Ever rolled or brushed gelcoat successfully?

[didomen]

Hi folks,
has anyone successfully used a brush or roller to apply gelcoat? I would like to re-do the topsides of my 1987 Blaxer Drifter but prefer to not deal with the overspray in my garage. Thanks for any tips.

John

[cart7]

I successfully applied minwax Helmsman urethane to a boat by wet sanding between coats. The stuff worked great, looked good and lasted around 4 - 5 years.

[Emmett]

Cart7, Where can I get some of the Minwax Helmsman Urethane? Sounds like what I need on my project boat.

[cart7]

Walmart. It's pricey though. It's a heavy duty indoor/outdoor urethane.
Like working with any urethane, don't shake when you initially get it, stir gently to avoid airbubbles from forming. Depending on the severity of the brush or roller marks, you may need to start as low as a 400 grit wet/dry paper, then 800 and finally 1200. Most of the finer W/D papers are available at ACE hardware stores.

Good luck and post pictures.

[Emmett]

Thanks for the tips.

[Rollo331]

This sounds interesting,If you decide to do it post pics or e mail them to me and i will...

[merklerob]

urethane is closer to a paint then gel coat. at one time i worked for a compay that blended gel coat. i got 5 gallons that was specially blended to brush. there were lots of brush marks and a lot of sanding to get a smooth coat. i really dont recommend doing it.

the better approach is the suggested urethane. it dry [really cures] slower and thus you get some smoothing. follow the directions closely. its also avaiable at most boat stores and atue paint shops.