Any standard enamel off white paint that won't darken in color in the sun ?

[Dune]

I ask as I had a quart of Glidden enamel special mixed to match my boat paint for the sole purpose of taking an artist brush and filling in some cracks in the gelcoat here and there (boat is painted over gelcoat with something like Awlgrip a few years ago but a few minor cracks showing in places)

I know this isn't the ideal fix where one gouges out the crack, uses actual gelcoat mix, sands, paints.....but it worked quite well enough for such fine cracks. But then just two months later the color has darkened on the Glidden paint that the fixes don't blend in so well anymore.

Should I try a two part paint more similar to the original ? The beauty of the one part however is it stretches a bit and would seem more unlikely to crack again in the future....but the color change is the problem.

 

[FF]

Cracks in the gelcoat might be from a poor layup, but are more likely a sign of structural failure below the surface.

Stairs are a constant hassle as few are built for a rugged service life.

 

[Dune]

Cracks in the gelcoat might be from a poor layup, but are more likely a sign of structural failure below the surface.

.

I don't know that I agree with that...not on this boat at least. I say that as I do have one area of actual structural failure...aft area of fly bridge where previous owner didn't properly seal a dinghy tie down fixture, rain got in and rotted the core. You can step on that area and it sinks as if there is no core....and yet ironically there are no cracks there whatsoever.

The areas there are cracks check out fine with hammer taps and moisture meter.

 

[bayview]

cracks often show at corners or above frames or such. Is that your case?

 

[psneeld]

Gel coat cracks can be from a few things....when repairing, it is best to find the cause....

Hmmmmmm....sounds like most repairs....

 

[Capt.Bill11]

Groove and fill the cracks properly and then spray paint with the proper two part paint. Anything else is a band aid.