Ayrton Oneill
Metal-flaking a fiberglass boat is a multi-step, skill-intensive project that requires a lot of practice and experience. The process involves laying down a base colour coat and then putting the metal flakes in the clear coat and applying it. The key challenge is achieving a uniform and consistent distribution of the metal flakes throughout the mix. The larger the metal flakes, the more coats of clear gel are required to cover them. The typical bass boat uses 2-3 lbs of metal flakes in the gel coat.
How to Metal Flake a Fiberglass Boat
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Sparkly, shiny, glittery |
| Process | Multi-step, intensive, requires skill and experience |
| Tools | Spray gun, paint stirrer |
| Materials | Clear gel coat, clear coat, glitter/flake, base color coat, primer/sealer, wax |
| Tips | Use one brand for all color coats to ensure compatibility, use a buffing compound, wax at least twice a year with wax containing UV blockers |
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What You'll Learn
Sanding down to the fiberglass
Firstly, it is important to understand the properties of fiberglass. Fiberglass, also known as GRP (glass-reinforced plastic), is a lightweight yet strong material that is commonly used in boat construction due to its ease of moulding into intricate shapes. When sanding fiberglass, it is crucial to remember that it can be tricky, and one must exercise patience throughout the process.
Before you begin sanding, ensure that you have allowed the fiberglass to cure in the sun. This step is especially important for new fiberglass components, as they typically have a thin layer of gelcoat on the surface. Gelcoat is an epoxy or resin-based compound used during the moulding process. By letting the fiberglass sit in the sun for 2–7 days, you can effectively cure the gelcoat.
Once the curing process is complete, you can start the sanding process. Begin by assembling all the fiberglass components of your boat, if applicable. This includes parts like the body, doors, and hood. Assembling them beforehand allows you to sand continuously, creating smooth and consistent joints between the components. After assembly, thoroughly clean the entire fiberglass surface using a wax and grease remover. This step is crucial for removing any release agents or substances used during the moulding process.
Now, you can start the actual sanding. For the initial sanding pass, use coarse-grit sandpaper, specifically 80 or 100-grit sandpaper. Remember to cross-hatch your sanding pattern. Start from the top right corner and go to the bottom left corner, then switch to the top left corner and move to the bottom right corner. This technique helps achieve a consistent finish. During this process, be cautious not to sand all the way through the gelcoat into the fiberglass itself, as it can weaken the component and create holes that may cause paint rupture later on.
Finally, inspect the fiberglass surface for any low spots or imperfections. To address these areas, use a fiberglass glazing putty. Apply the putty to the low spots and then sand it away until the surface becomes flush and consistent with the surrounding area. By following these steps, you can effectively sand down to the fiberglass, creating a smooth and properly prepared surface for the next steps in your metal-flaking project.
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Applying a base colour coat
Before starting, it is crucial to prepare the surface of the boat thoroughly. Ensure that the boat is clean and free of any contaminants such as grease, oil, grime, scum, or residual wax. Use a concentrated water-based cleaning solution like KBS Klean to achieve this. Additionally, lightly scuff the surface to create a strong adhesion for the new coat.
Once the surface is prepared, it's time to choose the right products for the job. For the base colour coat, you can opt for a product like Imron, which is specifically designed for painting boats. Select a colour that suits your preference or the theme you wish to achieve. Keep in mind that the base colour coat will be the foundation for the metal flake finish, so choose a shade that complements the desired flake colour.
Now, let's discuss application techniques. The base colour coat can be applied using different methods, depending on your preference and the product you've chosen. You can use a spray gun, a fine-bristle brush, a foam brush, or a roller. If you're using a spray gun, ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions for thinning the product and achieving the correct pressure settings. For brush or roller application, follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the best results.
When applying the base colour coat, work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear, including gloves and eye protection. Maintain a consistent temperature between 60 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity for the best results. Take your time and work in sections to ensure an even and consistent coat. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for drying or curing time between coats. Depending on the product, you may need to apply multiple thin coats to achieve the desired opacity and coverage.
After applying the base colour coat, allow it to cure completely before proceeding to the next step of adding the metal flake. Refer to the product instructions for the recommended curing time. Once cured, you can move on to the next step of adding the metal flake to achieve the desired "bass boat" look. Remember that the metal flake will be mixed into the clear coat, not the base colour coat, to create a sparkling and shiny finish.
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Mixing metal flakes into a clear coat
Next, add in the metal flake powder. The amount of metal flake powder added depends on the desired effect and personal preference. A ratio of 1/40 of metal flake powder to the clear base coat is enough to give an excellent flake effect. For a typical bass boat, 2-3 lbs of metal flake is used in the gel coat. For a heaping tablespoon of metal flake, a base clear coat is recommended for mixing, like PPG's DBC-500 or HOK's intercoat clear.
Stir the mixture constantly with a wooden paint stirrer, working the metal flake into the clear paint base. Set a timer for at least 30 seconds to ensure adequate mixing. When you lift the stirrer, a thin layer of pure metal flake should be visible on the surface. After mixing, the paint mixture can be poured into a paint sprayer and applied to the desired surface.
It is recommended to apply at least two coats of paint until the desired colour is achieved. For larger metal flakes, it is beneficial to wet sand them before adding the clear coat to smooth the surface. Additionally, applying two coats of regular clear right after applying the flakes can protect against over-sanding and ruining the flake effect.
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Applying the metal flake gel coat
Once the base colour coat has been applied, the metal flakes can be added. The metal flakes are usually mixed into the clear gel coat, which is then applied over the base colour coat. It is important to ensure that the metal flakes are uniformly distributed throughout the mix. The larger the metal flakes, the more coats of clear gel coat will be required to cover them. It is typically recommended to use around 16 oz of metal flakes per gallon of gel coat, but personal preference plays a role as there is no magic ratio for adding flakes.
After the metal flake gel coat has been mixed, it can be applied to the boat. This is usually done with a spray gun. It is important to note that this process is not easy and can take a lot of practice and experience to get right. Once the gel coat has been applied, it should be allowed to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Finally, to protect the metal flake gel coat and smooth the surface, a final coat or two of clear gel can be applied. This will also provide added UV protection, which is important for preventing sun damage to the boat.
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Waxing and maintenance
To ensure your metal flake fiberglass boat maintains its shine and is protected from environmental damage, there are several measures you can take. Firstly, it is important to keep the boat covered when not in use. This will shield it from prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays, which can cause oxidation and dulling over time.
When it comes to waxing, it is important to note that while waxing can enhance the shine of your boat, it does not offer substantial protection against environmental damage. If you choose to wax your boat, opt for a high-quality synthetic boat polish with good UV protection. Regularly polishing your boat is also important, as the UV protection in polishes degrades over time.
Additionally, consider using a clear gel coat or topcoat, which serves as a clear lacquer, providing a protective barrier over the metal flake. The clear gel coat allows UV rays to penetrate and reach the coloured surface, where the metal flakes reflect the light back through the clear coat, creating a unique shine. The number of clear gel coats applied may depend on the size of the metal flakes used; larger flakes may require more coats for adequate coverage.
For more extensive damage or if you are unsure about the process, it is recommended to consult professional boat restoration services, who have the expertise and experience to effectively restore your boat's shine and protect its surface.
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Frequently asked questions
The process of applying metal flake to a fiberglass boat involves multiple steps and requires skill and experience. Firstly, a base colour coat is applied. Then, the metal flake is mixed into a clear coat, which is sprayed over the base colour. Finally, additional layers of clear coat are applied for protection.
The amount of metal flake to be used depends on personal preference as there is no standard ratio. However, a common recommendation is to use around 16 ounces of metal flake per gallon of gel coat. For a typical bass boat, 2-3 pounds of metal flake might be used.
Metal flake applications can be time-consuming and challenging. It is essential to ensure that the flake is uniformly distributed throughout the mix. Additionally, the metal flake finish requires regular maintenance and protection from UV rays, such as using a high-quality synthetic boat polish with good UV protection.
