Test to see if it is Gel coat or paint - Fiberglass RV
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 06-14-2014, 08:37 AM   #1
Senior Member
 
Name: Chris
Trailer: Boler
Alberta
Posts: 291
Test to see if it is Gel coat or paint

I just picked up a 74 Boler. It looks like it has been painted, is there anyway to tell for sure? Was hoping it was still Gel coat.
Nelmes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2014, 08:40 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
Donna D.'s Avatar
 
Trailer: 1988 16 ft Scamp Deluxe
Posts: 25,697
Unless it was professionally painted or the windows were pulled, you can usually tell by looking around window frames. You may have to check carefully all the way around if it was a really, really good tape job.
__________________
Donna D.
Ten Forward - 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Double Yolk - 1988 16' Scamp Deluxe
Donna D. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2014, 08:42 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
Name: J Mac
Trailer: 17b Escape
British Columbia
Posts: 125
why do you care?
J Mac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2014, 08:55 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
Trailer:
Posts: 787
You need to find somewhere inconspicuous (underneath the front or back?) where you can scratch the finish with a utility knife blade. If it's paint, you'll be able to scratch it off, and probably see a different colour gel coat underneath, but if it's gel coat, the colour will remain the same.

Just getting underneath the ends, where any paint preparation or application may not have been done well, may give you the answer without any scratching.

If there is paint, and it's a perfect match for the gel coat colour, then it will be hard to tell!
Andrew Gibbens is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2014, 09:16 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
Roy in TO's Avatar
 
Trailer: 1972 Boler American and 1979 Trillium 4500
Posts: 5,137
A picture would help.
Look at the rivets. With original gel coat the rivets will be metal and there is likely to be spider cracking around some. With paint, they are likely covered over unless all the rivets were removed before painting and then replaced.

Also look closely at the door frame and under the belly band.
Roy in TO is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2014, 09:17 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
Name: Chris
Trailer: Boler
Alberta
Posts: 291
Thanks All!

J Mac. The top color is in rough shape and needs work, the bottom I think I can save, but need to figure out which products to use.
Nelmes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2014, 08:43 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Name: Chris
Trailer: Boler
Alberta
Posts: 291
It looks like the bottom is painted to match the gel coat, and the top was painted away from the original color. The bottom I can save, the top needs to be repainted.
Nelmes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-15-2014, 08:42 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
Name: J Mac
Trailer: 17b Escape
British Columbia
Posts: 125
It might be just as easy or just as hard to paint the entire trailer. Since you will want to lightly pre-sand anyway, you'll soon find out 'which end is up' so to speak. Ask your paint dealer for paint that can be used on fiberglass.
J Mac is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
paint


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Automotive Paint over Gel Coat Problem Str8781 Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 19 02-04-2014 09:24 PM
Gel Coat Scammers Strike Southern California RVers Ken C General Chat 6 06-23-2009 07:57 PM
Bigfoot gel coat Ralph W Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 4 05-05-2009 01:30 PM
Gel coat protection GeorgeR Care and Feeding of Molded Fiberglass Trailers 18 03-20-2008 10:59 PM
Gravel Guard to Protect Lower Gel-Coat/Painted Surface Joseph Olajos Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 12 05-31-2007 08:23 AM

» Upcoming Events
No events scheduled in
the next 465 days.
» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:03 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.