How To Repair Gel Coat On Boat

Do-information technology-Yourself: Gelcoat Repairs

By Tom Burden, Last updated: 6/xvi/2020

The side by side time you're cleaning and waxing your gunkhole, have the time to look for small cracks, scratches and chips in its gel coat. If your boat is more than than a few years old, you lot'll probably be surprised at the number you find.

Skill Level Description (10=most difficult, one=easiest)

Buffing out an oxidized boat: 2

Wet sanding scratches, and then buffing: 4

Filling gelcoat scratches on a white gunkhole: 4

Filling gelcoat on a colored boat: 6

Tools and Materials

Sanding Block

Wet/Dry out Sandpaper, from 220 to 600 grit

Right Angle Power Buffer

Bucket, water, boat soap

Goggles

Gelcoat

Rubbing Compound, Finishing Compound, Wax or 1-Part Cleaner Wax

Sandpaper

Resin Tools Yous Volition Need:

Awarding Brushes

Plastic Spreaders

Epoxy Syringes

Reusable Mixing Sticks

The Diagnosis

Most scratches and fries in gelcoat outcome from impacts with hard objects (winch handles, downrigger weights, 15-pound lobsters) and are non crusade for concern. But if yous find a serial of cracks, accept a minute to inspect the area more closely. If the cracks radiate from the base of load-bearing equipment like a cleat or stanchion, there is probably a problem with the installation that deserves attending before repairing the gelcoat. Solving it might be every bit elementary as shifting a load from undersized equipment, or installing a larger backing plate to spread the load over a wider expanse. If cracks announced at of import joints or intersections in the cabin or deck, nevertheless, they might be the sign of an underlying structural weakness that needs to be examined. Yous might consider hiring a marine surveyor or having a qualified boat maintenance worker take a await at the problem to ensure that information technology isn't serious.

The Repair

Earlier you begin, wash the area with soap and water and rinse information technology thoroughly. If the surface is oxidized, restore it with a rubbing compound and so you'll be able to match its colour accurately. One time the surface is clean and dry, mark off the repair surface area with masking record.

Side by side, gouge out pocket-size, narrow cracks (and scratches that are too deep to remove with rubbing compound) until they are wide enough to fill with gelcoat paste. A miniature grinding tool similar a Dremel is ideal, just the abrupt betoken of a tin can opener will work, besides. (If you don't open the crevice, you won't be able to force the gelcoat into the repair area or betrayal enough surface expanse for the repair to adhere.) And then sand lightly with 220-grit sandpaper. Later sanding, thoroughly clean the area with acetone to remove the sanding residue and any waxes or other contaminants that might interfere with the bond between the damaged surface and gelcoat. Be sure to provide acceptable ventilation and proper protection for your skin and optics whenever you work with acetone.

The next footstep is to match the color of your existing gelcoat. Start with a white or neutral gelcoat paste (not resin) and begin adding tiny amounts of coloring agent. Mix several examination batches of gelcoat and paint, add hardener and permit them to cure (gelcoat changes color during the curing process). Once you've institute an acceptable friction match (an verbal 1 is nearly impossible), mix a final batch using the aforementioned ratio.

Next, using a putty knife, fill the areas to be repaired with the paste you lot've mixed. Force out any air holes and exist sure to overfill, as gel glaze has a tendency to shrink as information technology cures. When you're finished filling, seal the repair off from the air with a PVA curing agent or a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper. Gelcoat does not cure properly when exposed to air.

Once the gelcoat has fully cured, sand the repair smooth (wet sanding works particularly well with gelcoat). You can starting time with 220-dust sandpaper and, for a really slick surface, cease with at least 400- or 600-grit. Finally, employ a coat of high-quality marine polish and your repair is complete.

Source: https://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/DIY-Gelcoat-Repairs