- Match the Color For current boats, your dealer might be able to supply matching gelcoat. But due to weathering on...
- Clean Up Edges Use a rotary grinder to smooth the edges to a 45-degree bevel and eliminate any loose material. If...
- Tape It Off Carefully mask around the edges of the fiberglass boat repair area with two-inch-wide 3M ScotchBlue...
- Sand It Out
Full Answer
What to look for when buying a fiberglass boat?
For sailboats, you also need to inspect the mast and rigging for the following:
- Check that the mast, boom, and poles are in great shape.
- Examine all moving parts including the masthead sheaves, associated blocks, winches, and welds.
- Inspect the rigging wire for chafing and broken strands and other connections.
- Look out for cracks, corrosion, and deformities in the eye terminals.
How to restore boat gelcoat?
Restoring your gelcoat can help restore the shine of your boat and protect its surface. Begin by making sure any surface dirt and stains are removed. If your gelcoat is looking really dull, with no bright or shiny spots, you'll need to apply polish first.
How to recycle a fiberglass boat?
Substitutes for Fiberglass insulation
- Your ratty old denim jeans can be turned into insulation. ...
- Sheep’s wool does a great job of keeping animals cozy in all kinds of weather, and it can be used to keep your house warm as well. ...
- Cellulose, or paper, can be turned into insulation as well. ...
- The DIY site Instructables shares tips for using old Styrofoam blocks to insulate your home. ...
How to repair a small hole in a fiberglass boat?
- First, examine the hole and look for cracks and chips extending out from the hole. ...
- Next, take a saw and cut out the damaged area that you’ve circled with the marker.
- Now that the holes cut out, you need to determine the thickness of the hull substrate and multiply that by 10. ...
Can boat gel coat be repaired?
0:085:22How To Repair Boat Gelcoat [MATERIALS LIST ] | BoatUSYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd if I leave that moisture is gonna get in so all I'm gonna do now is just grind this out and fixMoreAnd if I leave that moisture is gonna get in so all I'm gonna do now is just grind this out and fix this and then we'll end up with a seamless repair.
How do you fix deep gouges in gelcoat?
Begin by sanding around the area and the scratch with 320-grit paper. Again, be cautious not to remove too much material. After sanding, use a Dremel tool to clean out the gouge a bit, then feather the edges of the scratch with 180-grit. This helps the gelcoat blend in and helps hide the edges of the filled scratch.
How do you fix a chipped gel coat?
18:4619:38How to repair cracks and chips in damaged gelcoat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell thanks again guys for watching Justin skip shop we've got lots of work here every day somethingMoreWell thanks again guys for watching Justin skip shop we've got lots of work here every day something new big projects like this but this was a small little patch you know a little chip on the corner I
Can you fix gelcoat?
Wet-sand the cured gelcoat with 320-grit wet/dry paper on a soft sanding block. Confining work to the immediate repair area, continue wet-sanding with 600-grit paper until nearly even with surrounding gelcoat. Finish wet-sanding with 1,000-grit paper; then buff out with rubbing compound followed by a coat of wax.
Can you gelcoat over gelcoat?
Can You Spray Gelcoat Over Gelcoat? The short answer's yes. But first, make sure the surface is free from dirt and debris. Using the window frame analogy again, you wouldn't apply new paint over old paint without preparing the surface.
How do you fix a gelcoat chip on a boat?
0:355:22How To Repair DIY Chipped Gel Coat fiberglas Boat : Marine - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut there's some missing chunks that I'm going to fill with the gelcoat repair kit gelcoat is simplyMoreBut there's some missing chunks that I'm going to fill with the gelcoat repair kit gelcoat is simply just fiberglass resin that's tinted. So you can buy some inexpensive kits that are easy to to
What is gelcoat filler?
GELCOAT FILLER is a white, waterproof gelcoat filler for surface repairs. It is paintable, easy to mix, apply, shape and sand. Suited to marine paint. GELCOAT FILLER is a white, waterproof gelcoat filler for surface repairs.
How do you fix nicks in a fiberglass boat?
0:043:27XS Ribs: How to do a Fibreglass / Gell Coat Repair of a Chip or ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDifficult. So make sure the hole is all clean and dry mix up your resin a lot of people don't mix upMoreDifficult. So make sure the hole is all clean and dry mix up your resin a lot of people don't mix up enough resin.
What is the difference between gelcoat with wax and without wax?
Gelcoat is available with or without wax. To cure properly and completely, gelcoat needs to be devoid of oxygen. Gelcoat with wax has had paraffin wax added to it.
Can you apply gelcoat with a brush?
Applying Gelcoat by Brush or Roller – (Use a Brushable Gelcoat) When applying gelcoat by brush or roller, we recommend the Ultra Plus Brushable Gelcoat. (other Gelcoats are best applied by Spray) The Ultra Plus Brushable Gelcoat is designed for self-leveling and is a much easier application.
Q: How do I repair a gouge in a fiberglass boat?
A: Fill the gouge with filler and sand out any other scratches while waiting for the filler to cure. Apply your gel coat to the filled gouges and s...
Q: When do I need to repair cracks in the gel coat?
A: You'll need to repair the gel coat as soon as you notice any cracks or scratches. Immediate repair ensures you don't have to deal with water dam...
Q: What does professional gel coat repair cost?
A: Repairing the gel coat yourself is a great way to save some money you can use for bait or gas for your next fishing trip. However, we understand...
Q: Can I blend my gel coat?
A: Yes, you can wet sand the repair work to seamlessly blend the new gel coat into the original. Start with 240-grit sandpaper followed by 400-grit...
Q: What is a brushable gel coat?
A: The brushable gel coat offers boaters a purpose-formulated product designed to apply like paint and do away with the need for spray equipment du...
Fiber Choices For Fiberglass Repair
The most common type of fabric is plain weave cloth. It is easily recognized as it is woven at 90 degrees, and it looks like cloth. It comes in different weights, and a thicker cloth is stronger. One limitation of plain weave cloth is that it doesn’t conform to complex shapes or curves. It’s best applied on an even plane.
Repairing a Hole With Fiberglass
When repairing a hole with fiberglass, repairs are best made by access from both the inside and the outside of the repair. However, access from the interior may not always be possible because a floor or interior wall may block access.
Spray the Gelcoat
The Gelcoat is the shiny hard finish surface on the boat exterior. Once the color is matched, spray on the finish coats of gelcoat. Once the topcoat dries, use 600-grit wet sandpaper and higher to seamlessly blend the new gelcoat with the original finish. Lastly, use wax to give the final buff to make the repair invisible.
Repairing a Minor Chip or Gouge in the Gelcoat
In this case, the structural fiberglass has no damage, and it’s just the finish layer of gelcoat that needs repair. Grind the repair with a Dremel tool to expose clean fiberglass and bevel back the repair edge.
What is gelcoat on boats?
Gelcoat is the protective coating that covers the fiberglass of boats and other watercraft. When you get a gouge or a scratch in the gelcoat of your fiberglass, you will have to clean it up by grinding or sanding before you can repair it. Then, you’ll need to buy a wax gelcoat repair kit that matches the color of your gelcoat ...
How long does it take for gelcoat to dry?
Let the gelcoat dry for at least 8 hours to cure. Leave the repaired area to dry overnight or for at least 8 hours. This will ensure that the gelcoat is hard enough for sanding and finishing. Touch the gelcoat to make sure it is hard before you proceed to sand it.
How to smooth out scratches on a car?
Switch to 150-grit sandpaper and sand until the scratched area is evenly smooth, then switch to 240-grit sandpaper and sand it until the texture becomes even smoother and the damage is blended in to the area around it. You can use this method for very thin scratches that don’t have sharp edges. ...
How to make gelcoat with peanut butter?
Pour the amounts of each part recommended by the manufacturer into a plastic or paper disposable cup. Stir it with a mixing stick for at least 1 full minute or until it is about the consistency of peanut butter. Wear gloves, safety glasses, and a face mask when you mix the gelcoat.
What to use to mix gelcoat?
Wear gloves, safety glasses, and a face mask when you mix the gelcoat. If your gelcoat repair kit doesn’t come with a mixing stick, then use a clean craft stick (like a wooden popsicle stick) to mix the gelcoat.
How to fix a spot on a car?
1. Purchase a wax gelcoat repair kit that matches the color of the damaged spot. Gelcoat repair kits come with 2 parts that you mix together right before applying it to the damaged area. Try to match the color as closely as possible or get a kit that has different pigments you can add while mixing to change the color.
How to clean a damaged surface?
Wipe the surface of the damaged area with acetone to clean it. Pour a bit of acetone onto a clean cloth. Wipe over the area you will repair to remove dirt, dust, and any other surface residues. If there is a lot of dust from sanding and grinding, you can also use a vacuum with a hose attachment to suck it up.
What is gelcoat cracking?
Gelcoat Repair on Boats. Crazing in gelcoat, also known as spider cracks or stress cracks, plagues countless boaters. Here's how to fix the problem. Crazing is an incredibly common issue on modern fiberglass boats, and although it usually starts off as a matter of cosmetics, in severe cases these surface cracks can grow, deepen, ...
What to use to sand curved surfaces?
It'll prevent you from accidentally pressing too hard in one area, and inadvertently creating a low spot. On curved surfaces, use flexible foam or rubber blocks.
How to fix crazing on a wall?
Before you can start to fix crazing, clear the area of any obstructions and remove all hardware that covers or obscures any part of the cracks. Then, get busy cleaning. Thoroughly wash and dry the area, and remove all obvious surface contaminants with a rag dipped in a strong solvent like acetone.
Can you cover gelcoat with plastic wrap?
When you're satisfied you have a good, smooth surface, cover it with a piece of plastic wrap to allow it to cure completely. (Some gelcoat repair kits will include plastic film for this purpose because gelcoat paste must be sealed off from the air to cure 100 percent).
How to restore gelcoat on boat?
If your gelcoat has oxidized, giving it a dull, chalky appearance, you can simply use a gelcoat oxidation remover to sand and polish the surface to a low sheen without the need for full repairs.
How much does it cost to repair gelcoat on a boat?
For large surface repairs, it is recommended that you take your boat to a professional, which can cost between $70 and $110 per hour .
How to remove PVA from a drywall wall?
Finish with a light sanding using 1,000-grit paper and buff the area with rubbing compound. Buffing gelcoat must be done delicately so as not to create heat that can stain the surface. Finally, apply a coat of wax-based gel coat polish .
What to use to fill scratches on boat?
Deep scratches and gouges need to be filled with resin and an epoxy-based filler before continuing. Although more expensive than polyester filler, epoxy adheres better and lasts longer. However, there are additional steps you need to take before applying the final coat of gelcoat and/or boat paint.
Why does gelcoat crack?
Despite the durability of gelcoat, the tough film can deteriorate over time. High-performance speed craft, such as bass boats, flex as they move through the water, causing the rigid boat gel coat to crack. Spider and hairline cracks can also occur from environmental stress or impact. The keel is especially prone to damage from accidental impact ...
How to get rid of gelcoat spatter?
Tape off any sensitive items or adjacent areas that may be damaged from gelcoat spatter or accidental sanding. You can also apply masking paper to prevent overspray if you are using a spray gelcoat restorer. Sand the entire taped-off area with 360-grit paper and clean up with acetone.
What is Durabak overcoat?
Durabak is a more heavy-duty and flexible alternative to gel coat that won’t crack or peel over time or get scratched from impact.
Safety
Protect yourself, especially from dust and fumes. Use common sense, and read and understand all the safety instructions that come with your tools and materials. Catalyst is especially noxious; avoid breathing in the fumes. Wear a respirator, Tyvek suit, and disposable gloves.
Lenny Makes Her Shine!
In spring 2017, BoatUS Magazine's contributing editor Lenny Rudow held a webinar on maintaining and polishing fiberglass gelcoat, and showed us how to keep our hulls in top condition. After years of boat ownership, and using every product under the sun, he also revealed his personal favorite waxes and polishes, and how best to apply them.
Honoring The Epoxy King
You may not know the name, but any DIYer worth his salt knows well his revolutionary creation that altered the way boats are built and repaired. Meade Gougeon, 78, died peacefully at home on August 27. Along with his brothers Jan and Joel, he founded Gougeon Brothers in 1969.
Author
A marine surveyor and holder of RYA Yachtmaster Ocean certification, BoatUS Magazine contributing editor Mark Corke is one of our DIY gurus, creating easy-to-follow how-to articles and videos.
