Applying gelcoat to the deck

[Robin]

Ok, so I know this topic has been beaten to death but after a thorough search of the archives and searches through sailnet articles I havent come across anyone who has done what I want to do so I have to ask. I am considering buying one of the "Finish" gelcoat products and applying it to my deck (which as far as I can tell has never been painted and bears the original gelcoat). I was going to use the finish product because it doesnt appear to require a plastic covering and avoidance of air exposure like other gelcoat products. Has anyone done this or anything similar? I want to avoid grinding off the raised nonskid areas if possible. I have a few places on the deck where the gelcoat is worn off down to the fiberglass and I know this needs to be protected, but I think trying to match the color would be a futile attempt and I'd rather just cover the whole thing in one or two coats.Thanks!

 

[Ron Barow]

"Computer Match" is not only for online dating.

Robin: Try having the gel-coat computer matched. The boatyard in Stockton, MO uses a company in Stover, MO. to computer match the gel-coat - PAINTS PLUS, 800-472-4551. You send a sample piece of the boat so that they can match the color; they ship you the gel-coat. I used the stuff to patch spider cracks, scratches, etc. in the deck and it worked great. I think the cost was around $50/quart but it was worth it. (A quart goes a long way.) The match was perfect on the white, and the grey non-skid was close enough. The hardest part was finding a piece of the boat to send away - I used a small hatch. (BTW, they send the hatch back, too.) My two cents: 1. Patching a few spots is easier than doing the whole deck. If you must do the whoe deck, have it professionally done. 2. Gel-Coat is really pretty easy to work with once you understand the concept of "put-it-on, sand-it-off; put-it-on, sand-it-off." Remember that the shine comes form sanding and polishing, not from applying it smoothly. There are lots of good resources for "How-TO" gel-coat repair - be sure to check them out. 3. Don't try working when it is too hot and/or very humid. You will just be frustrated by the results.4. Be sure to spray or brush-on (carefully) the PVA mold release after you have put on the gel-coat patch. It really helps the curing process and just washes off with water when the gel-coat is set. Good Luck. RB

 

[NS]

nonskid replacement

You should have a look at a product called Durabak before getting into the gelcoat. I think this would do an excellent job if you do the whole deck. See also: http://www.westerly-owners.co.uk/html/body_fulmar_refurbishment.htmlDurabak will send you a sample if you call them.

 

[Jim WIllis]

Non-skid replacement

If you go to the Gelcoat and Plastics forum, you will see that I wrote up a little essay on replacing stippled gelcoat non-skid with the help of Fiberglass Hawaii of Santa Cruz (Mr. COllignon) They also have all the materials that can be sent to you by road.I also wrote one on moulded gelcoat non-skid but not sure whether this is up there. If not I will remind Phil.Hope this is of some help. I have two other articles "in the works" on this subject and I believe sailnet had something about the stick on type of replacement.ThanksJim W

 

[Tammy]

Sailnet article on non-skid

Sue & Larry had an article on applying Treadmaster to the deck of their new boat after removing teak decking.