What exactly is Gel Coat

[waycool]

What exactly is Gel Coat and how is it applied to the fiberglass? I had a boat for years and never really that about it until recently. I am looking to purchase another boat and would like to do some graphics with our company logo incorporated in it. Is there any how to's on gel coating?

Thanks,
Waycool

[Diaz Dezine]

You would just apply your graphics or artwork the same way you would any other automotive type graphics.
I think the only way you would ever have to use gelcoat is for repair issues on gelcoat surface or if you are actually apllying the first laying surface to a mold for a boat.
Doing graphics or artwork within a gelcoated surface is much like doing a RC car shell or body, you have to do all the artwork or graphics in reverse.
It's a pretty tedious process and unless you want to take a crash course in gelcoating at your neighborhood boat manf. you will see there is alot to it.
But I believe it is a mixture of polyester/epoxy type resins and fiberglass/carbon fiber.
It's pretty tough stuff but also needs alot of maintenance if the surface is constantly exposed to the sun.
Where if you prep the gelcoated surface then do your base and graphic work and then a uro clear, you will probably have a surface that can handle the elements better,,,so I have been told.
I used to live near Lake Erie and had alot of friends with boats and also involved in the boat industry.
Hope this helps Waycool.
Diaz

[fresnojohns]

Waycool,

Everything Diaz said is the way Gelcoat is and is applied. Its a
very long time consuming process even to do a simple belly band around the
lower part of the boat. One thing you need to know also is that before
any gelcoat of any sort is applied, the inside of the mold is usually waxed.
Thats at least what we did. I worked at a small boat building place in Northern California. Also Lee said its the same process as a RC Car painting.
That is why you can never feel any designs. All taping etc. is done backwards against a mold. There have been some really wild flame jobs, etc
on boats and you never feel anything.

All I can really add is when you get ready to do any designs on any boat,
be aware of static electricity because of the fiber glass. Be careful of certain
brand paints you use. Some paints will say on the can not to use below the water line as it will effect adhearence to surface. And since you are going to apply graphics to your new boat, make very sure you really clean it good because the wax is always on the surface at least when its glossy because of the waxing of the molds. Be sure to show us some photos. For me, boats
have always been the hardest thing to paint. Some boat companies that
are known for wild paint schemes are Sanger, Brendella, Hondo, and Eliminator.
Fresnojohns