Bottom Paint ?

[Butch 587]

Has anyone ever done any bottom painting? I have a 91 GT that could use a new look on the bottom it has been "beached" and shows a bit of sand rub on the gel and has some scratching from careless trailer loading "both from the last owner". The top side looks nice I was thinking about painting the bottom over the winter.. Any ideas on what to use? I have spray on capability or can use the more basic brush or roller methods but I want to have a smooth glossy finish that will last for a few seasons..

Thanks for any advice...

 

[djredman99]

The bottom is Gel-coated.

Are you changing colors or just matching what color is already there?

If matching, all you need is to buy a gel-coat repair kit matching your color. Sand the bottom hull, apply gel coat in heavily sanded areas, let dry, re-sand smooth, and polish.

If you are changing colors, I am not sure, but I would assume you should sand off the previous gel-coat layer, and then apply the gel-coat of your choice.

To be clear...the gel-coat is the color...not paint.

 

[kustomkarl]

Don't use bottom paint. If you want to change your collor just change the ge-coat and changthe color. The bottom paint is costly and will cause more friction and lesss top end speed.

Karl

 

[Butch 587]

Thanks for the help, I have been doing some looking into this and re-gel coat looks like the best option.. Just making sure all of the prep work is done correctly the gel application appears very basic just roll it on and watch it dry.. This ski is a low budget project that is starting to take shape nicely for a do it yourself project. When I finish with the bottom re coating I will have around 550.00 in the ski completey finished which includes the purchase price. I will take a few pics tomorrow so you can let me know how I have done to this point and hopefully keep me from going any "deeper" then need be.. This is my first ski and I'm having a blast just doing the mechanical and cosmetic work ! Life is good !

Many thanks to all who have offered comments along with the knowledge it takes to get this going...

 

[djredman99]

Looking forward to the pics...take some before pics too (not just after)!

 

[Butch 587]

Starting on the job today bought 1 gal of gel coat and hardener, going to get out the chainfall use the big oak tree limb and have at it.. before and after pics to follow soon......

 

[Butch 587]

Gel is sprayed now and looks good I will start sanding and buffing in a day or so....

If anyone tries doing this for the first time I recommend using a bit of extra hardener then what is said by the manufactuer. The first coat was tacky for 24 hours, the 2nd worked better but still tacky in spots 24 hours after spraying, the 3rd with twice the specified amount of hardener was a lot faster drying time.. I have a bit of touching up spraying to do after it's sanded, a neighbor kid could not resist streaking the wet paint with his little fingers! But all should sand out ok and should make for a nice looking job when finished....
Thanks for all of your advice.... I have a couple before pics ready just waiting for the finished product to post before and after pics...

 

[Butch 587]

Sorry about the delay but I decided to test my skill to the MAX and went with a two tone bottom, White gel coat with a yellow gel coat split from the front of the bow to the stern. All has turned into a nice looking job just trying to find time to sand and buff. The yellow and white will be divided with a 7/8" black stripe when it's done. This should be a decent looking old ski when I finally get it done....
If anyone else wants to try gel coating it's not that big of a deal just take your time and don't get in a rush.. I decided to spray and not roll it and am extremely satisfied doing it that way.. I know,:cheers: I know pics are coming soon...