I am seeking the original brand and/or color of gelcoat for a 1994 U-280. It is a shade of white. Thanks!
I do not know that code but bought some white gel at a marine store in San Carlos Mexico this winter and used it on a 95 GV and it looks good I have also used the same on my 2000 U295 and that too looks good. Cannot see any difference.
JohnH
Actually, the original color is not that important. Gel coat fades/yellows with age. What you want is a boat repair shop that specializes in matching the color the gel coat is NOW.
This is an art, and there are those who are artist at doing it.
Thanks, sound advice. I forgot the boat guys since switching to aluminium. Though it has been my experience that "aging" the base or OEM color/composition is easier than matching from scratch and from the match forward the repair ages in the same fashion . . . kind of.
After John's post I checked the marine supply. The marine supply offers gelcoat kits with a few coloring agents included too.
Marine-Tex
Pull off one of the front lower fiberglass tow panels, clean it up and then take it to a paint/boat shop and have them put their scanner on it. That will get you close for color.
Pierce
Boy, my hat is off to anyone who can match gelcoat. I ended up going to Foretravel and buying a gallon after wasting much material in my attempts to match. I see a perfect match with the old after the original gelcoat is compounded out and the oxidized layer removed. Couple thoughts:
Foretravel gelcoat is thickly applied. If I do any more molding I will go ahead and buy a dump gun. I was using a modified paint spray rig and even with many passes my parts are not gelcoated to a sufficient thickness.
I don't know what brand the factory supplied gelcoat is but it is a premium product compared to the utility grade material sold by fiberglass suppliers.
You can use enamel.
AutomotiveTouchup (Microfinish) 888-710-5192.
I've not done this lately but at one time would make-up whatever you needed.
OR/Get the oxidized gel removed and most any good touchup operation can match what you need. This isn't a big deal, just time consuming.
I'd suggest finding someone to help if you don't feel secure in what you are doing btw. pc
Mr. Pearson, thank you.
When did you purchase gelcoat from Foretravel? When I purchased my FT, used, I contacted the Foretravel parts folks. They were very courteous but not at all helpful regarding historic knowledge of my model/year. They either could not or would not answer any question regarding materials used in its construction. They recommended a third party as a source for parts and information. I ordered gelcoat and a few other parts from the third party, however, the gelcoat was never shipped. I did not pursue the issue because I was not persuaded that the third party gelcoat was actually an OEM product.
The gel coat I bought in Mexico is of the toothpaste consistancy and can be applied in about 1/8th" thickness. Had no problem filling very deep cracks (after I cleaned them out with rotary disc on 4" angle grinder). Set up great and left till next day to sand etc and finish.
JohnH