The Importance of Choosing the Right Option
Nothing enhances the appearance of your boat like a fresh coat of paint. You will generally find two paint options on the market: gel coat and marine paint. If you're trying to decide which paint is best for your boat, keep reading for a complete breakdown of their advantages and disadvantages.
What Is Gel Coat?
Gel coat is a resin-based protective layer applied to the boat’s hull, typically during the manufacturing process. Once applied, the material works as an adhesive and creates a hard casing after it dries. The protective layer protects against UV rays and shields areas like the hull from harmful chemical reactions.
A gel coat is made with chemical and UV protection in mind. The coating is usually made from a polyester resin, but specialized applications may use epoxy resin, which produces an even stronger resistance.
Gel coating can also contain pigmented resin to achieve your boat's specific color or style and other additives to enhance factors like cure time.
Benefits of Gel Coat
- Durability: The resin base for the coating protects your boat from both the sun and chemical reactions. This reduces the risk of the hull peeling, cracking, or fading when exposed to various chemical reactions that occur underwater.
- Glossy Finish: Gel coating boasts great durability and, after multiple applications, provides your vessel with a sleek, glossy finish that can be pigmented for certain colors.
- Easy Repair: The repair process can be quite simple. You only need to sand down the surface to repair any damage and then reapply the matching gel coat.
What Is Marine Paint?
Just as the name suggests, this paint type provides suitable protection for boats and enhances their looks. The paint is typically laid on top of the preexisting gel coating, forming a protective layer against the sun’s UV rays and reducing the risk of rusting, perfect for boats made from metal.
Types of Marine Paint
Marine paint comes in various types, each better suited for specialized applications. Examples include:
- Topside: This paint is applied above the boat’s waterline, which includes hull, deck, and even some interior areas.
- Bottom: Coats the bottom of the boat, reducing the risk of sealife or organisms attaching to the water line
- Aluminum: Made for aluminum application, this paint requires no primer, allowing for a complete refresh of a boat’s aged metal.
- Wood: Provides a high-quality oil-based finish for boat wood materials.
Benefits of Marine Paint
- Color Variety: For whatever vision you have for your boat, a marine paint color matches the style.
- UV Protection: Marine paint, designed for aluminum and fiberglass boats, provides a protective layer against UV rays, maintaining the metal's stability and appearance.
- Easy Application: Certain paints (one-part polyurethane) can be applied easily with a brush, roller, or sprayer. This allows boat owners to apply a fresh coat to their vessels easily.
Key Differences Between Gel Coat and Marine Paint
Application Process
In terms of application, gel coat is more restrictive, as it is best applied using either a specific gel coat spray gun or a roller. Marine paint allows for more application options, as the new coat can be applied using brushes, rollers, and even a specified spray gun.
Curing Time
On average, gel coat cures much faster than marine paint, as typical curing processes only need 2 to 4 hours. Marine paint, however, can’t take multiple days to properly cure due to factors like being applied on top of gel coating, the temperature, or the thickness of the paint.
Longevity and Maintenance
A fresh gel coat can provide a sleek finish for 10+ years, while marine paint typically lasts around eight to 10 years before needing a fresh coat. If you are waiting to apply a coat, the shelf life of marine paint is significantly longer than that of gel coating. An unopened can of marine paint can stay effective for decades, but a can of gel coating can go bad after just a year.
Cost Factors
You want the paint that gives you the most bang for your buck. Gel has a higher upfront cost and requires more extensive application. The upside is that the coating provides durable protection for much longer. On the other hand, marine paint is cheaper and easier to apply, but requires more recoating and maintenance after a certain amount of time.
When to Use Gel Coat
If you are using a fiberglass boat, gel coat is the perfect choice for painting it. The coat seamlessly blends into the material when applied, creating a sleek, durable surface. After fully curing, the coating helps cover and repair exterior blemishes such as chips and scratches, creating a more complete, clean look for your vessel.
When to Use Marine Paint
For owners of metal or wooden boats, marine paint is the right choice. Designed to endure the harshness of the marine environment, marine paint provides a durable layer of protection against water damage, corrosion, and even UV rays. If you use your boat on the water a lot, marine paint not only keeps your boat looking great but also keeps it resistant to the elements.
Pick the Perfect Paint for the Perfect Look
The best paint depends on your boat and preferences. Gel coat is an excellent option if you’re looking for a sleek, long-lasting finish with minimal upkeep, mainly for boat owners focused on appearance and durability. For frequent boaters who prioritize protection from water, sun, and salt exposure, marine paint provides the resilience and flexibility needed to keep your vessel performing and looking its best.
Remember that boat upkeep requires timely maintenance and routine care. When it comes time to clean your boat, make the Absorber by Boat Lovers Towel part of your cleaning session. The towel supports your boat with three feet of super-drying action. The sponge-like structure helps make the drying process faster and easier than ever. Whether going for a short ride around the marina or taking your vessel on rougher waters, you won’t leave the docks without the Absorber.