Paint vs. Gel Coat

[tam0204]

Is there a difference between the paint most people on here use and gel coat? What if any are the benefits of the paint over the gel coat.

[tech_support]

Gelcoat is used for making parts in a mold, its a thickened polyester resin that is sprayed into the mold before the fiberglass is laid over top.

When you build a boat "one off" you do not use gelcoat, you prime/paint.

paint lasts a lot longer as is a better coating. In fact, some of the ultra high end production boats are now eliminating the gelcoat and priming/painting the boats after they come out of the mold.

[tam0204]

ok thank you