How to Paint Gelcoat
- 1). Wearing a respirator, sand the surface that is getting gel coated using a palm sander and fine-grit sandpaper. Thoroughly scuff every square inch of the surface.
- 2). Clean the surface using a rag and acetone. Remove all grease or dust left on the surface. Any grease can cause the gel coat to de-laminate from the surface, which will cause bubbles.
- 3). Tape off the surroundings of the part that is being gel coated using painter's tape.
- 4). Add the gel coat and the hardener to the gel coat gun as directed in the manual. The gel coat gun will internally mix the hardener with the gel coat while you are spraying.
- 5). Spray the first coat onto the surface in a heavy mist. Spray the gel coat as even and consistent as possible for the best results. Let the first coat begin to harden and become tacky.
- 6). Spray the final coat onto the surface, making sure the gel coat solidly covers the fiberglass. Continue to spray as consistently as possible to avoid any runs in the gel coat. Let the gel coat cure until it is hard and cool to the touch.
