2 Different Types Of Gelcoat Nonskid Applications For Your Boat Project!

The Bertram transom replacement has not gone away! Like for many of you, life and normal routine has kind of been flipped on it's head with everything going on. Hoping things calm down soon and get back to normal :-)!
In the mean time I hope this video may be helpful for some of your upcoming projects!
I will admit that I kinda goofed with the second type of nonskid application, mixed the gelcoat too thick and it didn't quite roll out the way I wanted; A little less silica / thickener and it would have gone off without a hitch ;-)!
VIDEO: Alexseal Playlist With Softsand Nonskid Application:
• Alexseal Demonstration...
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Thanks for watching!

[@rosesrambler]

In my opinion watching your videos, regardless of their content is worth it just to listen to the kid give that closing statement: that is totally angelic.

[@ShawnTalbot]

We restored the deck of our 1976 Paceship sailboat with AWLGRIP and Softsand based off one of your previous boat job videos. Although many members of our club recommended we not use Soft Sand or AWLGRIP, and after we saw their application of the carpet roller technique on their boats we decided it was best to stick with your advice and Softsand. Boy are we glad we choose to stick to your advice. The job finished amazingly. The same members that poo pooed our decisions (because we're younger, new boaters) asked many questions of advice afterward. It was our first time trying to restore any boat. LOL! Your videos helped us to be patient and properly follow the instructions instead of cutting corners to get it done quickly. Well worth the effort. Thanks for your efforts and trainings.

[@emilyfarris6982]

Did you use the flattener to cut down the shine?

[@JonDunnmusician]

Wonderful Andy-- And I agree with you a 100% about not using acetone as a thinning agent

[@johngray4757]

I am needing to add non skid to a repair on the boat. Being able to actually see and hear how to makes all the difference. You are a Great teacher. Thanks for the Videos.

[@JAR2.0]

Another great how-to video. Thanks! I will be using both options in the near future and your instructional material will be of significant assistance. Well done!

[@VW.907]

I used soft sand after seeing you use it. I applied it in epoxy paint and have to say it feels really nice, I like it.

[@jefframsey5863]

I have learned so much from your channel, Thank you! I just applied Kiwi Grip to my boat and for my use I like the aggressive texture.

[@RYBAT]

Thanks Andy, If found this video very enlightening as with your other videos...mainly because I intend to purchase an Old Westerly and will be doing a complete refit and repairing deck soft spots.

[@jamesboniface8779]

Great videos. I used this exact technique using Totaboat single stage urethane. One point is to make sure the first coat of paint or gelcoat is as even as you can get it. I rolled in both directions to make sure there was an even layer without any thick paint ridges from the edges of the roller. The amount of sand that adheres is directly proportional to the thickness of the paint. Also any bare spots will not obviously hold sand. These bare spots can be difficult to see if painting over the same color. It is impossible to go back and retouch these areas. Also DO NOT plan on painting surrounding smooth areas at the same time as applying the first coat over the sand! No matter how well you sweep or vacuum excess sand, some will be picked up by the roller and get deposited on the smooth areas, (ask me how I know!) Keep the videos coming, very educational

[@wassawbound2926]

Thanks Andy. I was just about to experiment with gelcoat and Softsand.

[@gagmewithaspoon]

Well done Andy.... Brilliant as always...

[@SailingSVEasy]

Another great DIY-video and very entertaining, too. I don't need to do this right now but will keep it in mind. Thanks for your informative videos.

[@circularebin]

Thanks for making this video....and well, all others too. You are a great teacher and great presenter. I think your videos would be a great addition to vocational school education. Anywho, I’ve been thinking about a non skid surface on the floor of an old fiberglass boat. The ‘rolled-on” surface texture you made with the roller, resembled the surface texture of some of the fiberglass patchwork that was performed over the years in this boat. Haha. While that surface may serve it’s purpose, it’s a “not so professional” looking appearance to me. The soft sand definitely makes for better aesthetics. Again, thanks for the excellent content.

[@tomntube]

I've used Kiwi grip on 2 boats, looks like your rolled finish. You can control the "agressivenss" by how thick you put it on and knocking down the pointy parts after it dries the same way you have. Water based, no hazmat fee, one coat. I use drywall texture rollers, HD and Lowes carry in the paint department, look like they are covered in squiggly dried spaghetti. Way cheaper than the Kiwi grip ones and work just as well. I also took my white Kiwi grip to my local paint store and had it closely color matched to my tan canvas. Love your videos for the techniques, learned a lot from them.

[@markshag5149]

Thanx Bro - good stuff, learned something today ... appreciate it! Now let's start carving away at that Berty.

[@SkypowerwithKarl]

I’ve used Interlux non skid additive with great successes. Works great with most hull or deck paint and goes an incredible long way. It’s not overly course and won’t hold dirt or tear up a mop. Do a test board to figure out the mix ratio you like. Follow the paint instructions for number of coats and paint as soon as possible between coats because you can’t sand between coats. Stay the hell away from soft rubber grit. The paint eventually dries hard and the rubber flexes under pressure. The paint shell fractures leaving the exposed rubber grit which will decompose, change color, wear down or pull out. This leaves a void for water, dirt or an entry point for water to get under the paint.

[@handmethatchingadera]

I am fixing to shoot some non skid in a way I’ve never tried myself. The shop I buy fiberglass supplies from told me to get a cheap primer gun with a large tip size and mix in the sand with the gel coat to spray on. If it doesn’t come out you drill the tip on the gun slightly larger until the particles flow out with the gel. They shoot it all the time and it looks great. I’m fixing to try it myself. Great video!

[@WindoverWater]

We have done it before with the thick gel rolled on. We lightly sanded the stippled area when it cured to get it to match the gel we were trying to duplicate. It matched perfectly in texture and color. Just gotta knock the tops off of the stipple. Easy to do.

[@sdandre2]

This is the perfect video for what I have coming up!

[@ascott6804]

The carpet rolled one reminds me of the left over glue from indoor/outdoor carpet. That sand covered one looks awsome!!

[@ocxb]

I’ve used kiwi grip and didn’t make it heavy, I knocked down the tips and I have excellent grip with or without shoes and the cockpit vinyl cushions haven’t shown any signs of wear or scuffs. Your gel coat video is very informative, I might have gone the gel coat way but kiwi grip had excellent customer reviews.

[@mattjohn888]

We would usually mix our sand into the gelcoat with some resin to thin out,, maybe upto half resin. Can be tricky to apply to a consistent finish, so I like the idea of sprinkling on sand then hit it with another layer, always learning!

[@williambellamy7830]

Andy, you should try adding Awlgrip nonskid to your deck paint and spraying it on with a 2 quart pressure pot. This is what we always did when respraying large yachts. This is how Hatteras Yachts did their decks.

[@ceirwan]

Awesome video Andy. I've been googling this subject for years it seems, so to see someone actually give a proper go on video is great. Gelcoat should last so much longer than paint as well. The only downside with the carpet roller is that it looks a bit 'DIY' compared to the other one, I wonder if a KiwiGrip roller might give a similar effect to Kiwi-Grip - just in gelcoat instead?

[@jcdesignsandboat-works8290]

GM Andy! Both samples came out great! I do my nonskid the same way! For the rolled on texture, I thicken as you did, then I use a 3/8 nap roller. I get the material down, squeeze the excess out of the roller with a gloved hand, then lightly back roll the uncured gel. Leaves a nicer looking pattern than the “Carpet roller method” in my opinion. Love the soft sand method and product with paint too!

[@boatworkstoday]

Great tip!

[@jcdesignsandboat-works8290]

BoatworksToday thank you! All your tips and videos are great too! I wish I could produce the same quality videos you do!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👊

[@lloydholt6511]

Great demonstration

[@sailingmarie7097]

Andy also look into the nonskid from Ovni Yachts. Their new 400 had some sort of paint with micro balloons. It was the best I’ve seen so far. I love the work you do. Thanks!

[@chadauthement7507]

I have always just mixed the non skid with my gel coat and rolled it out in one fluid motion and have achieved the same result. Great video though

[@JustinSmith-il8vg]

same

[@johnmccliment3121]

I've been leaning towards the Softsand since your 1st use of it, even on that test panel it's more pleasing to the eye. Like others can't wait for you to get back to the transom project, I'm pretty sure you are thinking and re-thinking options. Once you hit the point of no return it's all or nothing. I'm just glad none of my projects are that big, more cosmetic then large and structural.

[@davidtunnicliff5442]

i worked on liveaboard dive boats for 12 years in the caribbean. Painted the decks every 12 months maybe? we always used silica sand. base coat, sand, then topcoat. worked really well.

[@dominiciadicicco9819]

Great Video. I would love to see one on how to repair a spot where some gelcoat with soft sand chips off.

[@thedailydeary7787]

Thanks for the demonstration. I’ll soon be removing carpet from the floor of my boat and applying a nonskid surface. It looks to be a polyester laminate resin under the carpet but is rough and will need sanding. I’m thinking total fare to smooth out and even up the floor the using the soft sand and laminating gelcoat.

[@samwestoby140]

I learned so much from you thank you

[@markkurtis8637]

Great info.! Thank you.

[@jmconnollyus]

Andy -- huge fan of your videos & site. One of the best resources for DIYers on the web. I've got an old sailboat with in-laid non-skid that has, over the past 30 odd years, almost become smooth. Would paint + SoftSand be appropriate to use on the existing "non-skid"?

[@christopherscott6435]

I just did my center console floor with Griptide and it turned out better than expected, it's kinda like kiwigrip but is solvent based with a catalyzer.

[@aaronsimpson8329]

Love the channel and love the laid back attitude! I work in a marine service shop in sw Mi Im working on restoring my 64 holiday speed boat during this shut down and your channel is what i always fall back to im not this far into it but im doing a total restoration. Transom was completely rotted along with wood flooring underlay. Old school fiberglass is mean stuff! But i think im gonna apply the soft sand in my boat. Quick question if you see this though. My boat has been repainted by people who dont know a lick abouy anything they used house paint😒 but under that is gel coat. Do i need to remove the gelcoat down to bare fiberglass in order to re-gelcoat my boat? I'm debating in-between sanding, priming and paint it or gelcoat I like the appeal and hardness gel-coat would add but if i need to take it down to fiberglass since the gel coat is so old thats 3x as much work lol

[@MrBluoct]

Thanks- Looking to make select minor repairs to existing non -skid and then a re- coat of matched paint to entire non- skid areas as a refresh

[@kimyoung230]

Thanks Andy! I appreciate your input on product selection and application. What is the necessary surface prep before that first coat of non-wax gel coat? Should the old non-skid be sanded completely off?

[@gordonfoster5311]

Another way to get some texture for a non skid surface..... Use course salt or sugar on your fresh gelcoat. Once set rinse the gelcoat and the salt or sugar will dissolve leaving a dimpled surface

[@johnedmund7447]

Great video Well done!

[@foursaintswax3735]

Great video 👏🏽

[@mikewillis2934]

Thanks, great video

[@cassadyschaffer9047]

Thank you 🙏

[@chucki3107]

Great video !! I used the soft sand over white gelcoat for the new floors I put in my boat and love the look. Have you ever used clear gelcoat over the soft sand after the excess was cleaned up to keep the natural color of the soft sand?

[@tonycarey1808]

Hey Andy - love your videos - so informative and instructional - really appreciate that. We have an old Shannon with a diamond patterned deck that needs to be redone. The yard says to use Gelcoat. I loved the finish with the SoftSand - can I use that over our diamond pattern? or would you recommend skipping the sand and just applying 2 coats of gelcoat - first one thinned non-wax and second waxed?

[@PaintballShyguy]

Thanks for the videos they're really helpful. I have a question a bit unrelated to this one though. What paint do you prefer for smaller aluminum boats? Something that might be a little flexible?

[@davegruenwald212]

I'm learning a lot from these videos. Thank you. The epoxies you use are excellent, but quite expensive when compared to good old "Bondo" which I assume is filled polyester resin. Do you ever use Bondo to fill surface imperfections and if not, why not?

[@aquavoroffshore7951]

What happened to the Bertram 25 project? I really like your channel...im doing a 1985 Boston Whaler 27 and like seeing the big project stuff...cant wait to see the bracket repair project unfold..great info on Alexseal..im sold and will try it on my Whaler

[@bullykuldo6233]

When are we getting back to the bertram or this is a trial for the bertram, I am curious to see how the transom turns out very nice I know Love your work have lernt lots from you . Keep up the good work. Tony

[@crazyrayuk36]

Nice job 👍

[@richardmondor1360]

Andy you should have did one final uni direction pass with that nap roller to give it a controlled and symetrical look....i think you would like the way it would all line up.

[@scottk6659]

Another great video, love your channel thanks. Question: My non skid gelcoat swim platform needs a new skin. I am NOT very skilled in this stuff Am I better to use Gelcoat and softsand or paint and softsand (I saw your paint and softsand video) Is one more durable, is the paint less complicated? Which version is better for an unskilled guy like me? Thanks

[@slkapust]

Hey Andy, nice tips on the non-skid! I was wondering if there is a type of release fabric that gives a nice non-skid texture. The normal release fabric I generally use leaves a texture, but I wouldn't consider it non-skid.

[@pieroserrano]

THANK YOU, YOU VIDEO HELP ME ALOT.. I JUST SUBSCRIBE.

[@andresschuitemaker5566]

Love you🙏🙌

[@stathisyannacopoulos3004]

Excellent videos, very informative. One question, is it true to assume that using topcoat paint the final surface will be more shiny that the gel coat?

[@toargames]

i,ve used a 7 inch EG327T pattern roller on the floor of my "WITH KMV dromedille", it was a succes. The patern is very nice and smooth. the EG319T is even better in my opinion, but it was unavailable at that time

[@nathanbutler8240]

I used this method to make a floor for my kayak catamaran I built except my dumba*s poured the sand on all even then went to dump off all the extra and the paint sagged with the weight of the sand as I poured it off -.- lessons learned lol

[@mylespowers3965]

Hey Andy, what can I do with a molded in non-skid deck? How would I clean it for repainting? Soda blast maybe?

[@richl2723]

Andy... I simply can't get past thinking of the longevity of the soft sand surface once you topcoat it. It's soft and will move, crack, and crinkled when stepped on over a period of time no? I'm no painter but, I do recall they put certain flex additives in paint such as car plastic bumpers. This reminds me of the opposite,,, hard surface with soft under the coat. BTW, Thru your channel, I found Jeff and his brother in-law Johnny. GREAT people, thank you. I have been spreading your name and theirs like wild fire. Hope it catches you!

[@bizzybone485]

Great video! Not many are redoing with Gelcoat. How do you feel about using Duratec in the final topcoat?

[@aaroncollana6487]

Hey Andy, I own a 78 well craft cuddy cabin and I'm wanting to freshen the interior up a little. The boat floor is in great condition but it has a few chips here and there, so it's missing paint of course. What would be a good way to paint the deck. The boat already has texture. Is there a way to re coat it?

[@kkrass1]

I think soft sand is better too. The other one seems very industrial. Thank you for sharing

[@BullieOnkel]

nice , maybe do both technic togeter, 1. layer the Celcoat (butter) and after it dry , do the 2. Step with Sanding technic.

[@johnbonnell7840]

Great video Andy. Looking for your opinion on thinners. Currently using Intralux perfection 2 part paint and it says to use 2333N thinner at 10%. I am only redoing 2 covers/lids (and plan to use soft sand medium per your videos) and an aft door so will be using an oz or two 2333N thinner which is $30. Can I use acetone or another thinner and obtain similar results or should I spend the $ on the 2333N? Thank you

[@Destinoffshorefishing]

Can it be lightly walked on after first coat of paint and sand spread to clean extra particles and to do the 2 top coats I ordered 4 qts soft sand medium thanks to your vids of using this and picked up Interlux perfection for the paint trying to figure out process since I’m painting a center console boat ? No videos of anyone doing this process hint hint !! Lol love ya videos and advice you gave me 3 yrs ago on my hydra sport transom still holding up great btw

[@everydayadventures361]

HI Andy, having trouble finding 2 part paints here in Canada, have you thought about using Interprotect 2000E with the saftsands

[@ArcticSeaCamel]

What should you put on the grip to prevent dirt to stick on it? Some kind of wax?

[@richardcorcorran8965]

From the small sample the soft sand looks more uniform cleaner then the other side .

[@rnabadi5576]

I want to learn from you sir 😊

[@PowellRoadDIY]

I have a question, can you add the wax to your resin or gel cote like a pre mix . Put it in a whole gallon and then use as you need it. Or do you have to add the wax when you add the harder on every batch you mix. I bought 5 gallons of poly resin the weekend and I have the wax coming in the mail. I’m going to use about 3 gallons as a laminating resin and about a gallon for the finish on the boat I’m replacing the flooring in. Just wondering if I can pre mix the wax in that one gallon and have it ready.

[@PhillipJones64]

Are there any tips on painting a boat deck? (i.e. would yo u use something like Alexseal as well?). I have a Sea Fox center console (white non-slip pattern in the gelcoat), and it has become very porous -- I get mold and dirt marks very easily that take a lot of effort to clean off...

[@95brownb01]

Hi there just wondering would you be able to mix the sand with the gelcoat and applying it together on the first coat instead of shaking it on?

[@jeremystory6981]

I love plan B

[@zbeekerm]

Do you think the soft sand approach will provide better grip than the molded texture in a c. ~2000 Vangard Laser? I always slip and slide when roll tacking and had installed some grip tape (two skateboard deck adhesive grip tapes) which worked well but after many years is now coming unstuck.

[@robertflaa]

Have you ever tried a texture type rig for drywall to make the nonskid? I have an older Cobia (1981) that has a nonskid that looks like wall texture to me. I have a construction background.

[@michaelspooren9213]

I love the Idea with only Gelcoat, instad of Sand. But for me the Structure of the Carpet Roller is no option. Andy, do You have tried to find an Carpet Roller with a very fine structure?

[@savmarjanac1627]

Hi mate, I am restoring an old 15ft half cabin cruiser. My question is, the last person that tried to replace the transom screwed up. So I had to completely remove it. So my question is how far should I go around the edges with the new glass? And how many layers should I do? Cheers and thank you very much in advance. If it wasn't for your videos I would have never tried to do a boat repair by myself. Cheers Sav.

[@svgitana2499]

Gelcoat is a pain in the ass to work with 😂

[@laxmannate07]

the sand one seems like it would be the best non skid

[@abouteverything2115]

Can I use the same technique for covering inside my home made DIY spa?

[@ShorrockPaul]

If you had to choose one which would you use for your soft sand method Alexseal, Awlgrip or gelcoat ?

[@bog6282]

I am in that dilemma right now - love t hear Andy’s answer

[@SailingAngus]

I would sell what you are calling Carpet roll as RNS (Random Non Skid ) sold a lot of it over the years. My technique is a bit different. Would thicken the nowax gel to a mayonnaise consistency using microspheres and cabosil about 50 50 by volume Cabosil only led to a more brittle product. I would map out the detail lines and finish them to either pre paint or buffed gelcote depending on the overall finish. then set up your lines and sand to a 40 grit surface. The mayo material is then catalyzed for the conditions de jeur more on the slow side than the fast side. I then put in on the surface with a notched trowel so that the amount is consistent. Roll it out with a loop roller for textured ceilings usually cut to 3 inch length. Remove the tape before b stage. Not a bad idea to de tape as you finish a panel. The finished product is cut you aggressive with very sharp peaks. This is sanded to give at least 30 ish percent flats. Then finished with your planned topcoat. You end up with a very attractive looking surface because of the sanded flats. The design of the detail lines is important. the surface is very dirt resistant. I prefer it over the diatom surface. the diatoms are sharp enough to abuse knees elbows and backsides and clothing. Some people want it though. The boat in this video has that surface on it kzbin.info/www/bejne/jabLlHhohKaZgtE It is gelcoat finished I used the same base for the mayo and the topcoat which I rolled on with some styrene wax to thin it 90-10 and let it cure catalyzed for results + 2% as it is a very thin coat. The rest is roller painted with Interlux polyurethane enamel the premium grade single part. I used two quarts of gel coat for that job.

[@tomwood6989]

Okay I am sure you have covered this but how do you match gelcoat? I have a boat with the hull one color white and the top deck another color white and both need some repairs

[@kylesullivan4214]

For the sand application do u think that would be a good use for flooring on a boat?

[@dkrol997]

have you ever tired the color soft sand and a clear urethane over the top for a 3d effect? im trying to find out if it looks good or not

[@captainkrunch6372]

If taping off a smooth surface would you remove tape afre each coat and reapply tape before next coat, if so how long to wait before removing tape after rolling out.

[@gavinrobinson12]

If this is being done with an existing non-skid that is being redone, would you sand down the whole original non-skid or can you go right over the top with the sand method?

[@GeorgeGraves]

But...how does the softsand wear? I imagine it wouldn't be pretty. Can you use this sample as a door mat or workbench foot mat for a few months and let us know???

[@redwood1957]

Have you used total sand or do you have a video on that? Thank you

[@blackpearl2004]

So, which would last longer, paint with nonskid or Gelcoat with nonskid? I am about to start on my 38' with new nonskid. I'm curious about which would be the best. Thanks!

[@flyingdutchman6984]

I just wear nonslip sailing shoes. 😁

[@markecklund3125]

Andy... How about a report AFTER you wet both surfaces with water and then let us know which gripped better (Real-world test attempt, I think!)

[@sergiobecerrill8291]

Does the Gel coat crack with the soft sand? Because the gel coat once cured, is hard and the soft sand remains soft and pliable under the finish coat.

[@antonkarksttrom2270]

Here in Finland you find the textured finish on almost every boat. When I have done it I used quite thick gelcoat and a large verry fluffy roller then I l sand of the sharp tops an apply oneother layer of gelcoat (or paint). Totaly desent result acording to me and you don`t get that "carpet" look.

[@winmosser]

Soft sand can be mixed in with paint before applying did you already show that method? The sprinkle is not good if working in the breeze.

[@adamdemoranville8558]

So this might be a question that was already answered and if so please send me to that video. What would it take to get the diamond patter for a non skid surface that you would see on a lot of modern boats. I’m going to be resorting a 1971 Grady white, and it’s in need of a whole new deck from the back of the cubby to the transom. Luckily the transom is in good shape so I only have to get the deck restored.

[@alansilverman6575]

My boat has a dimpled pattern nonskid that is very slippery. Is there a way to improve its nonskid properties?

[@sailingrumrunner]

What type of roller material did you use? I applied an epoxy bottom paint with foam roller and it melted it. Went back to standard roller for that. I have a 1983 sailboat with old school texture. How did the factory make the texture?

[@Theweldingmillennial]

I was expecting a price comparison. The soft sand looks great, defiantly more refined. It seams like the thickened gel coat can be done basically for the cost of a roller. The price comparison on silica to soft sand isn’t even close. Any clue how much soft sand is needed per square foot?

[@jacobmerklein6756]

How far does the soft sand go i wanna order it for my center console and i would like to male sure i buy enough?