Repairing with a Heavy Compound

If the hull's gelcoat is in good condition without many cracks or chips, a heavy compound can help bring it back to life. Wet sanding may be needed to remove heavy oxidation before using a rubbing compound such as TotalBoat TotalBuff Rubbing Compound, followed by TotalBoat TotalShine Finishing Compound. This is the most cost-effective option.

Painting with a 1-Part Paint

Applying a 1-part paint such as TotalBoat Wet Edge Topside Paint is a great way to bring life back to an old hull that is in ready-to-paint condition. It can be applied directly to gelcoat, fiberglass, or previously painted surfaces that are in serviceable condition. It is the most cost-effective method for painting a boat and offers a wide variety of color options.

Painting with a 2-Part Paint

Applying a 2-part paint such as Awlgrip, Awlcraft, Epifanes Polyurethane, or Alexseal increases durability, performance, and the quality of the finished appearance. These paints are much more complex to apply and may require a proprietary primer, while some product systems are designed for spray application only. The service life is usually two to five times longer than that of a 1-part paint, and the cost is substantially higher. This painting method offers the most color options, and some paint systems include special effects, such as metallic finishes.

Applying New Gelcoat

Applying new gelcoat is a less common option, but it can restore existing gelcoat to like-new condition. The cost is usually between that of a 1-part and a 2-part paint system. The service life of new gelcoat can match or exceed that of a 2-part paint system if it is properly maintained. This method requires a high skill level and, depending on the quality of the application, achieving a uniform, mirror-like finish can be quite involved.