Gelcoat Non-skid deck

[bigi]

I have a couple of my deck hatches repaired and ready for new gelcoat nonskid. I'm going to roll it on as Kmoose and others suggested. Before I get started I'm looking for feedback and/or guidance.

1. Roll out base coat. I can't figure out how to get the relief cured and the rest left ready for the next layer so I figure I'll use duratech and sand the hatch prior to taping off the relief and applying the nonskid layer.

2. Mix 1/3 duratech to gelcoat. Roll on....do you add cabosil or other thickener or roll it until it kicks?

3. Additional coats? Thickened or same as the base layer?

4. How much gelcoat will I need for the deck of a Sceptre? It's an 89' with fish boxes built in.

Thanks for the help!

[mikeyk]

Over the years of restoring glass deck surfaces on my work boats, I have worked with a number of different materials to achieve a good non-skid gelcoat. Silica sand sprinkled on first tacky coat coat of unwaxed gelcoat and then recoated with waxed gelcoat. Also, ground walnut shells instead of sand.
Drawbacks with sand is the work and materials involved when you have to grind it off. Walnut shells are very sharp and aggressive,making it a good surface, but it can cause skin abrasions and wear and tear on gear.
Cabosil thickened gel coat applied with a fluffy roller is also a good alternative, however, the "peaks" of hardened gelcoat are like embedded broken glass (another good source of abrasions and gear wear and tear) and must be lightly sanded before use.
My choice is coarse Kosher style salt. Sprinkle it evenly over uncured gelcoat, and wash it off after the gelcoat cures. When you have to sand it off, you are only grinding hardened gelcoat.

[Oldboat]

Unless u got to use gelcoat awlgrip and griptex works well

[bigi]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to experiment with thickened gelcoat on the hatches to learn and perfect the process before moving on to the decks.

What's a good online source for gelcoat and other fiberglass supplies? Does fiberglass discount store sell good product? Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

[mikeyk]

Fiberglass Hawaii has been my go to source for both boatbuilding and surfboard making supplies. You can find them online https://www.fiberglasshawaii.com/. The sales staff have hands-on experience with all phases of glass and epoxy construction and offer excellent no BS advice and recommendations tailored to your specific project.

Originally Posted by bigi

Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to experiment with thickened gelcoat on the hatches to learn and perfect the process before moving on to the decks.

What's a good online source for gelcoat and other fiberglass supplies? Does fiberglass discount store sell good product? Any other suggestions?

Thanks!