Gel coat or PU paint: which to choose?

When buying a new boat or refitting an old one, is it cheaper to use automotive PU paint, or is gel coat worth the investment?

The finish is one of the details worth looking at closely when choosing or refitting a boat. Among the options available, gel coat and PU paint are the two we cover here. The end result looks similar, but there are important differences.

Gel coat is a kind of resin, thicker than paint, applied as a coating that provides both colour and protection. Once cured it feels like ceramic. It is also used on aircraft.

Gel coat is currently regarded as the most efficient and durable method for building or restoring fibreglass boats. It combines polyester resin with mineral fillers and pigments, giving a smooth, glossy finish and a very even colour. It has medium viscosity, resists impact and wear, and adds UV protection that extends the life of both the colour and the shine.

Unlike conventional automotive finishes, gel coat is applied in thicker layers and needs less pigment to reach the intended colour. It can also be sanded and polished easily if marks appear, whereas conventional paint demands more care, is harder to restore and tends to fade early, which is common with some automotive paints.