Gel-Coat

[Rick Ellis]

I am getting ready to redo my gel-coat due to Katrina damage. Has any one out there ever done this? I have some experience usuing spray guns, but have never applied Gel-coat. Any tricks or things I should know would be helpful.

 

[flyhop]

GelCoat Help...

Get Don Casey's book "Sailboat Hull and Deck Repair". There's some outstanding advise and how-to's there. He has some small advise internet articles at U.S.Boat's website...can't remember exactly. Do a Google search for Don Casey and I'm sure you'll find it. The work isn't hard. It just requires patience.Good luck.

 

[Ed]

How big a job?

Are you fixing small areas or all over? You write "spray gun" so I assume a larger area. If so, what about LPU?

 

[RICK ELLIS]

LPU

I AM PLANNING ON DOING THE WHOLE BOAT. NOT SURE WHAT A LPU IS.

 

[Ed]

LPU

Linear Polyurethane. Different brands available. See Awlgrip.If the link works, you can see what I had done to my boat with LPU, before and after.

 

[Rick Ellis]

Hey Ed

Looks good. I just really hate to paint fiberglass. You know once you do, you're a slave to painting (and sanding). How's it holding up?

 

[Ed]

LPU: More than just paint

I've seen 10 year old LPU that looks fine. It's a fairly standard approach to refinishing plastic boats. Ask around for the price difference between gel coat replacement and LPU. It'll look even better.