Why Formula Boats Use Painted Hullsides Instead of Gelcoat — Superior Finish & Customization
📝Why Formula Boats Use Painted Hullsides Instead of Gelcoat
Introduction
At Formula Boats, the finish on your boat isn’t just about looks — it’s about performance, longevity, and personal expression. One of the things that sets Formula apart from most boat builders is the use of painted hullsides instead of traditional gelcoat, a choice rooted in both form and function.
Paint vs. Gelcoat: The Formula Choice
Most boats in the industry are finished with gelcoat, where the color is part of the fiberglass mold itself. Formula takes a different route — every hull and graphic is painted using a multi-stage automotive-style process with premium basecoat and clearcoat materials (like Axalta™ ChromaPremier® basecoat with Imron® Elite clearcoat).
This system is more than cosmetic — it gives Formula boats features that gelcoat simply can’t match.
1. Deeper, Richer Color and High Gloss Finish
Paint allows Formula to achieve a depth of color and high-gloss shine that’s nearly impossible with gelcoat. Whether you pick a bold base color, metallic tones, or custom graphics, paint reflects light differently and holds that brilliance as it ages.
2. Better Long-Term Appearance
Gelcoat can fade and oxidize over time, especially in bright sun and open water conditions — meaning more frequent buffing and maintenance. Formula’s premium paint resists chalking and fading far better, so the hull stays vibrant without as much effort.
3. Easier Customization With FormulaFlex™
One of the biggest advantages of paint is flexibility. Formula’s FormulaFlex™ and FormulaFlex™ MyWay™ programs give boat owners virtually unlimited color and graphic options — from custom Pantone® shades to automotive color matches and metallic effects that gelcoat simply can’t offer.
That means your boat can match your style, whether you want tone-on-tone sophistication, bold contrasts, or signature graphics.
4. Automotive-Quality Process for Better Durability
The materials and process Formula uses are similar to high-end car finishes — basecoat for color, with clearcoat over top for protection and shine. This system enhances durability and protects against UV exposure, just like the paint on luxury vehicles.
While gelcoat remains strong and durable for many traditional applications, it’s limited in color range and tends to show wear differently than high-grade paint.
5. Maintenance That’s More Like Caring for Your Car
Because the finish is automotive-grade paint, maintenance is also familiar: wash and wax. There’s no need for frequent heavy buffing or refinishing that gelcoat often requires over the years.
🏁 Final Take
Choosing a Formula means choosing a finish that matches the rest of the boat’s premium design. Painted hullsides aren’t just an aesthetic option — they’re a commitment to deeper color, easier maintenance, and unmatched customization that gelcoat can’t rival.
Whether you’re inspired by bold graphics, rich colors, or long-lasting beauty on the water, Formula’s painted finish delivers a premium boating experience from bow to stern.