Should I use topside paint or gelcoat? – Jamestown Distributors

Q: How does gelcoat compare to 1-part topside paint and 2-part polyurethane?

Gelcoat generally has high durability and the highest UV resistance, but it can be medium to high difficulty to apply depending on the application method. 1-part topside paints are typically lower cost and easier to apply, but they have the lowest durability and UV resistance compared with gelcoat and 2-part polyurethane. 2-part polyurethane generally has high durability, high UV resistance, and the widest range of colors and finishes, but it has the highest cost range.

Q: Which finish is easiest to apply: gelcoat, 1-part topside paint, or 2-part polyurethane?

1-part topside paints are usually the easiest to apply, with a low to medium difficulty level depending on application method. Gelcoat and 2-part polyurethane are usually medium to high difficulty, depending on application method.

Q: Which finish has the best UV resistance?

Gelcoat has the highest UV resistance. It generally needs buffing every 1-2 years to maintain color and shine and usually lasts 10-30 years when maintained.

Q: Which finish is easiest to repair?

Gelcoat can create a seamless finish, although colors may not match perfectly, even with color-matching practice. 1-part topside paints cannot be seamed in perfectly, and 2-part polyurethane can be feathered in but is usually noticeable due to color shifting or the depth of the finish.

	Gelcoat	1-Part Topside Paints	2-Part Topside Paints
Cost of product and equipment needed to get started	$ to $$$	$ (TotalBoat Wet Edge Topside Paint, Toplac, EZ Poxy)	$$$ to $$$$$ (AwlGrip, Epifanes Poly-urethane)
Difficulty level to apply, including mixing, catalyzing, thinning, and application	Medium to high, depending on application method	Low to medium, depending on application method	Medium to high, depending on application method
Color options available	Common colors are premade, and gelcoat can be custom tinted to virtually any mostly solid color.	A good range of colors are available. Colors can be blended to make other colors, but they are limited to solid colors.	The widest range of colors and finishes is available, including custom colors, metallics, and other special effects at higher costs. Clear coats are also available.
Repairability	Can create a seamless finish, though colors may not match perfectly, even with lots of color-matching practice.	Cannot be seamed in perfectly, and colors may not match perfectly if the old paint has weathered.	Can be feathered in, but it is usually noticeable due to color shifting or the depth of the color or finish, even when done professionally.
Durability, including abrasion and impact strength	High	Lowest	High
UV resistance	Highest. Generally needs buffing every 1-2 years to maintain color and shine. Usually lasts 10-30 years when maintained.	Lowest. Usually lasts 3-10 years, depending on exposure level and weathering.	High. Usually lasts 5-10 years minimum under constant exposure. Buffing is only advised with certain 2-part paint systems.

Gelcoat

1-Part Topside Paints

2-Part Topside Paints

Cost of product and equipment needed to get started

Difficulty level to apply, including mixing, catalyzing, thinning, and application

Color options available

Repairability

Durability, including abrasion and impact strength

UV resistance

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