Can I paint it?

Question

The lower fiberglass deck on my 30 year old fishing boat is stained and dirty. I dont want to reglass it, but would like to paint it with a good marine topcoat. Will it stick, or peel?

Answer 1

First, you need to determine if it's paint or gelcoat on your deck. If it's gelcoat, use that same product because it's the most durable coating. If it's paint, you can't use gelcoat on top. You need to completely sand the surface with 240 or 320 sandpaper, and clean the surface prior to refinishing. If you're going to use gelcoat, speak with a professional about the proper way to use it. If you're using paint, follow the instructions on the can.