Gel Coat For Boat Decks: Pros And Cons

Boat owners are always looking for ways to protect their boats against the elements. One way to do this is by applying a gel coat to the top deck of the boat. A gel coat is the outermost structural layer on a fibreglass hull and is designed to protect the underlying fibreglass layers. It is a type of pigmented epoxy compound that produces a smooth, high-quality finish over composite materials. When cured, it combines with fibreglass to create a smooth and durable surface, which helps to prevent or delay the hull from weakening due to water intrusion and ultraviolet light.

Gel coat is more durable than paint

Boat owners know the importance of protecting their boats against the elements. One way to do this is by applying a gel coat to the top deck of a boat. A gel coat is the outermost structural layer on a fibreglass hull. It is designed to protect the underlying fibreglass layers. When cured, gel coat combines with fibreglass to produce a smooth and durable surface. This prevents or delays the hull from weakening from water intrusion and ultraviolet light. Gel coat also protects the boat from leaks and cracks.

Gel coat is a thick, modified resin with colourants added. It is a durable, resilient, decorative surface found on plastic parts used for things like boats, bathtubs, and vehicles. The most common gel coats are made with thermosetting polymers, like polyester. Thermoset plastics contain polymers that combine during the curing process to form a permanent chemical bond. Once the thermosetting material hardens, it remains in a permanent solid state and can withstand high temperatures without losing its physical properties.

Minor scratches and blemishes can be sanded and buffed out of a gel coat. It is also a non-porous surface finish. However, one disadvantage of gel coat is that it is sometimes difficult to colour-match areas on a part if a repair is necessary. Though scratches and blemishes can be sanded out due to their thickness, once done, it sometimes requires an entire respray. Sanding and buffing may also cause further discoloration to the underlying colours, depending on the depth, especially if the underlying substrate is not pigmented to match the gel coat.

Gel coat can be applied in multiple coats

Gel coat is a formulated polyester resin that acts as a protective or decorative coating on fibreglass parts. It is designed to create a high-quality finish and can be applied with a brush, roller, or sprayer. When cured, gel coat combines with fibreglass to create a smooth and durable surface, protecting the boat from water intrusion, leaks, cracks, and ultraviolet light.

Preparation:

Before applying gel coat, ensure that the boat's surface is clean and free of any grease, oil, or wax. Use acetone to clean the surface and remove any contaminants. It is crucial to start the gel coating process soon after cleaning to prevent dust and contaminants from resettling. Tape off any sections you do not want to get gel coat on and use tarps to protect surrounding areas.

Mixing:

Gel coat is a two-part system that requires the addition of a hardener or catalyst (MEKP) for curing. Measure and mix the resin and MEKP hardener thoroughly, following the manufacturer's instructions. The amount of MEKP added will depend on the desired pot life and working time. Generally, more MEKP will result in a shorter pot life and faster cure time. The temperature of the working environment should also be considered when determining the amount of catalyst to add.

Application:

Apply the gel coat using a brush, roller, or sprayer. If using a brush, use long, even strokes, and allow the gel coat to set before adding the next layer. If using a roller, use a quarter-inch nap roller. For spraying, use a gel coat spray gun or a paint spray gun with a nozzle of at least 2mm. Ensure the gel coat is applied in multiple coats until it reaches the desired thickness (approximately 18-20 mils) for proper curing. Allow sufficient time between layers for the gel coat to set, which may depend on temperature and the amount of MEKP used.

Curing and Sanding:

After applying the final coat, allow the gel coat to cure completely. The final exterior layer should have wax added to cure with a non-tacky finish. Once cured, begin the sanding process, starting with around 320-400 grit sandpaper and working up to a finer grit for a smooth finish.

By following these steps and applying gel coat in multiple coats, boat owners can achieve a durable and high-quality finish that protects their vessel from the elements.

Gel coat protects boats from leaks and cracks

Boat owners know the importance of protecting their boats from the elements. One way to do this is by applying a gel coat. A gel coat is the outermost structural layer on a fibreglass hull. It is a type of pigmented epoxy compound that produces a smooth, high-quality finish over composite materials like fibreglass. When cured, gel coat combines with fibreglass to produce a smooth and durable surface. This prevents or delays the hull from weakening due to water intrusion and ultraviolet light.

Gel coat also protects the boat from leaks and cracks. It is more durable than paint, and once a gel coat surface is painted, gel coat will not adhere. It is rugged and easy to match if the finish gets scratched or dinged. White gel coat, for example, is a common choice for boat hulls as it is an easy colour to match.

Boat owners should be aware of the basics of applying gel coat to their boats. Before application, it is important to wash the boat well with the proper cleaning products and rinse thoroughly with a pressurized spray hose. Gel coat will not stick if dirt remains. Once the boat is clean, identify each crack, chip, scratch, or damaged surface using masking tape or painter's tape. Cover and protect the parts of the boat that will not be worked on.

When applying the gel coat, make sure to choose the right grit of sandpaper to prevent damaging a good layer of gel coat. Before applying, match the colour of the gel coat paste with the colour of the hull. Once you've got the right colour, fill the sanded-down crack with a pigmented gel coat paste using a putty knife. Check that there are no air bubbles. Let the gel coat stand to cure completely. Cover the treated area with plastic film or wax paper.

Gel coat can also be applied with a roller or a spray applicator. If using a roller, make sure to remove all old gel coat and wash, rinse, and dry the surface. Apply the first coat of gel coat without wax but with hardener. When it is dry, roll on a second coat with wax mixed in. If using a spray applicator, simply spray on the gel coat once the surface is prepared and cleaned.

Gel coat is a type of pigmented epoxy compound

Boat owners often need to refurbish and maintain their boats to protect them against the elements. One way to do this is by applying gel coat. Before applying gel coat, it is important to clean the boat thoroughly and identify any cracks, chips, scratches or damaged surfaces. Once the damaged areas have been cleaned and sanded, a gel coat paste that matches the colour of the hull can be applied. It is important to let the gel coat cure completely before applying another layer if needed.

Gel coat is more durable than paint, and once a gel coat surface is painted, gel coat will not adhere. Therefore, if a non-skid surface is desired, a non-skid additive can be added to the gel coat. Alternatively, non-skid boat deck paint is available, which offers an excellent slip-resistant finish and protects decks against everyday wear and tear.

Polishing the gel coat is a good alternative to painting, as it can give an older sailboat's gel coat a new lease of life. It is a relatively thin layer of resin that is sprayed into a boat's mould during the manufacturing process. The trick to restoring its lustre is to scour it enough so that it is clean and shiny, without using excessive abrasives that will wear it out.

Gel coat can be polished to maintain shine

Gel coat is a pigmented epoxy compound that can be applied to the top deck of a boat to create a smooth, high-quality finish. It is a popular choice for boat owners as it is more durable than paint and can protect the boat from water intrusion, ultraviolet light, leaks, and cracks.

One of the benefits of gel coat is that it can be polished to maintain its shine. Over time, oxidation can cause the gel coat to become dull and discoloured. However, with the right products and techniques, it is possible to restore the shine and lustre of the gel coat.

The first step in polishing gel coat is to clean the surface thoroughly. This can be done using a scrub brush, sponge, and boat soap, followed by a rinse with a pressure washer. For stubborn stains, specialised hull cleaning products can be used.

Once the surface is clean, a rubbing compound can be applied using a variable-speed polisher with wool or foam polishing pads. It is important to work in small sections and to use a respirator to avoid breathing in abrasive dust. The polisher should be moved in a side-to-side and up-and-down motion to avoid swirling or burning through the gel coat.

After polishing, a coat of marine wax can be applied to seal and protect the gel coat. This can be done by hand using a wax applicator pad or with a polisher and a wool polishing pad.

By regularly polishing and waxing the gel coat, boat owners can maintain the shine and protect their boat from the elements.

Frequently asked questions