Gel Coat Paint vs Normal Car paint

[CRZN427]

When I bought my LAE in '94, I got the "no paint" option. I choose red GelCoat. I had a choice of about 60 colors.

I had to sand off the mold seams and take a little "orange peel" off. Then I buffed it with compound.

After that I waxed it and took it to shows and drove it for seven years. I always had to explain that it was not painted, at shows.
I did have a good "depth" in the waxed finish.

I kept it waxed for ordinary driving and shows, oxidation was never a problem.

LAE used to offer the stripes laid in in GelCoat when the body was made. You could not feel the seam between the body and the stripe.

I have a good friend with a '34 Mercecdes replica with red and black GelCoat. He has taken "Best Paint" trophies at least ten times in the past six years. He only waxes his, with Maguires.

[Mike Lopez]

DV,by the way.I stopped at A&C on friday and shot the breeze with sonny and joe,I had mentioned the thread on gel coat and he told me he was already having mikey make you up a panel for your gel coat vs paint test.Just thought I would let you know..ML

[Double Venom]

Mike,
This place is a wonderfull thing! Yes, I did call Sonny and asked him to send me a piece of gel-coat in what ever color they were shooting at the time.

I think it will be black. My partner has a great digital camera so hopefully you guys can see what I'm describing when it's all done.

Looking forward to our "experiment". A side note on the fading issue. Fellas, for a Cobra or a streetrod with a colored finish, fading is going to be a non issue! I have never seen a Cobra that was parked in the water, sitting outside 7 days a week, 24 hours a day!

For those that might prove me wrong, bring it to the shop in 3/5 years from now and I'll simply clear coat it for you. The largest boat we have done this to was a 26'! Now that was a lot of clear!


DV...I love messin' around!

[racer24]

I have a CMC factory gel-coated (red) cobra . The color is beautiful and I have recieved many compliments on the richness and depth of the color. The more you shine it the deeeper it goes. You can take a magazine or newspaper and hold it 5 feet or more above and the true colors show up in the car. Lines of the cobra are straight with out seams. The color came that way from the factory so no sanding , primeing or paint had to be applied. I bought this cobra unfinished so I had to deal with everything to get it on the road except paint which saved a lot of bucks. Been in alot of shows and won a lot of awards.

I do know if you have to repaint it is difficult to match but not imposssible.

Rich

[Double Venom]

Racer,
If you ever have to touch it up, take it to a marina! Or a body shop that really knows fiberglass/gel coats! Piece of cake to match it then.

DV

[JT]

Mike-thanks for the input on clearcoat. Very impressive. I have an A & C, in red gelcoat. I also have to explain it is not painted. Saved me thou$and$! I'm reluctant to clearcoat, I've seen so many boats with the clearcoat de-laminating, looks like sunburn peeling. I have a friend with a Manta from the mid-70's in gelcoat, it looks great. No sign of fading and great gloss. FOR ME, it's the way to go. Thanks!

[Double Venom]

JT,
This is exactly why the Gel has to be wet sanded before spraying the clear coat on! Ya just gotta do it!
DV...waiting for sample piece from AC