I have a 1978 PSC25. The previous owner has taken all of the hardware off the boat in preparation to paint the entire boat. I am debating the merits of this plan and looking at the the pros and cons of a painted boat. The orginal gelcoat is chalked and faded but appears to be in good condition. My understanding is that PSC gelcoats are quite thick and there might be some "room" to restore the gelcoat to its original shine. The owner of another PSC25 "Intregity" (photos on the PSC25 yahoo group website) restored his gelcoat by wetsanding the topsides, deck and cabin with both a power sander and by hand. He worked his way through grits 400, 600, 800, 1,000, 1,200 and 1,500 followed by compound, polishing and wax.
It would appear that the results on Integrity were great. Before I begin sanding away can anyone comment on this approach? I don't want to damage it. I understand that I need to take my sanding slow and could easily sand through the gelcoat. In general thought is the approach taken by the former owner of Integrity common and a good plan? I haven't found much on the web or in books about restoring a gelcoat. Any tips on how much to sanding I should do as I work my way through levels of sandpaper?
As for painting - if the gelcoat is in decent shape and restorable, why would someone want to paint a boat? (Except for the obvious reason of wanting a new color.) Is this asking for further maintenance in the future as the paint fades or wears away?
Many thanks!
It would appear that the results on Integrity were great. Before I begin sanding away can anyone comment on this approach? I don't want to damage it. I understand that I need to take my sanding slow and could easily sand through the gelcoat. In general thought is the approach taken by the former owner of Integrity common and a good plan? I haven't found much on the web or in books about restoring a gelcoat. Any tips on how much to sanding I should do as I work my way through levels of sandpaper?
As for painting - if the gelcoat is in decent shape and restorable, why would someone want to paint a boat? (Except for the obvious reason of wanting a new color.) Is this asking for further maintenance in the future as the paint fades or wears away?
Many thanks!