Imron on gelcoat...what about seems?
 

I am looking into painting the sides of my 2102 VIP. The gelcoat is a solid blue, and that is what I want to change. I like a little louder graphics. I will try and post pics of the boat. Can I get by painting the sides where it is blue, and not the bottom of the boat? I was also not going to paint the top half either. I am going to try and have the white from the top, color matched, and then go with two diff. metalic blues for the graphics. Let me know what you think. I am concerned about the clear/paint pealing where the bottom of the boat meats the sides.

Re: Imron on gelcoat...what about seems?
 

here's a rough idea of my idea. It looks a lot better in my pencil drawing.

Re: Imron on gelcoat...what about seems?
 

Yes you can just do the sides. It is ALL in the prep so take your time and do it right.

Jon

Re: Imron on gelcoat...what about seems?
 

My buddie is an excellent paint/prep guy. He thought we could get the materials to do this for about $600 or so. I will need two metallic blues, and the white to try and match the top. Hopefully it isn't too hard to match. I wonder if it would be better to spray the clear around the edge of where the bottom meets the sides about an inch? What do you think of the graphics vs. the stock gel? Be honest. remember, I didn't spend much time on photo shop.

Re: Imron on gelcoat...what about seems?
 

I totally agree.Its all in the prep.

Re: Imron on gelcoat...what about seems?
 

how do you need to prep the gel? He is used to being anal about preping cars and trucks, not gelcoat. thanks for the suggestions. J.

Re: Imron on gelcoat...what about seems?
 

I would finish off with 320 to 400 on a finish D.A. on wetsand with 400.One of the most important things is to make sure it is cleaned extremely well with grease and wax remover and after sanding I would wash the area with a dish detergent and scubb with a red 3M scotchbrite.

Re: Imron on gelcoat...what about seems?
 

Thanks for the info. What do you think the paint/primer/clear cost for a job like this in Imron? 2 metallic blues and white.

Re: Imron on gelcoat...what about seems?
 

My experience says Imron is a poor choice in paint in under water applications. It will take on water, bubble then peel off in sheets.

BT :cool:

Re: Imron on gelcoat...what about seems?
 

My boat is in and out of the water every day. Saturdays it's on the water for about 6-8 hrs, and Sunday for about 4-5 hrs. (on fresh water) Has anyone had any of these probs, or is it a freek incident?

Re: Imron on gelcoat...what about seems?
 

I would just paint the entire sides white and then do the flames in vinyl. Don't have to clear it then and the graphics can be changed easily.

Re: Imron on gelcoat...what about seems?
 

Doesn't Formula use Inron? Not disagreeing with you, but they obviously don't have a problem with it, so is there a diff in painting new gelcoat vs old, or why does it work for Formula?

Re: Imron on gelcoat...what about seems?
 

Painting white and then using decals for the flames sounds easier and cheaper, but I want to fade darker blue on the edges, over the slightly lighter blue in the middle. I know it will cost more, but I am going for something like this pic below, without redoing the upper half of the boat.
thanks, j. Sorry to kinda copy someones boat, but it looks awesome!

Re: Imron on gelcoat...what about seems?
 

Check out www.lbgraphics.com They have vinyl with graduated color fading. The web sight is takes a little time to navigate. Lots of info.

Re: Imron on gelcoat...what about seems?
 

that sight is pretty cool, but way unorganized. Thanks, I got some ideas off of it. You can also order just the cutout so that you can use it as a template.

Re: Imron on gelcoat...what about seems?
 

I painted my 27' Carrera with Awlgrip 2000. Awlgrip 2000 is nothing like the original Awlgrip. With 2000 you can paint your boat out doors and go back and color sand and polish out and imperfections (orange peel, dirt, runs...etc). It cost me about $1000 in materials.
The money I saved doing it myself $6000. The graphics I'll do in vinyl. I even saved more money by buying a vinyl cutter on E-bay for $650 and I can cut out my own graphics.

Re: Imron on gelcoat...what about seems?
 

Rule of thumb for Imron in the water is 3 days then get it out to dry. You can extend to 4-5 once in a while but that's about it. I have a friend that has done this for 4 years with no problems-but yes, it's all in the prep. :D

Re: Imron on gelcoat...what about seems?
 

Vinyl can be airbrushed, but it has to prepped correctly. The faded stuff wont allow the type of look I think he is trying for since it is a linear fade and wont contour with the flames. One other option to consider is a digitally printed vinyl wrap. When you're ready to sell the boat, you can strip it and go back to the factory color.