Thread: painting fiberglass boat?

Hello

I just picked up a old 14' fiberglass boat that is in really nice shape but it has been weathered and is very faded so I would like to paint it. my question is how lol what kind of paint should I use and any certain kind of sealer? The boat doesnt seem to have been painted before just a natural fiberglass color so I believe just a good cleaning and it should be ready to paint.

Thanks
JJ

Originally Posted by Jiggin_Joe

Hello

I just picked up a old 14' fiberglass boat that is in really nice shape but it has been weathered and is very faded so I would like to paint it. my question is how lol what kind of paint should I use and any certain kind of sealer? The boat doesnt seem to have been painted before just a natural fiberglass color so I believe just a good cleaning and it should be ready to paint.

Thanks
JJ

good question I'd like to know that myself.

ttt

Fiberglass itself is pourous. It has to have some type of gelcoat or paint on it to keep water out and seal properly. Do you have metal flake in your gel?? Or is it just one color?? You could probably bring the shine back by wetsanding and buffing.

The only paint I would even attempt to put on a fiberglass boat is Imron. Imron is an epoxy and will adhere to fiberglass...although not like gelcoat would. Most "automotive" paints are not make for fiberglass and will not adhere well and will peel within a few years. You have to use an epoxy type paint.

Just some thoughts.

You should be able to paint it. Corvettes get repainted.

Originally Posted by Scrapper

Fiberglass itself is pourous. It has to have some type of gelcoat or paint on it to keep water out and seal properly. Do you have metal flake in your gel?? Or is it just one color?? You could probably bring the shine back by wetsanding and buffing.

The only paint I would even attempt to put on a fiberglass boat is Imron. Imron is an epoxy and will adhere to fiberglass...although not like gelcoat would. Most "automotive" paints are not make for fiberglass and will not adhere well and will peel within a few years. You have to use an epoxy type paint.

Just some thoughts.

or use an epoxy primer easily found at your auto parts store that carries paint, then paint

The only problem you run into is the flex of the boat. A boat swells in and out alot more than most people realize. The paint also has to do this. Most automotive paints won't hold up to this. You really need to use a marine paint if you want it to last any time. I would look at some off shore boat forums for ideas. The REALLY big fiberglass boats that sit in the salt water all the time. Most get repainted ever so often. You will get alot of info there.

Post some pics of it so we can see what you are dealing with. That would help. A good wet sanding may be all you need.

just had some work done on mine the painter said you need to use marine paint and there was only one company that made the paint but don't remember the name I'm sure you can google it. But if it is a Ranger you will need to order the paint from Ranger if you want it to match