boat finish

[Bawgy]

Can someone explain to a novice of sailboats the layers of finish on a boat ?
1... The bottom layers are different . What are they
2... List the layers starting with the fiberglass ex.. Fiberglass- Gelcoat paint ??????
3.. What is gelcoat ?
4... I want to paint my boat back red as it is now and want to use a 2-part epoxy . Can I just scuff the surface now (No blisters) and paint over it .
5.. what do I need to protect the finish after it dries

[sailingfool]

Most any fiberglass is coated with a layer of gelcoat - gelcoat is a hard plastic material that retains a gloss appearance, subject to periodic waxing. Some boats have the gelcoat on their topsides painted, especially when a color other than white is desired, for example Awlgrip is a premium 2 part linear polyutrethane usually professionally applied for a primo Bristol appearance.

Instuctions for properly painting a boat won''t fit into an email, get the instructions from the manufacturer and follow them to a T. See http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa/
as a good beginning. (Hint: practice on somebody''s dingy first...)

I believe that two-part epoxy is only a bottom barrier-coat finish (for underwater use). For first time use you probably want to try a one-part polyurethane like Toplac, keep it simple. Call the Interlux 800 number for specific advice, also discuss your prep with the marine store staff.

90% of the result is determined by your preparation work, only scuffing the surface will give your boat a finish like that of a house...

Good luck.

[h37skipper]

The previous post has much good advice. I used Interlux one-part for above the toerail, Toplac for white and Brightside for non-skid. But your note seems to be asking about the hull, the bottom and the sides(topsides).

The topsides(waterline to toerail) are gelcoat or paint. And Awlgrip is the best but there are many options. The waterline is usually a black or offsetting color, almost always a paint. Below that bottom-paint.

I took the bottom of my boat down to the original white gelcoat to check for blisters. Then I applied five coats of Interlux 2000E barrier-coat, a 2-part. Over that goes the anti-fouling, in my case Trinidad SR.

Besides the manufacturer''s site there is excellent info here on Sailnet. Do an Article Search for "paint".