gel coated the hull today.

[Reel Smoker]

I agree with Ed take a break from it for a couple of days.When you start putting it back together it will look good especially if you put a black rub rail.

[Craig Mac]

EBeach

Can only echo the sentiments already expressed: Boat looks great, and by the way, FLY is in my humble opinion a GREAT classic SC colour.
In all restorations at some time you'll wonder if its all worth it. It is.

[ocuyler]

Ebeach,

I've waited to weigh in on this. As you know I went through the same process as you did and finally got the boat painted. Although it looked great (I did like the color after repainting one I didn't like), I was so close to the work and all the little imperfections that it kind of pushed me over the edge a little. I took a couple weeks off and came back and wet sanded the boat inside and out. It still doesn't look as good as I'd like, but everyone else that sees it thinks it's amazing.

I finally decided that to do the job right, I needed to take my time and really do it right. That means not using it this summer and (most dissapointing) not having it ready for the classicseacraft gathering August 8 & 9 in Newport.

Thank God for the the 4 boat theory. So I decided to take some time to enjoy the boats that do run, so I splashed the Carver 32 and it's tender to enjoy time with my family. I'll get back to the project when I feel motivated....

Hang in there. She looks terrific!

[EBEACH]

Thanks for the positive feedback. I saw it again yesterday in much better lighting. I think I'll keep her [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Not exactly the right color, but it will do.

[LITTLEBISHOP]

Hi Ebeach, I was wondering if you can tell me what the difference between GELCOAT and 2 part polyurethane is? Fightinglady yellow is a us paint product. (ALWGRIP) is that the same as what you call gelcoat? I know some guys use sterling 2 part urethane paint, or interlux polyurethane 1 part. I used some interlux polyurethane, but it does not come close to the original GELCOAT. Any ideas on which product will come close to orig finish? And how did you apply the fighting lady yellow? Spray or roll and tip? Thanks Marc

[EBEACH]

Marc,

Gel coat is the same finish as was applied at the factory. Gel coat is a polyester based finish, which is used just like polyester fiberglass resin. I see you're doing some work on your transom with West epoxy. Unfortunately, you can't use gel coat over epoxy. Trying to match your gel coat can be VERY difficult. It can be done, but really is a hit or miss thing (mostly miss). I would think that gel coat would be great for trying to blend a repair. Basically, you get white gel coat and then mix a small amount of color to match your hull. One nice thing , gel coat is the same color wet or dry.

I sprayed the gel coat using a cup gun designed for gel coats. It can be brushed on but won’t lay out flat like paint. The finish is sanded AFTER applying the gel coat. It is this process that most people think requires too much work. Personally, I think that is the beauty of using gel coat. Any mistakes are sanded out.

[LITTLEBISHOP]

Hi Ebeach, Thanks....When you added color, which manufacturer's product did you use. I'm wondering if allgrip is mixed with gelcoat? or are gelcoat "colors" made by another company? And who makes the gelcoat product? Thanks Marc