wax based product at least once every 6 months to prevent this type of staining. So once you have used the product and have removed the stains, you then seal it with a wax based polish. Your boating shop will best advise you on what polishing product to use
 
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