Anyone have a full gelcoat with partial paint?

[Swoop]

Crazy question maybe, maybe not...
For example, you wanted to change 1/4 of your boat's color- would the best way to go be paint if they can make it perfectly even? Or how the heck do you change gelcoat?
Sorry I don't know a lot about this stuff and I know most of you do, at least i'm keeping everyone busy! =)

[ratso]

You should know better than to ask a boating related question on here...:idea:
If there is a good gelcoat guy in the area, stick with gelcoat.
Paint is okay but not quite as durable.

[shueman]

At the shop, they gelcoat in the mold, sand down afterwords, then gel/paint the imperfections and finish details (as needed)...

[Tom Brown]

Lots of people have paint touch ups on their gel and are unaware.
Ironically, I think Ratso nailed it. Paint is fine but go with gel if you can find someone.
Also, don't be surprised if you pay extra for gel and still get paint. Paint is easier to work with on a partial because it's not nearly as thick and it's easier to blend in. Gel requires more labor to do because of the techniques to get the edges to lay flat.

[OGShocker]

Lettering (Never Forget!!!) on our boat is paint.

[spectras only]

My friend just returned his boat from his vacation place on Vancouver Island today and I snapped these pictures this afternoon. This boat has a full white gelcoat and a full paint now from top to bottom . It was a 3 year project and the boat was all white until he decided to paint it this summer . I couldn't beleive my eyes when I went close up to it , it looks like gelcoat and he didn't even wetsand and polish it yet . When I saw a boat program on speed vision from Florida years ago watching this greek guy painting with a roller ,he made me a beleiver it can be done by an expert . My friend used a roller as well .
http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/IMG_0925%20copy.jpg
http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/IMG_0924%20copy.jpg
http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/IMG_0923%20copy.jpg
The two white spots were the openings for the Stelling exhausts , that was replaced by CMI system exiting further below now .Bigger air scoop from the original . ZZ572 checkered logo is in the works
that will be on both sides of the air scoop .
Here's a before picture in its all white glory
http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/M...%20Maple%20Bay

[spectras only]

My 1972 Spectra had a chalked and dried out gelcoat and I went with Endura paint . Still shiny as ever and tough as a nail .
http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/IMG_1101.JPG
http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/IMG_1095.JPG

[Tom Brown]

http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/IMG_0925%20copy.jpg
Spectras only took me to see this project when I was in Vancouver. It is a tremendous piece of work.
The guy wanted a boat so he picked up a 45 gallon drum of resin and some cloth.
Literally.
Very nice boat. Very nice work. That paint job dresses it up nicely too.
For what it's worth, my boat is entirely painted.

[spectras only]

Tom , I guess you've recognized the spot . He encountered some 5-6 footers closing in on the Delta , but his 40.000 BTU heater made the crossing quite pleasant.Temps are a bit low for open boats now .
Next time you're in town we must go for a rip .