Can you paint over a gel coated hull?

[boater76]

This might be a stupid queston but can you paint over a gel coated hull? If you can is there a better paint to do it with like enamel or lacquer etc? I would prefer to use rattle can. Thanks.

Ken

[sailr]

Yep. Sure can. Rough it up with a scotchbrite pad first and wipe it down with acetone or denatured alcohol. Use a primer/surfacer first (I prefer lacquer primer) You can sand the primer to get a really good surface. Then wipe it down with alcohol. As far as rattle can
paint, I like the Duplicolor paints at Advance Auto Parts. If you are going to clear coat it,
be sure to get the clear from the SAME FAMILY of the paint you used. Also let the color coat cure for 48 hrs.

[egneg]

Sailr is spot on - just make sure that there are no shiny areas left or the paint will lift (use a green pad or 400 grit wet/dry) - watch your windows for recoat times.