Boat Paint vs. Gelcoat Paint - Ques.

[RocknReeln]

This is not an Antifouling "bottom paint" type question. I have no knowledge in this area and would like to know what the difference is in painting the bottom of a boat with a primer then AWLGRIP or priming then painting with AWLGRIP and gelcoat as a combo? What would the price difference be and what is the difference in durability?

I went to a reputable boat repair shop in 07' and was quoted and paid $3,500 for the restoration of the bottom paint (No-Antifouling) on my CC. It was remarkably shiney -- looked factory new. Yet, it seems that anything that hits it, the paint chips off and there is very little thickness. I'm assuming that it is a simple paint job and not Paint+Awlgrip or am I lost on this formula?

[id-10-t]

Awl-grip is made for above the water line not below it.
Gelcoat is a lot more durable then the paints on the market when you impact the trailer or sand bars.

[jhutches]

I did some patches on mine. I do not have bottom paint. It is stored on the trailer. I was going to use paint but everyone told me to use gelcoat. It was a lot more work, and I messed up a few times before I got it right. But it is very durable.

[C. Edmund]

Originally Posted by id-10-t

Awl-grip is made for above the water line not below it.
Gelcoat is a lot more durable then the paints on the market when you impact the trailer or sand bars.

When done right with their five step program (which is mega expensive) awl grip according to some is better than gelcoat. I will say this -- a newly awl gripped boat actually looks better than showroom new and they have some awesome colors.

But it costs!!

(also, Awlgrip now does have bottom paint).

[OReely]

You are lost on the formula.

First, as was posted above Awlgrip is for above waterline applications (with an exception). The reason is that it can develop blisters in the paint film if left in the water for several days. Now the exception: if you are not leaving the boat in the water the bottom can be painted with Awlgrip.

The part where you are really lost is the Awlgrip-gelcoat combo. You would apply gelcoat directly to the substrate without the use of primer, Awlgrip or otherwise (although in some instances a polyester primer might be used to do some repair work).

Awlgrip is a pretty tough paint and holds up okay on trailered boats but is a thin film product, 4-6 mils when dry. Gelcoat is also tough, and also probably a better choice for the bottom of a trailered boat. It's film thickness is usually about 16-18 mils dry, although it could be much thinner on a post applied application.

Paint is usually easier to get a good looking finish with. Gelcoat takes more labor after spraying to get it to look good.

[OReely]

Originally Posted by C. Edmund

When done right with their five step program (which is mega expensive) awl grip according to some is better than gelcoat. I will say this -- a newly awl gripped boat actually looks better than showroom new and they have some awesome colors.

But it costs!!

(also, Awlgrip now does have bottom paint).

Awlgrip bottom paints are antifouling paints. Nothing like their top coats.

[VeroWing]

This may prove to be a viable alternative for painting your bottom. It is made by Interlux.

VC Performance Epoxy

Product Details


Product Description


VC Performance Epoxy is a two-part Teflon® bearing epoxy that has a hard, slick finish ideal for use on the underwater surfaces of high performance powerboats and racing sailboats. Teflon® adds lubricity and eases wet sanding and burnishing.

VC Performance Epoxy's hard, stain-resistant finish is also ideal for rack-stored and trailered boats or boats that are kept in the water not requiring antifouling protection. VC Performance Epoxy has no antifouling or foul release properties.


Application Details - VC Performance Epoxy
Area Below water
Finish/Sheen Semi-gloss
Converter/Curing V128
Number of Coats: 3-4 as needed
Method of application: Brush / Roller / Airless Spray / Conventional Spray
Available colors: View color chart and sales codes
Pack sizes: 1 US Quart / 1 US Gallon
Suitable for high speed boats? YES

[Rikki234]

I repainted my 31 uniflite with awlgrip topside and sides and is a remarkable product. Unfortunately it has been sitting outside in a boat yard for the last 4 years since I painted it but the awlgrip looks like the day I put it on. It works like a resin you have to use a hardener that is temperature sensitive and time sensitive you usually have about 3 to 6 hours to spray before it congeals. I put 3 coats of primer and 7 coats of top coat and it looks like mirrors. What I like about it it has a gloss surfactant that floats to the surface and really makes it shine like wet paint. In 5 years I have not even waxed it and it still shines like new. If you buy retail it 's about 300 a gallon because the mix is 50/50 with the hardener wholesale about 150. I used 2 different colors oyster white and cream white and materials for the paint and primer was close to 1000. Hope that helps Capt. Rik

[C. Edmund]

Originally Posted by OReely

Awlgrip bottom paints are antifouling paints. Nothing like their top coats.

Uh, well, yeah -- that's why they call it bottom paint. I use that word interchangeably with anti fouling.

(now back to our regularly scheduled thread)