Boat finish

[Chip Barnes]

I have a 1980 catalina 22. I have two questions. First the previous owner did some patch work on the transom of the boat and the finish looks like flat white spray paint. There are some places that need to be resanded to get the scratches out. after sanding what can i do to bring back the gelcoat sheen? Secondly the nonskid area on the cabin and deck are a light blue and has worn away in places.Wanted to repaint with the catalina cadet gray. which is the beat way to repaint,brush or roller if sraying is not a option. I plan to do alot of masking. If i also paint the slick surface the white ares, how should i paint it. what types of paint would be best for what i am planning to do?thankschip

 

[Pete]

Careful brush painting

with something like Interlux brightside polyurethane (either one- or two-part) will give a good finish that looks almost sprayed. Follow the directions on the can, especially the recommended pretreatments. For the non-skid, you can add a gloss reducer or even grit. The real problem is always where do you stop painting?

 

[Jeff]

try a roller

I did a little topside work this year and I found a roller superior to a brush. Less collateral paint damage! A roller leaves a smoother finish as well. Good luck