C/M Paints + Clearcoats

C/M Paints + Clearcoats

INDUSTRY SPEC STANDARDS 

Sealing Treated Fabrics with Paint & Finishings 

Proper application & maintenance then repair practices 

PAINTS & ALTERNATIVES 

Paint coloring 

Waterborne Paint

They are safe for the environment and don't release harmful chemicals like solvent-borne ones. Waterborne paint can be applied on different surfaces, such as the primer coat, the metal sheet, or a newly applied coating that perfectly complements it

Rule of thumb for the eco-conscious: Water-based paints, like latex and acrylic, are safer than oil-based formulas

Earthborn Paints are made from natural ingredients such as clay and plant extracts, making them a sustainable and non-toxic choice for eco-conscious consumers

Other Alternatives

Plasti Dip – Plasti Dip is a rubberized coating that can be sprayed onto the car. It's cheaper than a wrap and offers the advantage of being easily peelable, allowing for easy removal. ...Spray Can Paint Job – For the most budget-conscious, repainting a car with spray cans is an option

CLEARCOATS - GEL COATS 

Paint finish 

A car clear coat is a transparent finish paint that generally works as topcoat on surfaces or parts that have previously been painted. A clear coat is the coating that allows to embellish the surface of a vehicle, providing extraordinary hardness and resistance to different mechanical and chemical agents

Gelcoat: a layer of resin directly applied onto the mold intended to give a beautiful appearance, the surface color and ensuring protection against aging, chemical and mechanical attack

Gelcoat is not waterproof and free water will permeate through the surface and become absorbed by the structure. Extremes of temperature will then cause the water to either vaporize or freeze cracking the gelcoat. Early gelcoats were relatively hard and had a long life

Gelcoat, a specialized form of colored polyester resin, serves as a protective outer layer for fiberglass structures, especially boats

Benefits of Gelcoat

It is known for its durability and resistance to damage, making it ideal for harsh environments. Gelcoat also resists the harmful effects of UV radiation, helping to prevent fading and other forms of damage

Gel coat paint for boats can last up to two decades before needing major repair work, while marine paint will typically need one or more major repairs 

Most Gel manufacturers will guarantee their resins to be stable for 3 - 6 months after purchase if still in the sealed factory container

Do not apply gelcoat to any paint or protective coating because it will not adhere. Existing paint will have to be removed. In order to prepare the surface correctly, it must be sanded. The heavier fast-cut grits (40/80/100) are used to feather sand and ground out a routed area prior to filling

Gelcoat without Wax will not cure on its own

Gelcoat is available with or without wax. To cure properly and completely, gelcoat needs to be devoid of oxygen

Generally, one heavy coat is sufficient. However, if you have opacity problems two coats may be necessary with a light sanding between coats. Once the coating (gelcoat) has cured, it should be block sanded using a 250 wet grit paper to remove all brush marks and high spots

It's applied as a liquid coating that hardens into a smooth, shiny surface when cured. The end result is a glossy finish that's highly resistant to UV radiation, chemicals, solvents, and impact damage. There are two main types of gelcoats: polyester-based and vinylester-based

Apply gel coat in 4-5 layers at approximately 5 mils each, allowing 15-20 minutes between layers for a total thickness of 20-25 mils. Use #122-A Gel Coat Thickness Gauge to ensure proper thickness is achieved

Gelcoat is extremely durable and provides a high-quality finish to visible surfaces making it a popular solution for damages to fiberglass surfaces such as covering up blemishes, patching small holes, filling cracks, and renewing surface shine

Painting Over Gelcoat not under

So yes, you can paint over gelcoat, but under specific circumstances. A boat's gelcoat needs to be in good condition, meaning no cracks, stains or chalky oxidation. Marine wash is a good start to cleaning gelcoat, but you may need an acid-based remover if you have stubborn stains

Before you can fill a scratch in gel coat, you need to make sure it's shaped in a “V”. Otherwise, if the scratch's shape is irregular the gelcoat paste may bridge either side and leave a gap underneath in some areas. If this happens, your repair won't last

Gelcoat must be protected against the damage that boats take from the elements. All elements take their toll, including sun, wind, and water. Your boat needs to be waxed just like your Porsche or Prius unless a Clearcoat after paint coloring is applied above Gel Coating 

Porosity can happen when the gel coat film is too thick or is applied too quickly and can't release entrapped air. It may also occur when there is poor gel coat or catalyst atomization or improper spray techniques

Too thin. Too thick. 

Alligatoring- A cosmetic defect in the gel coat layer. It looks like a wrinkled surface which resembles alligator skin. This is often caused by the gel coat being applied too thin. It can also be caused by not allowing the gel coat to cure long enough before adding subsequent layers

They are tiny holes in the gelcoat. Pinholes can occur when gel coat is sprayed too quickly or if not enough pressure is added when applying. Both fisheyes and pinholes can be repaired through proper sanding, cleaning the repair area and patching with gel coat

ALTERNATIVES 

Traditional Wraps 

Spray on Wraps 

Composite spray on Coloring with Clearcoat mix integrated 

Advanced digital electronic wraps & backgrounds 

A mirror effect with projected lights then a basic colored matte finished white or black background panel that projector image lighting can place against like aga skin-wrap

C/M CYPRESS MOTORS