Will gelcoat adhere to steel?

[Davidhoy]

I have some old eutectic holding plates that have been functionally refurbished, but I’d like to refinish them before installing them back in the boat. They are made of steel, and had previously been painted with some grey stuff I think may have been cold galvanizing. I’d like to coat them with something that is easy to clean, and won’t have pits and crevices in which gunk can grow. Thinking gelcoat, as it will be a smooth, hard, white surface that I can easily maintain. But, will it stick to steel? If yes, the what kind of prep is needed to get a long-lasting finish?

Or, is there a better solution to my problem?

[atoll]

no gelcoat will not stick to steel,epoxy will if the surface is abraided and cleaned to remove grease and contanimates ,you can add normal polyester pigment to the epoxy to get a finish and color similar to gelcoat,some surface tissue will also add to the layup and prevent it cracking with expansion and contraction.

[travellerw]

Expensive.. but I would probably do a 2 part epoxy paint. Its not a thick as gelcoat, but does have some "pit filling" properties.

A second cheaper option would be a marine aklyd paint. Something like Seaguard 1000. After 7 days the stuff is hard as nails.

[john61ct]

Just know that anything slowing down thermal conductivity will have some impact on the plate's efficiency.

Maybe a coat of galv paint?

[hellosailor]

Remove and redo what is almost certainly "cold galvanize" zinc paint. I suppose if you want something prettier over that, some "radiator paint" or other silver conductive paint would be easier to clean and less likely to scrub off. But if you want to put an epoxy coating over that...I'd look for an epoxy base spray paint, to keep the coating thin and create less of a thermal barrier.

[Lepke]

Have the plates copper plated. A lot of cheap chrome hardware is steel, plated with copper, then chrome. Most places that chrome can do it.
Sand smooth before plating. Any bold holes should be drilled slightly over size so copper is between plate and bolt.

[john61ct]

Consider a food-safe final coating

[Dooglas]

You might consider Awlgrip 2-part urethane paint. The company makes a system of primers and anti-corrosive coatings that are compatible with their topside coatings. Awlgrip adheres well, is very durable, and lasts a long time.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Just know that anything slowing down thermal conductivity will have some impact on the plate's efficiency.

Maybe a coat of galv paint?

Coating with non thermal conductingproducts sounds counter productive.
I wonder if powder coating might be viable?

[SV Sailfish]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Consider a food-safe final coating

Now what fun is that John?

Use red lead. It will last forever and as a side benefit, you will glow in the dark on night watch.

[Djarraluda]

2 pack is the simple option, use several coats and wet sand between it will be just like gel coat but tougher. You will need a primer and I suggest you remove the previous coating first as a 2 pack does not sit well over any single pack finish.

If you do not want to use a 2 pack, I would look at the Plastic paints available in aerosol cans at auto parts shops, crazy colours available and cheaper/easier than 2 pack.
Not certain of the food safe issue though.
Roger

[JD-Odyssey]

Powder coating might be an option.