Repair & maintenance: Repainting an old GRP boat

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Repainting an old GRP boat

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Repair & maintenance
Forum Discription: Questions & tips on the subject
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13469
Printed Date: 25 Jun 25 at 2:04pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Repainting an old GRP boat

Posted By: EmmyC
Subject: Repainting an old GRP boat
Date Posted: 29 Nov 19 at 3:04pm

I have a nice old GRP Solo that I’d like to (cosmetically) spruce up before I sail it a bit next year and decide whether I want to stick with the class. Any recommendations r.e paint for the floor in particular? Brands/types/tips would be much appreciated!

Replies:

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 29 Nov 19 at 3:24pm

Painting GRP boats overall is a bit problematic, in that the most effective paints are viciously expensive and unpleasant to handle. However if you only want to do the floor I've found International Interdeck to be surprisingly durable and straightforward to handle.

Posted By: Sussex Lad
Date Posted: 29 Nov 19 at 6:45pm

for the outside the international 2 packs are very durable if you use the primer but add a bit of weight.

I've used interdeck with good results. The grey looks very smart. It's very non slip i.e. quite abrasive.

Posted By: piglet
Date Posted: 04 Dec 19 at 9:58pm

Nooooo, don't paint a GRP boat. Once it's painted it will always have to be repainted.

And unless it's sprayed it looks kak.

imo

Posted By: ColPrice2002
Date Posted: 23 Dec 19 at 6:01pm

Sorry to be late...

I painted my old grp Solo :-
Using a conventional paint (International), brush painted using about 4% flow modifier (IIRC Thinner 333 - I suspect that isn't available now!)

Reasonably good finish, but you will need to sand the gelcoat all over, then degrease to get good adhesion. It may also be worth using a grp primer.

Colin

Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 24 Dec 19 at 8:21am

I've painted many, using most of the ideas from above, but in the end came to the conclusion that it took away one of the few advantages of GRP over wood - maintaining the thing. Scratched paint on GRP looks far worse than a battle wound.

-------------
Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

Posted By: Do Different
Date Posted: 24 Dec 19 at 11:29am

I've known people liven up faded gel coat with cutting and polishing compounds.

There is no way back after painting anything, houses, boats, all a very last and reluctant resort to my mind.