Gel coat reconditioning in Denver or the Western Slope??

Maintenance of the body of the camper
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jb1rd73
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Gel coat reconditioning in Denver or the Western Slope??

Post by jb1rd73 »

It seems as though I made a mistake in not having the roof of the H'airstream reconditioned in Florida where there are a million and one boat repair shops. When I lived in Colorado previously I took my Wakeboard boat to SW Performance and Calibre, does anyone know of a good shop with reasonable rates either in Denver or Grand Junction? I know Keystone is also in need of a reconditioning, maybe we could get a group together and see if we can swing a deal.
I posted this over on the EP forum as well!
slapthecat
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Re: Gel coat reconditioning in Denver or the Western Slope??

Post by slapthecat »

I didn't realize it was possible to have them reconditioned? The posts I've read here and on other forums suggest using marine epoxy paint once the gelcoat has broken down.
My top is in bad shape (florida as well). I was planning to do the paint in the next few weeks - interested to know if there are restoration options!
Reddeer
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Re: Gel coat reconditioning in Denver or the Western Slope??

Post by Reddeer »

I must admit I went the paint route and applied two coats of marine paint. I used Interlux Brightside from Jamestown Distributors. This paint is not cheap, but looks nice once applied with a high quality brush. I did not try to match the original color and went lighter which keeps the interior much cooler in the summer.
Keystone
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Re: Gel coat reconditioning in Denver or the Western Slope??

Post by Keystone »

Would you kindly post a picture of your newly-painted top?
Keystone
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jb1rd73
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Re: Gel coat reconditioning in Denver or the Western Slope??

Post by jb1rd73 »

X-2 for wanting to see pics, it would be awesome. I am not super excited about paying what they are asking to do a gel coat refurbish when it seems that the gel coat is really not in need of repair but just a good long lasting buff job which never seem to last.
albionfarms
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Re: Gel coat reconditioning in Denver or the Western Slope??

Post by albionfarms »

J C P Fiberglass. 849 21 1/2 Rd Grand Junction CO 81505. (970) 245-5825.

They do fantastic work on boats, motorhomes, etc. Insurance companies accept their estimates with no questions, and highly recommend them.
Reddeer
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Re: Gel coat reconditioning in Denver or the Western Slope??

Post by Reddeer »

Hello all,

Here are a few shots. The paint is not super smooth, but functional.
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slapthecat
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Re: Gel coat reconditioning in Denver or the Western Slope??

Post by slapthecat »

That looks pretty good!
I had talked with another owner who went the marine epoxy route - he said he used "brushing 333" with the paint, a leveling agent of some sort that helps the paint to spread smooth.
Did you use anything along those lines?!?!
Keystone
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Re: Gel coat reconditioning in Denver or the Western Slope??

Post by Keystone »

Thanks for posting these photos.
I think it came out well, though I suspect the prep and painting was a lot of work for you.
What sort of cleaning and sanding did you do?
Reddeer wrote:Hello all,

Here are a few shots. The paint is not super smooth, but functional.
Keystone
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VT964x4
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Re: Gel coat reconditioning in Denver or the Western Slope??

Post by VT964x4 »

Helpful photos. Scrubbed the roof and did a layer of wax with collinate this summer, but it is going to need more next year, your work is inspiring, I think, talk to me next summer :D
Reddeer
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Re: Gel coat reconditioning in Denver or the Western Slope??

Post by Reddeer »

Hello all,

I did a wet sand with 180 or 200 grit, with most of the work on the deteriorating top. I used the highest quality brushes I could buy at Home Depot. Then I applied two coats with no paint additives. I tried to apply the coats as thinly as possible. The whole process was spread over maybe 3 days, but I pay myself a pretty low rate for B-190 work!
slapthecat
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Re: Gel coat reconditioning in Denver or the Western Slope??

Post by slapthecat »

I just completed the reconditioning of my top. I used the Interlux Brightside paint as well. I'm pretty happy with the results!
Here's a gallery link: https://plus.google.com/photos/10716585 ... taLpjpXXRg
VT964x4
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Re: Gel coat reconditioning in Denver or the Western Slope??

Post by VT964x4 »

Looks really great, congrats on completing all the work, love that color! Quite the nudge this link...May have to get to this...
Reddeer
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Re: Gel coat reconditioning in Denver or the Western Slope??

Post by Reddeer »

Great work - like the color. The wife vetoed gray/silver for now. It is cooler inside - I'm sure you'll notice the difference.
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