Gelcoat Matching

[abl1111]

I know there are many variables when trying to match Sc gelcoat color. Does anyone have a good baseline to work off of ? Don't say white

I 'm looking for info like " x amount of drops of this pigment and this pigment… to a pint of white gives you a basic start. Thanks.

[FishStretcher]

The closest I ever got was a drop or two of yellow plus the tiniest bit of brown in a pint of white.

I always add too much.

[bgreene]

I will write WHITE as the base then add WAY LESS than you think you need and mix, mix, mix until absolutely sure it's MIXED.

What color is your target ?

If off white, cream white, start with pin SPEC of yellow mixed to the amount of gel coat you figure for the job.

Then after it's extremely well mixed, dab some onto the boat with your finger and compare the color.

I found it's best to be a little " too white " than a little too much color which shows more.

Besides yellow tint, the red tint helps of your boat gel coat shows that color slightly.
Always add WAY LESS tint that you think you need and add WAY LESS as white tints extremely easily.

Again...........add VERY LITTLE TINT at a time........as in tiny pin prick amount and mix.

[kmoose]

I have come very close with adding yellow to misty white. Dusky white is just a little too yellow but you can go 1/3 white and 2/3s Dusky white. Dab test in direct sunlight and make adjustments but understand gelcoat lightens after full cure.

[CoreyTrx]

To match the color on my boat. I started with a gallon of neutral and added 2 ozs of white pigment to 1 1/4 ozs of halyard and its almost perfect. But there seem to be some different shades of off white used.

[abl1111]

Thanks guys - seems like there are lots of ways to get it right.