Veebyes wrote:
There comes a point in time when the gelcoat has become so deteriorated that it cannot be restored.
Oh sure it can be compounded & resealed with any number of DIY products but they will not last very long.
The only restoration method, not cheap, that will last is a thorough preparation and recoating using a product such as Awlgrip or Emron
These are extremely tough marine epoxy products that, finished with a couple coats of clear coat, will last for many years without the labour needed to keep gelcoat looking good.
I stress again, this type of coating is not cheap, but the results achieved by a professional, WOW.
For sure, it could be too far gone. But the OP hasn’t indicated, nor am I sure they know. Since it’s likely they haven’t even tried to shine it back up.
The products you mention are good, very good as far as I know, however Awlgrip Topcoat and Imron are both urethanes. Acrylic urethane as I remember. Or basically the same as any quality urethane car paint/clear. They are not epoxy based. Huge difference. Biggest one being epoxy based paints generally have horrible UV resistance. And even the variations formulated for UV exposure are not great.
Imron, as I recall, got its notoriety back in the day because it was one of the first urethanes out there, replacing the typical lacquer paints with greater durability and UV resistance. In the last 30+ years it has become the norm and no longer “better.”
Good discussion, although I feel Thoreau may have left the building. Hopefully they’re trying the Jimk method. Because painting that camper is likely not a sound financial decision unless set up and able to diy.
