Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2004 21:17:05 -0500
Reply-To: Joe Federici <joefederici@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Joe Federici <joefederici@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: refinishing fiberglass
In-Reply-To: <001f01c40640$6e8a0870$d9032a45@ttower17def>
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Doug-
I've worked a bit with Gel coat and epoxy on kayaks and have sprayed
it through a gun to add color and graphics. Before you go that rout I
would look into a marine bottom paint rather then auto paint. I
belive there are a few type of marine paints on the market that are
epoxy based and harden very tough.
If you do decided to go with the gel coat. I would look at buying a
cup gun as you will need a very big needle in the gun to spray it,
bigger then what's used to spay primer on a car. Also make sure it
uses a paper insert because everything will need to be cleaned before
the gel coat starts setting up. Since your looking to change the
color from dark to light your looking at more then a few coats. Most
gel coats I've work with even if you paint on with a brush are very
thin and don't hold pigment well.
If you can't find a bottom paint that works I would check with a
local boat repair place and see what they charge to get it done.
Maybe look into painting it then spray clear gel coat over it.
JFF
>Hi,
>
>I know I recently saw some dialogue on refinishing the pop top. But
>I have a couple quick questions.
>I just picked up some white gel coat from Tap plastics, I got the
>proper thinning material and the additive to get it to cure while
>exposed to air. The instructions say you can shoot it on with a
>spray gun which I intend to do.
>
>I have a "tan" colored pop top and I mainly want to switch to the
>bright white for heat reasons and looks, because my Syncro is med
>met blue. In reading about the gel coat, apparently it has little
>gloss and does not really "flow" like paint. (which is why I want to
>spray rather then brush or roll) I understand you can polish it
>later to a nice gloss but its some fair work.
>
>Other option is to use a high quality automotive paint and call it a
>day. get the gloss right out of the gun.
>
>I am specifically wondering if it matters much, the Gel coat is
>cheap basically about 35 bucks for everything.
>and its a resin product which is extremely durable.
>
>Has anybody used the gel coat with good success. Does it look ok on
>the top, seems like the top can be non glossy and still look good
>especially if bright clean white.
>
>What was the best recommendations. Remembering I need to change the
>color from tan to white.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Doug
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