painting a hull ?

Sand the whole thing, fill in the scratches with a fairing filler.
Micro-balloons and resin work.
You can buy a pre-mixed fairing like Quick Fair or USC Fairing Compound.

Make sure to prime over all the repairs, and exposed fiberglass.
One doesn't need to prime over the gelcoat, unless it's in really bad shape.
Although, some recommend priming over everything.
Make sure everything is sanded with 120-180 grit, otherwise the paint will peel right off.

I highly suggest you go with AwlGrip.
And if you can't, then Sterling.
I wouldn't trust any other paint honestly.


If you choose to go with a cheaper alternative, make sure you use a catalyzed paint. They are far superior to a non-catalyzed paint.

 

A gallon kit is a LOT of paint.

Remember that the mix ratio is 1:1:15%.
So one quart kit value'd at $129.00 will in fact be more than 2 sprayable quarts.

I highly suggest you do NOT use brightside.
If you choose to go with Interlux, I suggest you go with Perfection.
It's not only about showroom quality, it's about a durable finish.

Brightside is a non-catalyzed paint that will peel off and chip off very easily.
As well as other paints on the market like Easypoxy and the one Rustoleum offers.


If I remember correctly, Perfection goes for around $60 a quart kit that will be less than two useable quarts once mixed.
If I remember correctly it's like a 2:1 ratio or maybe even 3:1 ratio.

 

Also, to fill the spider cracks, make sure you grind back the edges of the cracks.
remove the gelcoat around the cracks.
If the crack goes through the gelcoat and into the fiberglass, you might want to lay up a bit of chop strand mat on them to ensure that they won't continue to crack.

 

Raka Epoxy has Awl Grip on sale right now for half price. Two part polys are a little less friendly to handle and apply.

I like to use Interlux Precote primer and then top coat with their paint. The paint comes with instructions and is great for the amateur. Interlux is not complicated and the primer is high build and will fill most of the spider cracks and scratches. It has very good adhesion over gel coat that has been properly prepared. Just follow the instructions and you should do well.

Best regards,
Frank_S

 

Here is a site with a lot of good information.

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=4139

Frank_S