A Step-By-Step Process to Repairing Your Boats Gelcoat
- Identify Your Boats Finish. It’s important to note that the gel coat won’t bond to a painted hull. ...
- Prepare the Surface. The final gel coat layer has a waxy component to it. ...
- Tape off the Work Area. ...
- Mix and Apply the Filler. ...
- Complete the Color Match. ...
- Mix Your Paint and Catalyst. ...
- Apply Your Gelcoat. ...
- Sanding, Buffing, and Polishing. ...
Full Answer
How to restore the gelcoat on a boat?
Some Other Tips for Restoring and Maintaining Your Boat’s Gel Coat
- Let the Non-Skid areas alone. Besides those who were strongly affected by their boat’s ugliness, many people accept molds on their non-skid.
- Don’t forget to treat the less significant parts as well. ...
- For gelcoat maintenance. ...
- Know the limit of your gelcoat. ...
How do I restore the chalky gelcoat on my Boat?
- The best wax to use for restoring your gelcoat is marine wax. It's specifically designed for use on boats and it's waterproof. ...
- Use a cloth if you're applying the wax by hand.
- Use a foam pad if you're applying the wax with a buffer.
How to paint over a gelcoat on a boat?
When to Paint The Hull?
- If you’re low on budget and can’t afford to spend on the gelcoat and then on repairs, then paint the boat. ...
- Opt for paint if you don’t want to spend the whole day repairing the boat. ...
- Painting does not need as well-ventilated or open space as a gel coating might require. ...
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.
Can gel coat be repaired?
Once the gelcoat has fully cured, sand the repair smooth (wet sanding works particularly well with gelcoat). You can start with 220-grit sandpaper and, for a really slick surface, finish with at least 400- or 600-grit. Finally, apply a coat of high-quality marine polish and your repair is complete.
How do you fix gel coat damage on a boat?
0:085:22How To Repair Boat Gelcoat [MATERIALS LIST ] | BoatUSYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo wipe them down with acetone gets rid of any surface contaminants wax. And what's left of the dirtMoreSo wipe them down with acetone gets rid of any surface contaminants wax. And what's left of the dirt.
How do you restore gel coat on a boat?
Four Steps to Gelcoat RestorationStep one: Remove all surface dirt. To remove the surface dirt, wash your hull and topsides with marine boat soap diluted in water. ... Step two: Remove the stains. ... Step three: Remove the oxidation and restore the shine. ... Step four: Protect the shine with a wax.
How do you fix a gel coat?
2:556:53HOW TO - 5 Easy Steps to make a good Gel Coat repair on your boatYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart a 180 grit all the way down to 1200 grit moving from left to right so lots of different typesMoreStart a 180 grit all the way down to 1200 grit moving from left to right so lots of different types of sandpaper. Getting smoother as you go in order to get uh the good finish that we're looking. For.
How do you fix a chipped gel coat?
0:355:22How To Repair DIY Chipped Gel Coat fiberglas Boat : Marine - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you can buy some inexpensive kits that are easy to to repair so it's just a matter of cleaning upMoreSo you can buy some inexpensive kits that are easy to to repair so it's just a matter of cleaning up the area getting rid of the sharp edges with the light sanding or grinding.
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.
Can you gelcoat over old 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.
Can faded gelcoat be restored?
To help to restore the color, shine and appearance of your boat, choose a gelcoat restorer. Gelcoat restorers are suitable for fiberglass (GRP) gelcoats and can help to give long lasting effects, wetting the pigment to restore a strong and vibrant color and shine.
How much does it cost to restore gelcoat?
So, if you are getting professional, they might charge you around $300 to $500 per foot for the entire process. One-third of the cost is for the materials, and the rest two-third is the labor cost. As an example, with a 16-foot craft, prepare to spend around $8000 on re-gel coating.
How do you apply gelcoat filler?
5:298:34Gelcoat Boat Repair Part 2: Mixing and Application - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd want to smooth things out and you really got to resist that temptation. Now. If I wanted to atMoreAnd want to smooth things out and you really got to resist that temptation. Now. If I wanted to at this point I could just leave it like that let the gelcoat cure. And then tear off the tape.
How do you fill holes in gelcoat?
1:389:32Part 4 - How to Repair Screw Holes in a Fiberglass Boat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply the gel coat to the damaged. Area build up enough to be able to sand even with the existingMoreApply the gel coat to the damaged. Area build up enough to be able to sand even with the existing surface without exposing the screw hole or damaged.
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...
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.
How to restore shine to 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 restore gelcoat?
2. Pour some wax onto a soft cloth or foam pad. How much wax you should use will depend on the type of wax you're using. Check the container to see exactly how much you should pour onto your cloth or foam pad. The best wax to use for restoring your gelcoat is marine wax.
How to apply wax to a boat?
Use a cloth to apply the wax by hand. Hold the cloth in the palm of your hand. Starting at one end of the hull, press the cloth against the hull of the boat and rub in the wax using a circular motion. You can move clockwise or counterclockwise, but stick to one direction.
How to polish a boat?
1. Pour a small amount of polish onto a soft cloth. Most boat supply stores carry gelcoat polish. The label on the polish you choose should tell you exactly how much to use. However, you don't want to use too much, since you'll be working in small sections, no bigger than 1 ft (0.30 m) square.
How to make gelcoat shine?
2. Rub the polish into the gelcoat. Hold the cloth with the polish on it in your dominant hand. Then use small circular motions to rub the polish into the gelcoat. Continue rubbing until the surface gets a glassy shine. ...
How to wax a boat by hand?
If your boat is large, or if you just don't have the time or patience to apply wax by hand, you can use a buffer. The foam pad will latch onto the buffer. Then place the pad flat against the hull of the boat and turn it on.
How to repair a boat that has a hairline crack?
Once your boat is clean, walk along it, looking for cracks. It can be helpful to run your hand over the surface of your boat as you walk, since you might feeI a crack before you see it. If you find small, hairline cracks in your boat, you can repair it yourself by using epoxy.
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 .
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.
How to clean Durabak paint?
Before applying Durabak, you need to clean the entire boat surface with a mild household dish detergent. Once dry, roughen the surface with 40-grit sandpaper and wipe clean with Solvide or xylene solvents. Tape off any areas that you do not want to paint with Durabak.
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, ...
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.
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.
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).
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.
