can you paint over gel coat TC29?

[scram98400jm]

My 1999 TC29 is a lighter color blue than the current dark blue NH paint & it is really scratched & worn looking, rusted wheels etc. I was thinking of painting it the new darker NH blue color, is that possible over gel coat & it will not flake off? I was going to remove all wax, grease, scuff it & paint it w/ rattle cans & a foam bush in the hard to reach places. I'm not looking for a show room paint job & anything is better than it is now.
Thanks Jim

 

[Porkie]

The paint on you NH is impregnated into the gelcoat in the fiberglass. Paint on a tractor will never hold up as well as the gelcoat.

Yes, you can paint it if properly prepped, as in cleaned, etched and/ or sanded lightly and then cleaned again before painting.

I have an area on my 2000 TC40d's hood that is about a 4 inch round area that has been hit by a limb and has caved in about 1/8th inch, that will have to be patched, sanded and prepped before painting--hopefully, it will match.

Sam

 

[Porkie]

The paint on you NH is impregnated into the gelcoat in the fiberglass. Paint on a tractor will never hold up as well as the gelcoat.

Yes, you can paint it if properly prepped, as in cleaned, etched and/ or sanded lightly and then cleaned again before painting.

I have an area on my 2000 TC40d's hood that is about a 4 inch round area that has been hit by a limb and has caved in about 1/8th inch, that will have to be patched, sanded and prepped before painting--hopefully, it will match.

Sam

 

[PILOON]

I have painted many fiberglass canoes.
I generally sand to about 150/200 mesh, spray prime and top coat with a good oil based enamal.
It is all in the prepping.
Even a brushed on finish gives good results as long as prepping is well done.

Now if the fender (or whatever) is PVC (plastic) that is another story.
Not much sticks to PVC, maybe a good wax job is the solution. eg feed the plastic!(armorall?)

 

[/pine]

you will get the best results using a commercial grade industrial paint like Imron...but these paints are not intended for DYI'ers...

Agree that the preperation is paramount...be sure to use a tack cloth after sanding...scratches can be removed with a descending series of grits starting with 220 down to 600 or finer...you can also use some rubbing compounds and micro-fillers...

it won't hurt to use styrene to clean the surface in place of a tack cloth...just don't use acetone...

 

[scram98400jm]

Ok thanks. Everything is gel coat fiberglass & how I know that is my dad took a chunk out of the rear fender so I can see the fibers hanging out & can see the fiberglass weave. I may attempt this next summer since we're short on warm day's up here in Pa. If this goes well I'll next try my JD400.
Thanks again.

 

[sweep]

I was thinking of painting it the new darker NH blue color, is that possible over gel coat & it will not flake off?

No problem whatsoever as long as you use the right etching primers and sealers. I would go to your local automotive paint supplier and ask for their paint recomendations.