The Art of Colour Matching Gelcoats & Flowcoats
Colour matching gelcoats and flowcoats is often described as an art—and with good reason. It requires a solid understanding of colour theory and hands-on experience. We’re often asked in-store how to tint gelcoat or flowcoat, and while we’re always happy to help, it’s worth noting that even seasoned professionals take years to master this skill.
Want it done right? Get a pro.
Some local boat builders and fibreglass tradespeople have spent decades perfecting the art of colour matching. If you’re after a seamless finish, we can happily pass on the details of a couple of trusted professionals we know. For those who want to tackle it themselves, we recommend starting with a great instructional video on YouTube (linked below). It provides a solid foundation to help you understand the basics of tinting and matching.
What We Stock
We stock the following gelcoats and flowcoats in-store:
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Gelcoat (Polyester)
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Brush & Spray-on White
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Spray-on Black only
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Flowcoat (Polyester)
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Brush-on White, Mid Grey & Black only
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All gelcoats and flowcoats are available in 1kg, 4kg, and 20kg cans. We do not stock smaller sizes.
We also carry a range of coloured pigments (polyester-compatible only) that you can purchase individually to tint your gel or flowcoat. Just keep in mind—it’s a hands-on process with no shortcuts. There are no “standard” colours and no, we don’t know what one will match your boat, we haven’t seen your boat. Every boat is different, every boat ages uniquely and one side can be different to the other if it is sun yellowed. Hopefully you can now start to understand the challenges.
About RAL Colours
The video below discusses RAL colours—a European standard colour matching system. While the theory is great, the reality in Australia is a bit trickier:
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We can order RAL pigments, but only in 20kg pails (no smaller sizes available).
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Only a few manufacturers in Australia produce these, and custom batches can take up to 3 weeks.
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Stock availability is limited, so small repair jobs usually require making do with what’s on the shelf.
This is one reason many boat owners choose to sand back damaged gelcoat, apply epoxy high build primer, and then paint the surface instead.
Why Colour Matching Isn’t Cheap
Professional gelcoat repairers often have kits with 20+ pigment colours they’ve collected over time. Matching an existing colour can take hours, even days, and once the mix is catalyzed, the heat reaction can change the final colour again—making it all the more tricky.
If you’re repairing a well-known boat model, a professional might have a batch that’s close—if the pigment hasn’t hardened over time.
Need a Quick Fix?
We stock Septone White Gelcoat Repair Putty, which is easy to use and behaves much like automotive filler. While it’s pre-tinted white, remember—there are many shades of white! It won’t be a perfect match, but it’s great for minor cosmetic fixes. You can even add a little pigment to tint it slightly. Just catalyze, sand flat, and polish once dry.
Final Thoughts
We don’t offer colour matching services in-store—it’s a skilled trade that requires time, practice, and the right tools. But we’re always happy to provide guidance and recommend a few local pros if needed.
Enjoy the video below, and good luck with your project!