I am going to install a new forward cockpit, dash and partial front deck after i cut out the old one. I would like to do most of the glass work before I do this to include building the dash (done), deck, throttle quadrant, etc.....glassing it, painting it, mounting most of the gauges, pre-wiring it, and then dropping the assembly into the boat.

My question is: is it possible to blend in the existing white deck color with the new construction? Do I have to go to a paint shop with a piece of the old deck so they can mix paint to match like they do for homes?

Question 2 - Assuming the match in paint can be made - what about the clear coat that goes on next? How do you blend that in to the existing clear so there is no visible discontinuity?

Thanks in advance.....TJ

Is your boat painted on the dash? Most are Gell.

Jon

Its all Gell.

What kind of boat?
Some gels can be matched with factory color, however age will discolor.

If the deck and hull are separated by rub rail, the deck can be painted separately w/o being noticeably different from the hull assume you matched the color w/cutout sample as you mentioned. You don't want to blend paint to gel unless there is a good breaking point b/t them i.e. 90 degree radius or style line. G$

is it possible to do my additions in gelcoat and then meld it into the existing gel?

oh yes just will require more wet sanding and polishing

That is the correct way to make this repair..Blend the new glecoat into the old. Getting the color match is the real trick.