painting boat
 

what is the difference between gelcoat and imron paint? i no that it costs mroe to paint a boat in gelcoat because u ahve to sand the original gelcoat off. also wut is it that gives boats the shiny finish?

Re: painting boat
 

You forgot about awlgrip :rolleyes:

Re: painting boat
 

im jsut tryin to educate myself on the differences before redoing my boat

Re: painting boat
 

Hands down the shiniest paint job around is sprayed Awlgrip, when it's done right you cannot beat it. Gelcoat is great when it is brand new and comes out of the mold, other than that, in my opinion, it's a waste of time and money to prep and re-gel. Not only is paint more cost effective to apply, it is glossier and easier to repair as well. Imron is also a very good paint, but I have heard that Awlgrip is more suited to the marine environment whereas Imron was designed more for trucks and other over the road vehicles. Attached is a picture of my 35' Cigarette Mistress with a fresh coat of Super Jet Black Awlgrip sprayed last May. I have also been experimenting with a product called Signature Finish. It is very similar to Awlgrip or Imron, in that it is a two-part paint, but it also has a third component the manufacturer calls "Flow Fluid," which allows the product to be rolled on and gives the appearance of a spray job. Worked great for the engine room, bilge, bottom and transom so far, and I think I am going to experiment doing the deck and cockpit soon . . . hope that helped! :drink:

Harry

Re: painting boat
 

While your at it try some white primer on the boat condo drywall :D Nice set up.....beats my blue tarp :D

Re: painting boat
 

Cool Trips - that's my next project! Hopefully going to lease out most of that space and keep only about 1000 square feet or so for my toys. The other 5825 is far too valuable to keep for myself :cool:

If you guys know of anyone looking for either warehouse space or class-A office space in the Stuart, Florida area, let me know!

Harry

Re: painting boat
 

Aren't Awlgrip and Imron both polyurethanes?

Re: painting boat
 

I would agree that Paint prob is best option for a redo on a boat ...but easier to repair than Gelcoat ? I saw a segment on "ship shape" about the roll on paint ...they redid a center console and it turned out pretty good ..

Re: painting boat
 

I saw that show too. I was hoping they sold copies of the shows. That whole restoration was very informative.

Re: painting boat
 

I know Awlgrip is a two-part polyurethane and I am almost positive Imron is the same. Signature, the "roll-on" paint is made in my town, Stuart, FL by a local chemist. Seems to work very well, almost dries harder than Awlgrip . . . very easy to use too, and no fuss no muss with the roller, makes it easier than trying to find a spray booth to use! You can't burn it or hurt it in anyway, wet sand with 2000 and buff the hell out of it. Comes up nice.

Harry

Re: painting boat
 

Cuda, I think they do sell copies of the shows. Try www.shipshapetv.com

Harry

Re: painting boat
 

I think I am beginning to post whore a little bit . . . trying to read the posts and watch the big game at the same time . . .

When I said paint was easier to repair than gelcoat, I meant as far as matching the color . . . rather than having to have a gel guy come out and mix and match. Awlgrip fades very little if at all, so if there are any repairs needed, they can be done very easily.

I promise, last post for a couple of minutes :drink:

Har

Re: painting boat
 

If I remember what my painter once told me: Imron is a polyeurethane enamel that needs to be sprayed. It is made by DuPont. Awlgrip can be brushed or rolled on with the same results if the surface prep is up to par.
Gelcoat does not resist fading as well as the new generation of poly-enamels.