Tag Archives: gel coat

A Comprehensive Guide to Gel Coat Spray Guns

We get asked a lot of questions about applying gel coat so we thought we would offer this guide as a way to help you understand one of the best methods, gel coat spray guns. Gel coat spray guns are invaluable tools for achieving professional finishes in gel coating projects. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a DIY enthusiast, understanding how these spray guns work and how to choose the right one can make a significant difference in your project’s outcome. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about gel coat spray guns, from their types and benefits to safety precautions and maintenance tips.

What is a Gel Coat Spray Gun?

Let’s start off by explaining that a gel coat spray gun is a specialized tool designed for applying gel coat, a type of resinous material, onto surfaces to create a smooth and durable finish. These guns atomize the gel coat, breaking it down into tiny droplets that are then sprayed evenly onto the surface, ensuring an even coating.

 

Types of Gel Coat Spray Guns

There are two main types of gel coat spray guns: conventional and HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure). Conventional spray guns use high pressure to atomize the gel coat, while HVLP guns use lower pressure, resulting in less overspray and a more efficient use of material.

Benefits of Using a Gel Coat Spray Gun

Gel coat spray guns allow for quick and efficient application, saving time and effort. The atomized spray creates a smooth and uniform coating, reducing the need for sanding and polishing. They also use less material compared to traditional methods, saving money in the long run.

Choosing the Right Gel Coat Spray Gun

When deciding which one is right for you, consider the size of your project, the type of gel coat you’re using, and your budget. It’s also important to choose one that is compatible with your compressor and other equipment.

Safety Precautions

Always wear protective gear, such as a respirator, goggles, and gloves, to protect yourself from fumes and overspray. Work in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.

Using a Gel Coat Spray Gun

We’re often asked if it is difficult to use a gel coat spray gun. It really depends, it can be challenging for beginners, but with practice and proper technique, it becomes easier over time. Here are a few factors that can affect the difficulty level:

  • Skill level: If you’re new to spray painting or using spray guns in general, there will be a learning curve. Familiarizing yourself with the equipment and practicing on scrap materials can help improve your skills.
  • Adjusting settings: Gel coat spray guns typically have adjustable settings for things like air pressure, fluid flow, and fan pattern. Learning how to properly adjust these settings for your specific project and materials is crucial for achieving desired results. Again, practice before applying on your boat. You’ll be glad you did.

 

Cleaning and Maintenance

To keep your gel coat spray gun in good condition, clean it thoroughly after each use. Use a solvent recommended by the manufacturer to remove any gel coat residue. Regularly inspect the gun for signs of wear and tear and replace any damaged parts as needed.

As you can tell, gel coat spray guns are essential tools for achieving professional finishes in gel coating projects. By understanding how they work and following best practices for their use and maintenance, you can ensure a smooth and durable finish for your projects. If you have any questions about gel coat for boats contact our technical services team via Live Chat or by calling 888-505-2313.

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How to Identify the Type of Paint on My Boat

Our customer service team often receives phone calls from customers asking how to identify the type of paint on my boat? The paint label should indicate the type of paint it is, as well as any other information about the paint. However, that may not be available.

In this case, you will need to know the surface of your vessel, for example is it aluminum, wood or fiberglass?

Once you have identified the surface, the type of boat paint can be narrowed down.

If you are looking at the topside area of a boat, and the surface has a gloss/shiny finish, the options are mainly Gelcoat or marine paint.

To tell these apart, you can use a couple of methods:

One method is to use rubbing alcohol on a white cloth and rub it over an inconspicuous area of the hull. If the surface starts to shine, then it’s likely that you have Gelcoat. Another option is to take a piece of sandpaper and gently rub it over an area where the finish appears smooth. If the paper doesn’t snag and pull up any fibers from the surface, then it’s most likely Gelcoat as well. 

If you are looking at the bottom of the boat, and the surface has a dull, flat sheen finish you most likely have some type of antifouling bottom paint. The two most popular bottom paints are self-polishing ablative and hard bottom paint.

The self-polishing ablative bottom paints work like a bar of soap, once the boat moves in the water or there is a current and or tide, the outer layer slowly wears away. It is easy to tell when a boat is painted with ablative bottom paint, simply rub it with a dry rag in an inconspicuous area of the hull. If the paint easily rubs off, you most likely have a self-polishing ablative bottom paint.

Note: compatibility within bottom paints can be tricky, we recommend checking the compatibility chart of the new bottom paint you are interested in applying, to ensure you prepare the surface correctly.

Here are the bottom paint compatibility and cross-references charts by bottom paint manufacturer:

It is important to determine the age of the paint. Again, you can look at the label on the can of paint for a date or call the source you ordered from to see if they have a record of your order. Bottom Paint Store has order records that span several years.

The final step is to evaluate the condition of the paint. If the paint is peeling, flaking, or otherwise showing signs of wear, it will need to be replaced. However, if the paint is in good condition and there are no visible signs of wear, you may be able to simply touch up any areas that are damaged.

Related Articles:

How do I know if my boat has Gelcoat on it or paint?
How to Apply Bottom Paint Over Existing Bottom Paint

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