Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

July, 2005

Clear Coat Over Gel Coat

Q. I want to put a clear coat of Imron on my fiberglass boat. I have sanded the gel coat carefully. Do I have to wipe it down with something or put a precoat on it before I top coat it with clear Imron?

A. You might be able to apply the clear coat over the gel coat without prepping. However, if I were you I would probably sand with a fine grit paper, then wipe down the surfaces with isopropyl alcohol. Alternatively, you can wipe down with the same solvent that is supplied with the Imron clear coat.

I usually recommend that one should experiment on a small area which is not visible to others.

Best wishes,

Ron Joseph