the topsides

[Fred Presler]

Just aquired a 76 Cat 27. Never raced, but the hull and topsides have been exposed to the elements for quite a few years. A bit grubby, and a few small cracks here and there. Where do I start if I want to refinish the topsides? I was thinking maybe a contrasting color on the "non-skid". Thanks in advance.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners]

Elbow grease

I'd try using products to restore what you've got before moving to painting. I've heard great things about Island Girl and Poliglow products in restoring your gelcoat. Then, if you want to paint the nonskid, it's pretty painless. Mask off the area, sand lightly (if you plan on painting, don't bother with the restoration on the non skid), roll a small patch of paint, shake nonskid material on (I punched holes in the can, a la salt shaker), roll another small patch, shake, etc till finished. Allow this to dry completely, vacuum off the excess "salt" and apply another coat of paint. I used Interlux Brightsides with satisfactory success.LaDonnaPS: Don't worry about the spider cracks - they're cosmetic and a real bear to repair.

 

[Jim WIllis]

Some choices for you.

1. Whether you choose to go with the original gelcoat (which is suprisingly easy to restore) or paint, you should take care of thesmall stress cracks and chips as outlined in detail above under "Fiberglass Trilogy II)- this even deals with the mysterious art of color matching!.2. If your non-skid still has good grip, it is easy to destain and restore with Island Girl Pink, water rinsing, drying and our non-skid sealant (total cost about $30.00 and about 1-2 hours.3. If you want to go with "grit" type non-skid, follow La Donna's instructions on this, except that I would absolutely go with TWO PART paint (epoxy or urethane). This is a day or two's work, but the eventual grip and durability it better than with the original gelcoat. If you use two part paint, you can use mild solvents or Island Girl Pink to remove stains, old boat sealant, varnish drips etc whereas single part paint will dissolve and the grit will escape!We know now that out non-skid sealant can be used on two-part painted non-skid (see Reviews on Chandlery, Maintenance Section).4. If the topsides gelcoat is not compounded through, and cleans up OK, I would stay with it, although painting it (again 2-part Interlux is good) will be more durable and more weather resistant. If the gelcoat is badly pitted, very light wet sanding (600-800 grit) is safer than compounding (f you slip with the wheel, you can ruin the gelcoat). I prefer to use the 3M synthetic steel wool pads ("000" grade) on a wood block, or a rubber block around curves. If the surface is not rough enough to feel with the finger nail do not bother.5. SEA GLOW (used withthe 3M pad and paper towel) can bring the white gelcoat up snowy white, apply a sealing coat of SiKENSEAL (or even the non-skid sealant) then out New SIMPLY BRILLIANT Superwax (one or two coats). This procedure takes 1-4 hours. Look at our "online instruction book" (above on thi page) for details). Ou SUperglaze (avialable Jan 2002) can be used for a futher tough coat or touch up for virtually everlasting shine without need for stripping.6. If you use a water-based acrylic Newglass available on this site, Poliglow, Vertglass etc), go above the instructions given with the product and treat as if you were painting the boat. Use Wash with detergent and wet sand, then use their cleaner and apply 6 or seven coats. Otherwise eventual flaking/cracking will occur - acrylic is hard but brittle. Get a written warranty against yellowing, if applied over a white boat!. Hope this is of some help.Jim Willis