painting a bass boat

[bassfisher6901]

Hello can anyone tell me whats better? Have to repaint my boat should i use gel coat or can i use automotive finish. Really don care for gel coat colours but do not want to screw my boat up. Any help would be great Thanks in advance !!!

[crankn101]

Google "Imron painting tips" and youll get all the info needed. Plus search through here and there is info everywhere.

[genemelow]

Get with your local paint store for info. Dont think paint is going to hold up like gel.Your best bet is gel.

[bassfisher6901]

Thanks the problem is some say automotive others say gel coet and I am have a hard time finding the right stuff but Idid check out the imron tips

[northrivergeek]

imron paint, is good stuff.. BUT .. very dangerous to spray without proper spray booth and proper fresh air respirator !

Ive sprayed many boats with urethane paint, holds up well, but gel coat is the best for scratch resistance and longevity .. but a good quality paint job with urethane will easily last 7-10 years if you take care of it, and apply it properly in the first place.

Prep is the key to any paint job, no matter what you use.. wash the boat very well with a good boat wash, then wipe down with a wax and silicone remover.

now is the time to fill old screw holes cracks etc .. use a epoxy filler like marine tex, then block sand those.

You then need to sand the old gelcoat, start with 220, then 320. then wash again, and use wax and silicone remover again..

Then spray with a polyester primer, and block sand, then again clean all the dust off , and spray with epoxy primer after all smooth.
Then after the epoxy prime, wet sand with 400, then 600 grit, then after cleaning the dust etc .. and wipe down with wax and silicone remover.. your ready to spray base coat.. then clear coat.

Sounds like a lot of work .. but still easier than gelcoat .. gelcoat requires much more sanding... gelcoat when sprayed on a boat, has a orange peel texture that must be wet sanded down starting with 320, 400, 600, then 800, then compounded, and polished with high speed buffer.

Neither do you want to do without a covered garage or spray booth, and I can not stress enuff proper respirator for either one.

You can do either but over all the urethane paint is easier