Gel Coat or Paint on fiberglass

[spareparts]

I've tried it before, and will never try it again, there are too many variables in using gel coat, besides the cost(it will cost you more), you will always run the risk of gel not kicking(its not supposed to applied and cured in open air). Roll awl grip and you will thanks me later

[Curapa]

Gelcoat is way too much work for a large surface without a mold. Awlgrip or Imron is the way to go.

Forget the West System resin, way over priced. I use US Composites, best prices and quality I have found.

[billymoca]

Thanks all. I appreciate the lead on the US Composites.... much cheaper....but is the quality really the same? how about the longevity?

If I was to use awlgrip or imron....how often do you have to re-paint?

[step up here]

May I suggest to try a small area with gel coat to see your results. Almost all the time hands on experience is the best example!

[jasoncooperpcola]

Have you considered using an epoxy paint such as Interlux Perfection? I used the Perfection on a 250 Sportsman and it held up better than all the other paints we used. My plan is to use Perfection on my V20 above waterline and use VC Epoxy on the bottom. Shoot the floor with UPOL RAPTOR bedliner and should have a very durable paint finish.

[Kracker Jack]

I don't know. I have known guys that have rolling gel coat on commercial crab boats for forever!!! They refuse to use paint products on the inside due to wear purposes. I'm painting my outside with perfection. My console and leaning post will be painted also.

[Curapa]

If I were finishing a commercial boat and did not care what it looked like then gelcoat would be the way to go. They usually don't even fair the glass, just roll it on and forget about it, if you want an even somewhat nice look out of it then get prepared for some serious work. Sanding out all of the orange peel then buffing the s&^t out of it.

Billy, US Composites is excellent quality resin. It's cheaper because they do not pay tons of money in marketing like West System.

You can easily get 10 years out of Imron or Awlgrip. It is a tough and very durable paint. Many custom built boats use either regularly.

[step up here]

Yes Sir, you will get 10 years plus out of Imron or Awlgrip if applied properly.
The paint companies change their formulas from time to time and its always for the best performance of the product.Akzo Nobel is now the largest paint company they supposedly recently bought out Du Ponts paint line.Money Technology create the research and development to be the best.

[twhrider2]

Used PPG CONCEPT on the bottom and transom of my boat. Sprays good and looks good.....time will tell how she lasts.